Hi Anne Marie, I'm a knitter and this year, for Christmas, my bride thought that homemade washcloths would be a good gift for some of our friends and co-workers. After finishing the knitting, she then thought that maybe homemade soap would be a nice addition. I agreed and began my on-line researching. This is when I ran into your TH-cam channel. After watching your first four cold process tutorials, I began watching some of your others (swirls, extc.). This is where my 13 year old daughter Annalisa comes in. She began watching your videos with me and was hooked. Tonight (after watching the first four videos together three times) we whipped up our first batch. We had a blast and now can not wait for 7:00 P.M. tomorrow night. What a great daddy/daughter activity. I have no doubt that your videos played a BIG part in her becoming interested in this craft and just wanted you to know that you are influencing the next generation. I also wanted to thank you personally for your help in getting myself and Annalisa started out in this craft the right (and safe) way . We'll let you know how thing turned out. Thanks again, Dale and Annalisa P.S. Annalisa is maybe one of the few 13 year olds who didn't need "lutefisk" explained when you mentioned it in your video on lye safety. ;~P
+Dale Erickson Hi Dale and Annalisa! That is so amazing, what a fun activity for you and your daughter! I love crafting with my kids because it encourages creativity and problem solving skills. I can't wait to hear how your soap turned out. =)
+Soap Queen TV Well, the soap looks like it turned out great (we'll know more in about three and a half weeks more). We mixed up the soap on Sunday evening and unmolded it monday evening. We had a bit of trouble unmolding. The mold claimed to need no lining, we won't make that mistake again ;~). Next time we'll line with parchment paper. The soap looks pretty good though, with just a little trimming, it'll look great. Thanks again for your help, Dale and Annalisa
+Dale Erickson It will totally feel amazing too! Congratulations on your first batch of soap. =) Also, for lining molds, I recommend freezer paper. We've found that's the best material for lining, as it won't stick to the soap. Learn more about lining your molds here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/how-to-line-any-mold/
This is EXACTLY the kind of tutorial I’ve been looking for. I mean, so many so channels have tutorials on how to make a batch of cold process soap but I want more information on the reactions and why they’re happening and the components of different types of oils and I was hoping I would get that in video form to go along with written research because it’s just another component that makes it easier for me to understand and this is absolutely perfect. You are an INCREDIBLE Teacher and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you so much for your in-depth tutorials! This has alleviated a lot of my anxieties, questions and fears regarding cold process soap making.
It's crazy that several years ago I used to have lye (or rather, hair relaxers that contained lye) put in my hair. It burned bad, especially if I had been scratching my had days beforehand. Glad to say my hair is natural though!
Revosaxplayer saamme! I started the natural hair within my family (both aunts, grandma, and mother are natural). Currently started a new journey with locs with my mom, grandma, and baby brother! Congratulations queen
I just recently bought the complete exfoliating soap kit from your site. I'm so excited to try my hand at cold process soap making myself! I've tried some melt and pour, but watching you and royalty soap make all of those beautiful soap bars in really inspiring!
It’s so weird rewatching these videos after so long! I was obsessed with your channel and then I just kind of forgot about it! Now I’m back after a longgg time and trying to remember how to make soap!!
Mine was "How long did you leave the lye on the chicken?" - that actually takes some TIME to do that. I have spilled a TON of crazy stuff on my fingers in chem/biochem labs because I was a clumsy science major. All I ever did was wash it off right away and rise for a few minutes, but I did always have my goggles on (did we even wear gloves when we titrated acids and bases? I think, no, but always eye protection ). Biochem= lots of reasons to use 0 to 1 M H2SO4 without gloves! My biggest issue wasn't in chem, it was a senior physics lab, I stood up too fast after crawling into the center of the electromagnet and whacked my head on the housing, probably gave myself a concussion.
