for Lisa & Sandra - a custom goat milk soap order favorite

DISCLAIMER:  FOLLOW STANDARD COLD PROCESS SOAP PROCEDURE (NOT TO BE ATTEMPTED BY NON-SOAPMAKERS).  WHEN MAKING SOAP YOU ARE WORKING WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE, OR LYE, WHICH IS A CAUSTIC, DANGEROUS CHEMICAL.  WEAR PROTECTIVE SKIN, EYE & RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT & WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.  AUTHOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURIES.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.

Lavender Peppermint Goat Milk Soap Recipe

7.9 oz lye

10 oz filtered water

10.2 oz goat milk

4 oz almond oil

16 oz olive oil

16 oz organic palm oil

17.4 oz organic coconut oil

20 grams castor oil

24 grams raw organic cocoa butter

56 grams shea butter

8 grams grapefruit seed extract

5 grams Vitamin E oil

2 ounces Lavender Essential Oil

1.2 ounces Peppermint Essential Oil

Note:  Often when I make this soap, I split the base up and leave a portion plain unscented and the other portion scented with pure essential oils.  I mark my molds ahead of time, to keep things less confusing.  I also tend to use 4" square molds for most essential oil soaps, and tend to use round molds for plain unscented soaps.

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE & Vitamin E oil to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water/goat milk mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.  Some folks add a smidgeon of goat milk at trace, and still call the end product goat milk soap.  We are blessed with dairy goats that keep us in goat milk a plenty.  I've used all goat milk in place of water, and find the end product very rich, and need to use more essential oil to balance out the scent.  So after trial & error I opt for close to 1/2 filtered water and 1/2 goat milk.  I go ahead and mix the goat milk & water together & then add lye.  It reacts immediately - starts saponifying the goat milk fat.  I just keep stirring and don't worry about it.  If this bothers you, wait 'til after the lye/water mix and the oils are blended well, then add the goat milk.  

I add the Pure Essential Oils at trace.

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Exodus 3:8a  And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey;

Proverbs 27:27  And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

for Bryant and Sandra - a universally popular vegan soap recipe

DISCLAIMER:  FOLLOW STANDARD COLD PROCESS SOAP PROCEDURE (NOT TO BE ATTEMPTED BY NON-SOAPMAKERS).  WHEN MAKING SOAP YOU ARE WORKING WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE, OR LYE, WHICH IS A CAUSTIC, DANGEROUS CHEMICAL.  WEAR PROTECTIVE SKIN, EYE & RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT & WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.  AUTHOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURIES.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.

Orange Cedarwood w/Moroccan Clay Vegan Soap

25.7 oz filtered water

9.8 oz lye

24 oz olive oil

23.8 oz organic palm oil

19.3 oz organic coconut oil

1.4 oz castor oil

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

.6 oz shea butter

15 grams grapefruit seed extract

1 ounce Moroccan Clay **(see note below)**

Pure Essential Oils:

1.7 oz Orange Essential Oil

.3 oz Tangerine Essential Oil 

1 oz Cedarwood Essential Oil

**Note:  I've made this soap two different ways.  My preferred method is, after the lye is dissolved into the filtered water, I add the Moroccan Clay to the lye/water mix, stirring 'til dissolved.  This makes a uniform, consistently colored soap.

 

Another option is to add the clay after trace, to a portion of the base, then swirl this in.** 

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.

I add the Pure Essential Oils at trace.

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Matthew 23:26  Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

2 Corinthians 7:1  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

1 Kings 6:18  And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.


Isaiah 41:19  I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:


Psalms 92:12  The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Job 33:6  Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

Psalms 40:2  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

Isaiah 29:16  Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

Isaiah 45:9  Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

Isaiah 64:8  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Jeremiah 18:4  And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

for Lisa and Jill

DISCLAIMER:  FOLLOW STANDARD COLD PROCESS SOAP PROCEDURE (NOT TO BE ATTEMPTED BY NON-SOAPMAKERS).  WHEN MAKING SOAP YOU ARE WORKING WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE, OR LYE, WHICH IS A CAUSTIC, DANGEROUS CHEMICAL.  WEAR PROTECTIVE SKIN, EYE & RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT & WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.  AUTHOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURIES.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.  

