When you buy soap....

chamoisee · #1 12/04/12, 06:58 PM

What is most important to you when you're purchasing soap? (If you make your own soap, please imagine that you have run out and are going to buy it). I am thinking about going back into the soap business and am doing market research here.

I've made a poll, but if there are other factors which are very important to you or conversely, qualities which are deal breakers that will ensure that you will never buy a particular brand or type of soap, please tell me all about it!

SilverVista · #2 12/04/12, 07:17 PM

We haven't bought soap for over 3 years... everything we use has been made by me. BUT right at this moment I'm more pressed for time than ever before, and we're using up stuff that I made a couple of years ago that was destined for shredding and re-purposing. It was that bad. Need to set aside a major soap-making day SOON because I just can't imagine returning to commercially-made soap, and I'm certainly not going to pay for something I have all the ingredients to do in my own kitchen!

JeffreyD · #3 12/04/12, 07:40 PM

Since i make our soap(have been for close to 25 years), the most important thing to me are the fats. I have some great recipies for all vegg based, but my favorites are tallow based(not listed on the poll). Also, the ingredient list on the package is important to see what's being used, where it comes from, and in what quantity! I don't care much for the "soap" in stores because(i'm sure you know this, but some don't) most of it is really a synthetic detergent. I make soap(and other stuff) almost every day, so i'm not afraid of running out.(i usually make 45lb batches, about 100 6oz bars after shrinkage)

I would never buy anything but handmade soap, and like to try what other soapers have to offer. Sorry, but that probably didn't answer your question. Make what YOU like to use, i'm sure that others will like it to! And give some to folks to get feed back on the recipies, scents and other additives. Do some blind testing too! Have fun with it!

Awnry Abe · #4 12/04/12, 07:58 PM

Soap?

TheMartianChick · #5 12/04/12, 08:32 PM

I'm very interested in all of the aspects that were mentioned in the poll. However, it is very difficult to find really strong-smelling homemade soaps and that is what I prefer. I love walking into a store like Bath & Bodyworks or Yankee Candle and smelling the intense scents.

Common Tator · #6 12/04/12, 08:58 PM

Our choices weren't listed in the poll.

Hubby likes ivory soap. I buy it in the large packs of multiple bars when I find them. He likes it because it doesn't have ant artificial scent, it does the job, and he is used to it.

I get very dry skin, so I like to use Dove. My skin feels nice, and it is better for shaving. I also buy it in the large multi bar packs when I find them.

starlady · #7 12/04/12, 09:06 PM

I make my own soap and shampoo bars because I need unscented/un-etc soaps due to allergies. I know some people like the strong scents (and I used to, too) but it is really hard to find hypoallergenic products. That might be a good niche market even if you do also make the scented variety.

Alice In TX/MO · #8 12/04/12, 09:08 PM

Hubby buys Dial. Has for ALL the time I've known him, since 1973.

I buy goat milk soap or Dove.

anita_fc · #9 12/04/12, 09:36 PM

Unable to find a poll. Help!

Anita from Idaho
Dan-Ani Pygmy Goats
www.gndt.net/dan-ani

Tirzah · #10 12/04/12, 09:41 PM

My skin reacts to soaps unless it is handmade with natural ingredients. My husband started making soap about 3 years ago and it is wonderful on my skin. Much better than than what sells on the grocery shelves (for me anyway). The ingredients, scents, moisturizing properties are all important to me. I do prefer to pay $6.00 or less per bar though (why honey makes soap now

)

Jeffrey, may I ask what kind of mold you use for such a large batch? What do you use to prepare your soap in? My husband renders tallow for his soap too

Nimrod · #11 12/04/12, 09:51 PM

I like Ivory. No scent and it rises clean.

Mom grew up during the depression. She always kept a few years worth of soap on hand and used the oldest. She said it had dried out more and lasted longer. Have you considered selling vintage soap?

Haven · #12 12/04/12, 09:55 PM

I could not select 2 answers, but I would choose cosmetic qualities and natural ingredients.

I actually just did my annual soap purchase today to restock myself and for x mas gifts.

I need natural ingredients that are non drying, and cosmetic qualities like olive oil and shea for moisture. I want soap that actually does something for the skin other than strip the oils, dry it out and clean it.

Tea tree oil for summer as an antibacterial and skin refresher. 3 others I buy are an oatmeal that exfoliates nicely, a coffee soap with actual grounds in it that exfoliate even better, and a 3rd round soap with a round loofah sponge melted into it for a body scrub. I only buy sweet soap - nothing perfumed or floral.

