The Natural Soapmaking Handbook

Book excerpt: The Complete Guide to Creating Sustainable Soap from Scratch Make beautiful herbal soap creations at home with this essential guide. Simi Khabra, seasoned soapmaker and creator of Muddy Mint Soap Co., guides you through easy-to-learn techniques for creating delightful sudsy bars using 100 percent natural ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. Perfect for beginners and longtime hobbyists alike, Simi’s in-depth guides will answer nearly every question you think of, such as how to work with lye safely, substitute ingredients in recipes, work with natural colorants, blend essential oils for custom scents, create pretty yet easy designs in your soap and so much more! Through 30+ recipes, you’ll combine stunning art and fascinating science to become a pro in the unique craft of soapmaking. Learn to layer pretty shades of French pink clay in the soothing pastel Milky Rose soap. Try a textured top with the exfoliating, revitalizing Breakfast Scrub bar. And experiment with essential oil blends in the woodsy, lavender-scented Sunlit Meadow recipe. With the knowledge of Simi’s foundational recipes, techniques and tips, you’ll have everything you need to blend and design your own luxurious soaps.