Thank you for all of your tips. I've been doing melt and pour for a few months now, and after watching your videos more than once and taking notes I feel confident to start CP soap making!
melissa teel That is so exciting! Cold process soap is a lot of fun. You are definitely welcome for the tips, I love helping people out. Let me know how your first batch goes! =)
melissa teel Yay, so happy to hear that! That's one of my favorite recipes, I love using coffee grounds. =) Soap Crafting book: www.brambleberry.com/Soap-Crafting-Book.aspx
Wow so informative. I've been watching many TH-cam videos on soap making trying to Lear what I can before I start. I've not yet come across as good as this. Many mistakes I would have made had I not watched this. Thanks for the tips and safety notes ;)
Me, first clicking on this video: “Soapmaking sounds like a fun and rewarding hobby. Perhaps I can turn it into side money or even a full time gig!” Me after 5 minutes: “ AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH WTF!”
Whenever I measured the lye for the first time, my goggles kept getting cloudy and I was sweating. That was probably the scariest moment of my life. Somehow my cat got in, and I was trying to tell him to go away telepathically. Hopefully next time I won't freak myself out.
Josh Pearce Oh no! I'm glad to hear you and your cat are okay. It may help to have a fan running in your room to help cool it down. You may also want to put your cat in another room so both of you stay safe. =)
Thank you kindly for your detailed reply! I've always wanted to make soap but couldn't find recipes that didn't have some sort of chemical or other in it and I have VERY sensitive skin. I wasn't aware than it's gone within 24 hours, that's amazing!
Oh that's awesome, I hope you love it! =) Pure Soapmaking: www.brambleberry.com/Pure-Soapmaking-How-to-Create-Nourishing-Natural-Skin-Care-Soaps-P6298.aspx
Thanks so much! You are too kind to help. :) The one I am noticing the most spots in is my most recent Lemongrass. I made this recipe up...but I thought it was going to balance hard bar, luxury oil etc. 8 oz. Coconut, 3.2 oz. Shea, 5.3 Palm, 6.5 Olive, 5.8 Sunflower, 3.2 Avocado... superfatted at 93% for 4.45 oz Lye in 11.12 oz distilled water. Wrote down it was a hard trace. Also 1.3 oz lemongrass eo. I swirled 4 oz into an infusion of 1 tsp green oxide and 1 tbs glycerin and swirled.
Hi soap queen, am in the UK and I just bought your book which I think it's amazing!! I am about to start soaping and here is to hoping everything goes well. I love all your videos by the way, keep doing what you do its amazing!!
Oh thanks so much Beth! I really appreciate your sweet comment. Have fun soaping! =) Pure Soapmaking: www.brambleberry.com/Pure-Soapmaking-How-to-Create-Nourishing-Natural-Skin-Care-Soaps-P6298.aspx
I love these vids XD my dad made soap in a class and was wondering why his soap took the first layer of skin off his hands and burned when he used it. He didnt let the lye cure out of it and burned himself with it.
Hi. If you don't want to use lye in your soap, you can use Sodium lactate to hardened your soap or use Borax. I've been using borax in some of my soap for almost 2 yrs now and it's pretty safe for the skin. Try to do some research about it :) Have a nice day.
I'm excited to find your great video series here. My son and I are going to give soap making a try. Thank you! Also, I would love to know what your clean up process is. Does Lye damage the sink drain when you rinse off the equipment? If you leave everything overnight, will the raw soap and lye still be caustic?
There are several ways to clean up after soaping! You can let the soap harden and chip it off, or clean it right away. A bit of lye going down the sink shouldn't be bad. It's actually in most drain cleaners! You can check with your plumber to be sure though. Read more about cleaning here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/clean-soapy-session/
Thanks so much Ann-Marie. I'm gonna be making cold process soap for the first time and am a little nervous about using lye and cleaning all the utensils when I'm done
Hi, sorry if this has been asked before but can you get rid of any spilt lye flakes in the regular trash wrapped up in a carrier bag or is it best to pour them down the sink?
Hi Jake - This is what the MSDS sheet says for working with lye in case of accidental exposure: "Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used.Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately" Vinegar is something that many soapers use as well.
Michele Iglesias So glad you love it Michele! You can use palm oil up to 30% in your recipes. =) Read more about soapmaking oils and how to use them here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/ This post on formulating cold process recipes may be helpful as well: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/formulating-cold-process-recipes/
I just poured the thing of lye to my water on a a HARD ALUMINUM container and boy oh boy I thought I was going to die .. and now I'm here.. be safe! Listen to this woman!!
