Lotion Bars

When I first began formulating a lotion bar recipe, I knew I wanted a product that would be highly moisturizing without feeling greasy.  It was important to me to stay away from nut products (including shea, which comes from the nut of the fruit from the karite tree that grows in West Africa).  After some trial and error, I came up with my current recipe. 

Here’s a little information about the role each ingredient plays.  The Beeswax contributes healing, antiseptic, emollient and softening properties.  The Apricot Oil is said to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel.  The Sal Butter is said to moisturize the skin and help prevent wrinkles.  While it is said to also offer protection from the sun and other harsh elements, I would not recommend relying on it as a sun blocker.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant and also possesses some anti-aging benefits to skin. 

There is usually some color and fragrance oil added.  All ingredients have FDA approval for use on the skin.  A friend of mine who is a hair dresser told me that my lotion bars are the only thing that keeps her hands from getting cracks in the winter and the only product she has tried that keeps her cuticles nice all winter.

Oatmeal, Milk and Honey Glycerin Soap

This is a revised version of one of the first glycerin soaps I made. On my first try, I made them in round molds with the oatmeal on the top part of the bar. Someone dubbed it my cheesecake soap. Yep, it did look a lot like a mini cheesecake.

I love the combination of oatmeal, wheat germ and goat milk in this soap. It’s so nourishing for the skin. The smell is hard to describe, but it’s absolutely delectable. I decided to make some sample bars as well as the full size bars this time. The sample size soaps make good gifts and are a great way to try a few fragrances to find your favorite. Or if you’re like me, sample sizes will give you lots of variety in case you just can’t settle on a favorite.

Robot Toy Glycerin Soap

I made a test batch of these cute little soaps today. They are a great size for kids’ hands at 2.5x2x.75 inches. The child will be able to get to the robot after several hand washings. A prolonged soak in the tub will hurry that process along. I would guess that a determined child could find other ways to release the robot. I need to test these to make sure the robot holds up through everything. They are scented with a yummy berry fragrance that kids love.

The pictures aren't the greatest, as I took them on my counter with wax paper as the background : ) But they'll give you the general idea.

Do you like the clear soap surrounding the robot? Or do you think white or colored soap to partially hide the toy would be more appealing?

Jasmine Goat Milk Soap

I'm keeping track of Hurricane Irene by watching the weather channel while I get some much needed soaping done. I'll share pictures of today's creations in an upcoming blog.

I recently made a batch of soap that was kind of an experiment. I am working on perfecting a goat milk soap recipe, and I think I finally got it. I colored this with neon pink and blue and swirled the colors together. The jasmine started out very strong, and it’s still pretty good. I’m happy with how it looks, but the best part is how it works. It is very creamy and has lots of wonderful bubbles. There are big bubbles and little bubbles. And I love how my skin feels after I use the goat milk soap. The picture shows the soap in the pan before I cut it into bars.

The picture below shows some individual bars that I cut from the pan.

Hurricane Irene

So, I have been thinking about what to write about today, but I’m having trouble getting my mind off Hurricane Irene. My heart goes out to all those who have already been affected by the storm and to those who are preparing for its arrival. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to have to evacuate your home/business to wait out the storm, having no idea what you will find upon your return. My thoughts and prayers are with all who are/will be affected.

Clove Soap

My go-to soap from scratch right now is Clove. It’s hard to choose a favorite, because I love all of them (Well, almost all of them. I must say I’m not a fan of lavender yet). Here’s what I like best about the clove soap:

- It’s moisturizing
- It’s exfoliating. I add ground cloves to give it scrubbing power.
- It’s bubbly!
- Clove is a natural odor combatant – so I feel extra clean : )
- Last, but best of all – the fragrance is amazing!!

Clove soap is a great unisex soap that can be used as hand soap or as an all over body soap. If you’ve tried the Clove Soap, would you take a minute and let everyone know what you think?

New Website

I am very excited about my new website at www.soapartonline.com. I have lots of products up, and will continue to add products on a regular basis. I just switched hosts, and I could not be happier with my new host : )

Older posts will give you a little history about SoapArt. The short version is this:

I began making soap in 2008. Other products I make include lotion bars, lip balms and candles. All of these products are almost all natural and are offered at an affordable price. Many are offered in a wide variety of scents and colors. A big part of the fun of soap making is working with the colors and fragrances.

I always have new product ideas swimming around in my mind – it seems I have more ideas than I have time to create them : )

Do you have an idea for a product you’d like to see SoapArt offer?