Thread: Homemade shaving soap?

Anyone try their hand at making shaving soap? I made some that didn't turn out quite right, but works pretty well despite having no lather to it. I'm curious about the experience of others, as well as any favorite recipes!

I have not tried making soap, but I have spent a lot of time in a chemistry lab.

The key to a successful chemical reaction is making sure you measure the ingredients accurately (whether by weight or by volume). Ingredients have to be added in the proper order and at the proper time. The reactions need to take place suitable containers, stirring with suitable equipment that can withstand the reaction conditions.

Since the rate of chemical reaction is strongly influenced by the temperature of reaction, it is important to control the temperature to the desired level. Some soaps are made using the cold process and some are made using the hot process. Soaps also have to be cured after the saponification process to allow them to harden to the proper consistency.

When the lye is first added to the mixture, the reaction generates heat and can reach high temperatures (exothermic reaction). In later phases of the reaction, the process becomes endothermic, absorbing heat from the surroundings. Thus, temperature control is important.

When handling hazardous chemicals like sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, always wear the proper personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, protective clothing etc.

Originally Posted by RayClem

When handling hazardous chemicals like sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, always wear the proper personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, protective clothing etc.

And whenever possible, do it outside, or at least with good ventilation!

And always remember where the best tallow comes from...