Hi Ann Marie Love all your vidoes. There was one regarding oatmeal? I can t remember but thought I read that baking soda did not work in cold process soap but it did in the rebatch? Does this mean I can use Baking soda in Hot Process? if so, would i add at the end or in the batter ? thanks bunches
if you remake this in HD you NEED to keep the reference to "this is your brain on drugs, any questions" since its become an absolute meme in the last year or so
I love your videos! just 1 remark. If you add vinegar to lye it neutralizes it, so have in hand vinegar in case of any accident! is way better than applying water for 15 minutes :).
Hi Anne Marie! Thanks so much for the informative videos! May I ask how do you determine the total amount of oils to use in a soap? Is it 70% of the targeted total soap weight?
+Aby Antonio Hi there! Your oils will be around 70%, depending on your superfat level. An easy way to find out how much oil, lye and liquid to use is with our Lye Calculator! It does the math for you. =) Learn how to use the Lye Calculator here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/using-the-bramble-berry-lye-calculator-2/
Can you make a video showing the posible troubles with soap... Like white spots, watery spots....... Im beginner soapmaker and need know what to do in this cases. I realy apreciate your help. Thanxs
Hi Vanessa! You may find this blog post helpful! It goes into detail regarding different soapy mishaps. Soap Behaving Badly: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/soap-behaving-badly/ You may also find this blog post helpful, it has all the resources for beginning bloggers in one place! =) Beginning Soaper Resource: www.soapqueen.com/bramble-berry-news/beginning-soaper-resource-roundup/
Hi. I am a professional brewer and we use liquid Sodium Hydroxide in the brewery for cleaning various tanks and equipment. Can that be used in soap making? and if so, is it at the same proportion of dry mix to water ratio?
If that's what the MSDS says, I'll have to bow to scientific consensus. This video is the first soap making instruction I've come across that didn't advise the use of vinegar. Maybe either will work, but I'm gonna keep my vinegar handy.
If I make a lot of Cold process soap, could I then use it as melt and pour soap? Just because ingredients are costly in Denmark and I would like to make a variety of different soaps.
Hi!! I just love your soap makingg tutorials. You are great!!!!! I have never made soap. But now I am planning to. Can I use RO water or bottled water instead of distilled water?
Can you reheat the lye water solution later on to use if you forgot something and have to wait a while before mixing with the oils and other additives?
How long can your lye water sit. Can you make a large batch ahead of time and go to it when you need it, or should you make it singularly for each batch?
Hey Anne-Marie, is Cold Process Soap better than regular glycerin (melt and pour) soap? Some of them says that CP soaps are better because glycerin doesn't hydrate your skin enough and essential oils from glycerin soap fades quickly, so as their color? I think that glycerin soap are better!
Hi. When I was making a cold process soap, I got some lye mixture that was seated on my wrist coz my gloves is a bit big for my size, and it's really itchy and burning but I washed my hand with a cold running water for few minutes and the burning sensation n my skin s gone. I don't use vinegar coz it will produce more heat resulting to get more red spots on the skin :)
Hi there, I am researching how to do this, and I've noticed something about percentages and the percentage calculator, I was wondering if maybe you could give a little lesson in what all the percentages are about in frgrances, in oils etc. Thanks so much :)
Hi Janine! Thanks so much for your suggestion! When we say percentages, we mean the total amount you add to your soap! For instance, 1% of fragrance oil makes up 1% of your recipe total. =) We have a great blog post with more information that may be helpful for you! I'll include a link below. Soapy Math: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/math-soapers/
@Liza Bethea: I'm glad you didn't get hurt! I second the call to remake the video. @ potential soapmakers: Lye is different from most of the chemicals that we come into contact with around the house in that it reacts chemically with water, which is why rinsing with water is a bad idea and will only make your burn worse. It's also a base, so to get its Ph to a safe level, you add an acid like vinegar or orange juice. (yay science!)