JeffreyD · #13 12/04/12, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tirzah

My skin reacts to soaps unless it is handmade with natural ingredients. My husband started making soap about 3 years ago and it is wonderful on my skin. Much better than than what sells on the grocery shelves (for me anyway). The ingredients, scents, moisturizing properties are all important to me. I do prefer to pay $6.00 or less per bar though (why honey makes soap now

)

Jeffrey, may I ask what kind of mold you use for such a large batch? What do you use to prepare your soap in? My husband renders tallow for his soap too

I use silicone molds i got from a company called Upland. I have enough that i haven't needed to get one for quite a while now. It appears that their not around anymore, i may be wrong. They have been great. I also made a few myself that use mylar sheets as a liner, it peels right off! I use a 5 gallon bucket to mix the main batch in, and smaller plastic containers to mix colors or additives in. I use a cordless drill with a paint mixing attachment. I put it through a hole in the lid and then put that onto the bucket so it wont splatter and take a peek every now and then. I used to mix until i started getting a trace, but for the last 10 years or so i only mix untill it looks well blended and just starts to put a slight load on the drill. It gives me more time to play with color swirls, layers, whipping, etc... It also isn't as tempramental with certian fragrance oils such as rose! When i used to make smaller batchs with a stick blender, some batches would seize. All my fats and lye solutions are kept at 90 deg in stainless containers with heat wrap tape and thermostats. I just draw off the amount needed for the batch and blend. Nice to know other guys make soap!!

JeffreyD · #14 12/04/12, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haven

I could not select 2 answers, but I would choose cosmetic qualities and natural ingredients.

I actually just did my annual soap purchase today to restock myself and for x mas gifts.

I need natural ingredients that are non drying, and cosmetic qualities like olive oil and shea for moisture. I want soap that actually does something for the skin other than strip the oils, dry it out and clean it.

Tea tree oil for summer as an antibacterial and skin refresher. 3 others I buy are an oatmeal that exfoliates nicely, a coffee soap with actual grounds in it that exfoliate even better, and a 3rd round soap with a round loofah sponge melted into it for a body scrub. I only buy sweet soap - nothing perfumed or floral.

I know you said you don't like floral, but a soap with ground lavender buds and kaolin clay makes for a great exfoliating soap. Add a bit of silk powder for some slip and adjust the recipe for a more creamy(smaller bubbles, more of them) lather!! Oh man, i wanna go make some!! Tea tree oil is a really fantastic under used additive, to bad some folks don't like the scent. That's a shame. I "superfat" my batches so there is always a slightly biased ratio towards the fat side. (About 4-5% more fat than will saponify)

beaglady · #15 12/04/12, 11:39 PM

I make soap but like to buy from other soapmakers too. Local ingredients are important to me - I prefer animal fat soaps over most veggie soaps I've tried. My favorite scents are blended by the soapmaker, rather than coming straight out of the bottle. I'd rather essential oils than synthetic fragrances, though I have a soft spot for some of the synthetics, like sandalwood.

Laura Zone 10 · #16 12/05/12, 05:32 AM

1. Most important thing to me is that when I am done washing, I want to feel clean, not feel like I need to 'rinse off the film' the soap leaves behind.

2. Natural. No chemicals. Natural Oils. Goats Milk.

3. Scent.

Old John · #17 12/05/12, 07:07 AM

I use Coast Soap in the shower. And, I use Dial soap for hand washing at the sinks. I've used them for years. OTOH, There are a couple brands I never buy.
DSW uses a Bath & Body Wash, a liquid that comes in a bottle with a pump on top.

willielisa · #18 12/05/12, 07:32 AM

All the things in the post are important, but I like a soap that has a natural, clean smell - not artificial. Also, I want it to feel creamy and luxurious when using, and I don't like an afterfeel. And a firm bar that doesn't get gooey.
I love Burt's Bee's milk and honey.

7thswan · #19 12/05/12, 07:44 AM

When you buy soap.... - Homesteading Questions

I also like a strong scent,but need moisture. I've made a cream for my face of coconut butter/olive oil(and herbs), it is working well. So I'd like to try a soap made of those ingredents.

Silvercreek Farmer · #20 12/05/12, 08:13 AM

I didn't vote because I wanted to elaborate a little. I always buy Dial, but in a pinch Zest, Ivory, or Irish Spring would probably do. I want something that doesn't smell too perfumy (or girly), and is strong enough to clean my oily skin. I absolutey hate Dove (but know many who like it, to my dismay when I visit their homes), it is like washing with a handful of mush and I don't feel clean when I get done. I like my soap just soft enough to lather, any softer and it feels like I am wasting soap. I use liquid soap at the sink most times, either dish detergent, or the clear Wal-mart bulk stuff. I know some cringe at the dish detergent, but the only things that will really dry out my hands are paint solvents!