Comments on: Nana’s Vegan Lavender Soap Recipe

By: Judi / Momma Muse

Judi / Momma Muse — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:46:46 +0000

Robyn – No, you do not *have* to use the lavender powder. The quality will remain the same. The only difference is the powder does add a very fine exfoliating factor. Without it, it will be very smooth and creamy.. so.. very yummmy ;) …

Think of the additives as being extras. If you change the oils, or the ratio of the oils, then you change the recipe and you *must* run it through a soap / lye calculator to ensure you are using the correct (and safe) amount of lye. Essential oils add their own properties, but you can change the amount, or the blend, to suit your needs. And then the powders, flowers, colorants and/or spices you add are extras.

I am sure I’ve said this before, but do make note that if you use the lavender buds IN the soap, they will end up looking closely like mouse poop… not appealing.. so I recommend, if using the flower buds, to consider adding them to the top of the curing soap.

Have fun!

By: robyn

robyn — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:11:52 +0000

Do you HAVE to use the lavender powder or is it optional? Will there be a significant change in the quality of the soap?

By: Judi / Momma Muse

Judi / Momma Muse — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:55:38 +0000

Yay! Have fun Jessica! Keep in mind, if you use the actual lavender flower buds IN the soap, they may end up looking a little (or a lot) like mouse poop ~ ick. So.. use powder, tea, whatever you want in the soap and save the pretty flowers to decorate the top.

And just fyi, there are lots and lots of things you can use in soap – spices (for colorants in particular), milks, teas… get creative and have fun. :)

By: Jessica Preusser

Jessica Preusser — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:25:58 +0000

I have made lye soap in the past (maybe 10 times). I am about to make a couple of batches to send out for Christmas gifts. I have looked at several recipes on-line for new ideas. Yours looks great! I’ve never thought about or seen tea or powder as ingredients. I LOVE lavender so much. I am hoping the results produce super duper lavender bars. In the past, I’ve just used essential oil. I am excited to find the results out! I am getting started today… so I will let you know how it turns out! YEAH!!! p.s. Thank you for taking the time to post this recipe. I really appreciate when people share great ideas to help others. This is the kind of world I love living in. :)

By: Judi / Momma Muse

Judi / Momma Muse — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:53:28 +0000

I’m not really clear on what is perplexing to you? Are you asking if the homemade bleach on that link (or any other bleach) is interchangeable with lye? If so, the answer is a definite, absolute NO.

To make real soap, from scratch, lye is an essential ingredient. There is no alternative ingredient to use in place of lye. If you want to make soap without using lye, there is glycerin soap or you can purchase pre-made ‘real’ soap and melt it down (the name of this process escapes me at the moment) ~ but understand neither of these processes are considered “making soap” or “handmade soap”.

Glycerin soap is made from the same process of mixing lye with oils to create saponification (or soap) – except you don’t make it yourself, someone else does. Then they [basically] remove the glycerin and provide it for people who want to make ornamental soaps – they are not as good for your skin.

If you are looking to make real soap, from scratch, I suggest doing a bit more research on it so you understand the process, the benefits and learn respect for the lye and the soap making process. It is definitely rewarding, fun, creative.. but not something to “play” at.

Again, that homemade bleach recipe and my recipe (or other recipes) for handmade soap are completely NOT related in any way.