Vegan Extra Conditioning Soap

539 grams filtered water

197 grams lye

398 grams organic palm oil

458 grams organic coconut oil

11 oz castor oil

3.9 oz jojoba oil

2 oz sweet almond oil

2.9 oz raw organic cocoa butter

2.2 oz shea butter

5 grams grapefruit seed extract

5 grams Vitamin E oil

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE & Vitamin E oil to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.

I add the Pure Essential Oils at trace. 

I split this recipe as follows:

for Lisa S.

2/3 of base

21 grams Pure Lavender Essential Oil

for Jill 

1/3 of base

4 ml (or 1 dram) Pure Citronella Essential Oil

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Psalms 19:12  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Psalms 51:2  Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalms 119:9  (BETH) Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Ephesians 6:7  With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

for Paulette, Emily & Betsy

DISCLAIMER:  FOLLOW STANDARD COLD PROCESS SOAP PROCEDURE (NOT TO BE ATTEMPTED BY NON-SOAPMAKERS).  WHEN MAKING SOAP YOU ARE WORKING WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE, OR LYE, WHICH IS A CAUSTIC, DANGEROUS CHEMICAL.  WEAR PROTECTIVE SKIN, EYE & RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT & WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.  AUTHOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURIES.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.  For the longest time, this was my absolute favorite.  Enjoy!

COBBLESTONE SOAP RECIPE
Takes a while, but worth it:  a wonderfully mild base, with subtle hints of peppermint, tea tree and lavender.  First I make the elements:

> Rhassoul Clay, Myrrh & Peppermint Vegan Soap
> Rhassoul Clay Tea Tree Vegan Soap
> Lavender Vegan Soap

I don't generally wait for the elements to cure for 3 weeks - just a few days.  Then I cut them however I like (I've used small heart shape cookie cutters, or just a knife, or even sometimes used a grater).  I really like the way this soap looks, smells & feels. Once I've got the elements ready, I make the base.

Cobblestone Soap Base

25.7 oz filtered water

9.9 oz lye

1 lb 6.8 oz olive oil

1 lb 7.2 oz organic palm oil

1 lb 4.4 oz organic coconut oil

1 oz sweet almond oil

1 oz castor oil

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

1 oz shea butter

4 grams grapefruit seed extract

6 grams Vitamin E oil

Note:  After the lye is dissolved into the filtered water, I add the Rhassoul Clay & Myrrh to the lye/water mix, stirring 'til dissolved.

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE and Vitamin E oil to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.

Mixed into base at trace, generous chunks of:

• Rhassoul Clay Tea Tree Soap
• Rhassoul Clay & Myrrh Peppermint Soap
• Lavender Vegan Soap

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Paulette likes "logs" to slice off bars as needed for herself and her family.  When I deliver a big block of soap to someone, I still give them a label & wrap their soap.  I also offer to email extra labels for them to print (and edit) as needed.

Matthew 23:23  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Luke 11:42  But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Ephesians 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

James 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

a personal favorite with Peppermint and Myrrh

Disclaimer:  Follow standard cold process soap procedure (not to be attempted by non-soapmakers).  When making soap you are working with sodium hydroxide, or lye, which is a caustic, dangerous chemical.  Wear protective skin, eye & respiratory equipment & work in a well-ventilated area.  Author is not responsible for any damage or injuries.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.

Rhassoul Clay, Myrrh & Peppermint Vegan Soap

25.6 oz filtered water

9.9 oz lye

23 oz olive oil

18.5 oz organic palm oil

24.5 oz organic coconut oil

2.6 oz almond oil

1.6 oz castor oil

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

.7 oz shea butter

13 grams grapefruit seed extract

29 grams Rhassoul Clay

29 grams Myrrh powder

1 oz Peppermint Essential Oil

Note:  After the lye is dissolved into the filtered water, I add the Rhassoul Clay & Myrrh to the lye/water mix, stirring 'til dissolved.

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE to that, stirring well.

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.

I add the Pure Peppermint Essential Oil at trace. 

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Genesis 37:25  And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

Genesis 43:11  And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

Matthew 2:11  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

for Lou

Disclaimer:  

Follow standard cold process soap procedure (not to be attempted by non-soapmakers).  When making soap you are working with sodium hydroxide, or lye, which is a caustic, dangerous chemical.  Wear protective skin, eye & respiratory equipment & work in a well-ventilated area.  Author is not responsible for any damage or injuries.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.

