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How do you make soap?
Soapmaking is a unique blend of chemistry and magic. Somewhat akin to making stovetop pudding - the basic ingredients can be on hand in any kitchen (oils, water & sodium hydroxide). Our forefathers (& foremothers) combined oils, water & potash (potassiam hydroxide); when combined with heat forms a thick soup, which eventually solidifies into a soap. Today, we use sodium hydroxide (in place of the potash) - which is more readily available and forms a firmer, more consistant bar.
The sodium hydroxide (lye) chemically bonds with the oils and is rendered harmless - it breaks the bond between the oils and the water and allows them to combine and form a solid.
In order to properly bind the ingredients, all off the substances must be at the same temperature. The resulting "soup" thickens and is poured into a mold, it eventually solidifies and becomes soap.
The soap must cure for at least four weeks while it dries and "finishes" the saponifcation process.
Why should I use hand~crafted soaps?
I can tell you a thousand reasons to use hand~crafted soaps verses commercially made products. However, the proof is in the use. Once you use real soap, you will not want to go back to commercial products.
We make all of our own soaps. All items are hand~crafted. The secret is in the ingredients - we use the finest quality oils and essential oils to make our soaps.
Some of our soaps are unscented - the good clean scent of the soap shines through. Our scented soaps contain either essential oils or fine quality scents.
It is good stuff! It is like nothing you have every experienced before...
What exactly does "saponified" mean?
Saponification is the chemical process of changing oils or fats into soap. The fatty acids in oils combine with a highly alkaline soda solution (in this case Sodium Hydroxide) to create soap.
Essentially, soap making is a chemical process which combines oils, water & sodium hydroxide. The chemical process is complex - it involves combining an acid and a base (oils and sodium hydroxide). But the results are nothing short of magic. Oils and water combine to form a solid - soap.
Our soap is very mild and exceeding pleasing - not as drying as commercially produced soaps.
Are your soaps vegetable based?
Our soaps are vegetable based unless stated otherwise. For the most part, our basic recipes contain a mixture of Palm, Coconut and Olive oils. Other recipes may include cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil - depending on the soap recipe.
Upon request, we can also make special soaps for people who are hyper-sensitive to any of the above ingredients. Email us for details at Mail@Summersaultsoaps.com.
We can also make soaps the old fashioned way - using tallow or lard. These soaps are perfect for people who are allergic to coconut oils or for re-enactors who favor an "authentic" soap. Email us for details at Mail@Summersaultsoaps.com.
What type of oils do you use?
We use food quality oils. The basic recipe uses Palm, Coconut and Olive oils, but other recipes call for shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, or etc.
Why do I need a Shampoo Bar?
A shampoo bar is merely a highly conditioning bar of soap - a soap with lots of oils. It is a bar which cleans, but does not dry out the skin or hair - it can be used as shampoo and soap.
Men especially love the convenience of one bar of soap for all their uses - soap & shampoo in one. It works best on short hair.
It works great as a facial bar, bath bar and a shampoo - especially when traveling or camping.
Will you accept special orders?
Yes! We will make special scents and/or special sizes. They are perfect for showers (bridal/baby/etc.) weddings, gifts or guest rooms. We can print a custom label and offer various packaging options.
If you own a business - email us for custom orders (We have the perfect size soaps for Bed and Breakfasts...).
Upon request, we can also make special soaps for people who are allergic or hyper-sensitive to the usual soap ingredients.
Email us for details at Soap[at]Summersaultsoaps.com.
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