Lou's Vegan Lavender Soap

25.7 oz Lou's well water

9.9 oz lye

1 lb 7.8 oz olive oil

1 lb 7.8 oz organic palm oil

1 lb 4.6 oz organic coconut oil

1 oz sweet almond oil (?)

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

1.2 oz shea butter

4 grams grapefruit seed extract

6 grams Vitamin E oil

1.7 oz lavender essential oil

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE and Vitamin E oil to that, stirring well.  

I stir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.  

I add the Pure Lavender Essential Oil at trace.

I have used this recipe as is, and other times included 1 ounce finely ground dried lavender buds.  Some folks like scratchy texture, some like creamy smooth.  Lou likes creamy smooth.  Yes, you can use filtered water in place of Lou's well water.  

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.  Lou likes nice big chunks, to slice off bars as needed for herself and her family.  When I deliver a big block of soap to someone, I still give them a label & wrap their soap.  I also offer to email extra labels for them to print (and edit) as needed.

1 Corinthians 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

For Raven

Disclaimer:  

Follow standard cold process soap procedure (not to be attempted by non-soapmakers).  When making soap you are working with sodium hydroxide, or lye, which is a caustic, dangerous chemical.  Wear protective skin, eye & respiratory equipment & work in a well-ventilated area.  Author is not responsible for any damage or injuries.

This is my original recipe.  If it ends up being close to someone else's, that is a happy coincidence.

Rhassoul Clay Tea Tree Vegan Soap

25.6 oz filtered water

9.9 oz lye

25.6 oz olive oil

22 oz organic palm oil

20.9 oz organic coconut oil

1 oz castor oil

1 oz raw organic cocoa butter

1 oz shea butter

9 grams grapefruit seed extract

5 grams Vitamin E oil

55 grams Rhassoul Clay

13 grams Tea Tree Essential Oil

Note:  After the lye is dissolved into the filtered water, I add the Rhassoul Clay to the lye/water mix, stirring 'til dissolved.

Once I get the oils & butters measured & melted, I add the GSE and Vitamin E oil to that, stirring well.  

I restir periodically while I wait for the lye/water mix and the oil/butter mix to get to 100 degrees F.  

I add the Pure Tea Tree Essential Oil at trace.

I have split this recipe up and left 1/3 plain unscented, and the other 2/3 Tea Tree because some of us are allergic to Tea Tree oil, but love the Rhassoul Clay vegan soap.  When I split a recipe this way, I make sure the molds are different shapes and very clearly labeled, so I don't get confused.

I let the soap goo insulate in molds for 2 to 3 days.  Then I  remove, cut & lay out to cure.  After 2 weeks I label.  Should be ready to use 3 weeks from original date of manufacture.  I label each bar, listing all ingredients & date of manufacture, weigh, wrap & then ship or hand deliver.

Ecclesiastes 1:9  The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

1 Thessalonians 4:11  And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Matthew 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Passing the soap torch along

June 2025 Update

My goodness time flies. My young'uns are all grown-ups, left the nest, set up their own coops hither & yon. I couldn't be more pleased, thankful and I praise the Lord for them. My young'uns are my favorite people on the planet for sure and for certain! I'm pretty sure they're all too busy to make soap these days. So. Go to the market near you. Try a new soap. Then try another one. Have fun with that. Maybe learn how to make soap. (My soapmaking days are behind me, and that's okay.)

July 2019 Update
Grace works full time in Columbus GA, and keeps up with her full time online Point University Business Bachelor's (scheduled to finish college end of 2019, Lord willing, Praise God!).  So she's been scarce at the farm market.  But Katie & Bryant have been picking that up.  I taught Katie soapmaking late Spring of this year, and she's bringing her goat milk soap bars to the market.  Hooray!

May 31, 2016 Update
My middle daughter, Grace is now making soap too.  Great vegan soap!  Her online link is:  http://www.bonanza.com/booths/YesteryearsGirl  If you're local, you can find her soap at Vaughn Family Farm tent at the Midland Community Farmers Market on most Saturday mornings (May - October) 9AM - 12PM. 


June 26, 2013
I really love to make soap.  It’s such a joy!  And such an amazing chemical miracle:  oils & butter + sodium hydroxide (lye) = soap

Always remember:  better ingredients, better pizza.  Err…. Better raw materials for soap > better end product soap.

I’ve had trouble making time to make soap this year.  I feel like it’s time to pass the retail soap torch along.  But I didn’t want to leave my beloved out of town soap customers high & dry ;)  So I decided to BE a soap customer, and try a few different folks’ soap – with the end goal hopefully recommending my soap customers try these new folks.  I wanted to make sure I sampled a variety – but not so many as to go broke in the process.  I wanted to stick with cold process soap makers, and preferably vegan.  I chose three different soap bar makers:  1) belleandbaby; 2) Aquarian Bath; 3) Dr. Bronner’s.  I asked my husband & two youngest daughters to help with the sampling, so we’d have as much reviewing/feedback as possible.  I can recommend all three soap makers.  I will freely disclose that belleandbaby happens to be our oldest daughter, so you might say I’m biased.  You can say that, but I believe I am fair – letting the soap & our skin be the criteria.

I shared my intentions with these folks, and they seemed okay with the whole thing.  Here are two replies:

Aquarian Bath/Cory:  Hi Tonia, Thank you for offering to review our soaps and share our website with your customers.  I always appreciate the twitter retweets also.  You are welcome to use photos from my site for the review.  Here is a coupon code that you can offer to your customers also (and you can use too):  "bvaughnfamily" Valid for 1 time use at http://www.AquarianBath.com  10% off products.  Expires 12/31/13 – Cory

Dr. Bronner’s/Lauren:  Dear Tonia, We have no objection to you posting a review of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps' products on your blog. No need to share it with us beforehand-- we respect your authorship.  Please consider mentioning as part of your review that Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps' products are Organic and Fair Trade, as these principles are central to the Dr. Bronner's soapmaking ethos.

More information about Dr. Bronner's commitment to Organic and Fair Trade soapmaking can be found at our website: 

Organic: http://www.drbronner.com/usda_organic_body_care.php  
Fair Trade: http://www.drbronner.com/fair_trade.php

1.  belleandbaby  http://www.etsy.com/shop/belleandbaby

 

Handmade Organic Vegan & Goat Milk Cold-Processed Soap

Fragrances we tried: 

o    Organic Vegan Cold-Processed Cedar Balsam Shaving Soap:  All four of us loved the fresh outdoorsy scent!  Super fluffy lather!  Worked well as shampoo bar too.

o    Organic Sunflower Citrus Spice Goat Milk Soap:  Just like it says – citrus spice.  Smells wonderfully clean, and the freshly ground cinnamon has nice texture.

·         All belleandbaby soaps rinsed great & had excellent cleansing properties.

·         Skin feels clean & nourished.  Excellent!

·         Ingredients:  (Vegan Bar) Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Water, Organic Sunflower Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Organic Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Cocoa Butter, Pure Essential Oil Blend, and Grapefruit Seed Extract;  (Goat Milk Bar) Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Water, Goat Milk, Sodium Hydroxide, Organic Olive Oil, Pure Essential Oil Blend, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Freshly Ground Cinnamon.

·         Price:  $7.95 + 4.95 shipping (shipping discounts for multiple items purchased)

·         Packaging:  minimal – environmentally friendly!  I very much appreciated the label that came with the product, in legible print, listing all ingredients.

·         Convenience of ordering:  Etsy – easy peasy

·         USPS Shipping:  Prompt, packaged well, fair price.  Ordered 5/27; Received 5/31.

·         Communication:  Excellent.  Responds to etsy convos, direct message, and blogs.

2.       AquarianBath http://store.aquarianbath.com/

Handmade Vegan Cold-Processed Soap 

Fragrances we tried:

o    Rose Oil Shampoo Bar:  Definitely rose scented!  Heavenly! 

o    Lemongrass Lavender Hair Soap:  Subtle, pleasant.

o    Lemon Vanilla Shampoo Bar:  Clean, natural, pleasant.

o    Sesame Aloe Vera Shampoo Bar:  Unusual.

·         Lather:  Very good

·         Aquarian Bath Shampoo Bars rinsed great & had excellent cleansing properties.

·         Effect on skin:  Excellent!  Cleans without drying.  Also excellent for hair shampoo – leaves hair clean & silky soft.

·         Ingredients (I listed as many as I could from the different bars we purchased – ingredients vary according to which soap purchased):  Greek Extra Virgin Olive oil, Raw Organic Cocoa Butter, Hemp oil, Coconut oil, Castor oil, essential oils, Bulgarian Rose Wax, Lavender, Blood Cedarwood, Rose Clay, fresh Aloe gel, benzoin resin, bentonite clay, Raw Unrefined Shea butter, Jojoba Oil, Sesame Oil.

·         Price $5.50 to $6.50 per bar, plus shipping & handling (I bought 4 bars plus 2 lip balms & my shipping & handling was $7.15)

·         Packaging:  minimal – environmentally friendly!  By default, soaps ship naked.  But if you want a label and a box you have to check that box and pay .50 for it.  I think this is a great idea!

·         Convenience of ordering:  Excellent – seller has her own site, but is also on etsy.

·         USPS Shipping:  Environmentally friendly packing peanuts & naked soap bars.  Prompt.  (Ordered 5/28; Received 6/3)

·         Communication:  Excellent.  Great Twitter presence, and has blog as well.  Responds to direct message promptly.

3.       Dr.Bronner’s http://www.drbronner.com/

Dr. Bronners’ Liquid Soap properties:

I first tried Dr. Bronners’ liquid peppermint soap about 35 years ago.  I loved it.  I still do.  Great tingly clean feeling.  You get to control the concentration amount by how much you dilute it with water.  Awesome clean!  We’ve used Dr. Bronners’ liquid peppermint for cleaning so many things:  ourselves, dishes, dogs, cats, goats (udder wash & goat bath), floors, critter dishes, counters, ceiling fans, floors, most things in the bathroom.  The list goes on & on.  I love the stuff and can without hesitation recommend it!  I know some folks will share their super deluxe handcrafted soaps with their critters.  Not me.  The critters can have Dr. Bronners’ liquid, because it’s extremely cost-effective.

Dr. Bronners’ Solid Soap bar properties:

  

      Fragrances we tried:

o    Rose:  Very delicate & subtle scent.

o    Peppermint:  Tingly fresh & clean.

o    Tea Tree:  My husband loves Tea Tree, so this was for him.

o    Lavender:  Good & strong (according to my 16YO, who tried this bar).

o    Almond:  Strong – if you like almond you’ll love it.

o    Baby Mild:  Naturally fragrance free, pleasant, clean smell.

·         Lather:  very good

·         Rinsing:  good

·         Cleansing:  we got extremely clean.

·         Effect on skin:  I started with the rose bar and found it a bit hard on my skin – I needed lotion for my hands, arms & legs after my shower.  The baby mild bar worked better for my skin.    I prefer Dr. Bronners’ bar soap for hand washing at the sink.  The rest of my family had no problem with dry skin afterwards with Dr. Bronners’ bar soaps.  Apparently, for the first time in our family’s history, I have the least oily skin:  confirmation that I’m old!

·         Ingredients:  Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Water, Natural Fragrance, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Salt, Citric Acid, Tocopherol.

·         Price:  4.49 each – need to order $20 minimum, but you get free shipping.

·         Packaging:  nice environmentally-friendly paper label printed with soy ink, with all ingredients listed.

·         Convenience of ordering:  Excellent.  In addition to being able to order online, many health food stores carry Dr. Bronners, so if you don’t want to order online you can probably find this soap locally.

·         UPS Shipping:  Free.  Ordered 6/4; received 6/12.

·         Communication:  Great Twitter presence.  I’m not on FB so I can’t rate the communication there.  Website is jam-packed with information about history, activism, etc.  Also excellent one-on-one customer service!  I had a question about my order, and emailed my question.  I received a phone call with a very nice young lady taking time to answer my question.  Awesome!

I still love making soap.  Since I began this review process, I’ve been contacted by one of my favorite local soap customers to make more soap for her.  Of course I said yes.  But for my out of town folks, I’m going to encourage them to try these three fabulous soapers.  Without hesitation.

Isaiah 35:1  The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

Psalms 51:7  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Psalms 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

James 4:13-15  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.