Hello Team. I know that Sodium Lactate is a popular addition with Anne-Marie but does it stop soap melting at high temperatures? I purchased her book Pure Soapmaking but it doesn't mention Sodium Lactate or any other ingredient that performs this function. What addition would Ann-Marie recommend to stop soap melting at high temperatures that is a natural ingredient without any parabens or carcigens or any other nasty ingredients please? Thank you
Hello Ms Debbie, I'm making this picture for my friend using water-soluble paper. Are there any other options I can use to make the picture last for ever or for a very long time? Most of the times the picture soaps last for about 3 or 4 days befor fading away.
I was wondering what the name of the app is that you used in the video. I looked in the iTunes app store for soap queen and bramble berry but to no avail. I'd really like to use the calculator in the app that you recommend. : ) Thanks.
How many times can you reheat the palm oil? For a beginner soap maker who may only use it once in a while, would it be okay to buy in a larger bulk for cost efficiency or should I stick with smaller portions? Thank you! Can't wait to finish these episodes.
+Jennifer Campbell You can reheat those bags as many time as you like! We do that often in our Soap Lab. =) Palm oil has a shelf life of about 1 year. If you know you're going to use all the palm oil within 1 year, you can get the bigger quantities! If not, you may want to go with the smaller pound sizes. Read more about oil shelf lives here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
For anyone working with lye and worried about ingestion, poison control is important, but you should IMMEDIATELY drink something acidic like 100% orange juice, while someone is getting poison control on the phone. The acid will neutralize the alkaline lye on contact, and this also fulfills the need to dilute the lye as much as possible. If you can stomach it, sipping apple cider vinegar water is even better at neutralizing lye. Using vinegar water in all your wipedowns and utensil cleaning is also highly advise. Yes, it smells, but afterwards everything is safe to touch.
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Thank you for this video! I just have one question: doesn't microwaving the oils destroy the nutrients in the oil?
Hello I need to know if I can wait until the lye water reach room temperature then add to oil or I have to heat up the oil to match the lye water temperature
hello anne marie I recently started making soap and Ive been having fun with it thanks to your videos but ive noticed that alot of the time when i add my fragrance oil my soap accelerates very fast and i feel like alot of the time i feel myself panicking also ive been wondering i cant seem to find anything really that explains the difference between hot and cold process soap thank you so much again YOUR EPIC
Hi Moxie! I'm so glad that you have been enjoying soaping! Some fragrances will accelerate trace of your soap, at Bramble Berry we try to be very clear on each product description how the fragrance behaves in soap. I always recommend having all your supplies ready to go so you don't panic mid-recipe =) If you are curious about the difference between hot process soap and cold process soap, you may find these blog posts helpful! The most fundamental difference is hot process calls for heat being applied through the use of a crock pot (or a double boiler or jacketed soup tureen), while cold process does not! Cold Process Soap:www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-cold-process/ Hot Process Camo Soap: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/hot-process-series-crock-pot-camo/
it does seem scary and overwhelming, thank you for sharing your video I learned a lot for a beginner I can not wait to start doing this, all the oils seem overwhelming what kind of oil scents would you suggest for your first batch and as a beginner.
+jeff mcdoyle You're welcome Jeff! We have an amazing series that goes over the basics of cold process soap and has some great beginner recipes I think you'll like. I'll link that series below. =) Back to Basics Roundup: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/back-to-basic-series-roundup-quiz/
Hello Ann Marie. Thank you so much for these TV episodes - you are so knowledgeable. I have a little dilemma. I took one of my soaps to a friend in a paper bag in my handbag, but it started melting. What can I do about that please? Thank you.
+Soap Queen TV Hello Ann Marie. Thank you for your reply. My soap was cold processed soap but it is not very warm at all where I live, or in my home! The only thing I didn't do was to use preservative but as far as I can gather it shouldn't technically even be necessary. Being as I want to eventually have a soap shop important that I get to the bottom of this mystery.
+Debbie Davies Soap doesn't need a preservative so I don't think that is what's causing it! When you say the soap melted, did it turn fully liquid? Or did it have a sort of oily texture on the outside?
+Soap Queen TV Thank you Ann Marie. The soap melted in a soft sort of way not a oily way or slimey way - just melting in a not staying hard sort of way.
+Debbie Davies Hmm, I'm wondering if it may be the recipe. If too much oil is used, the soap can be soft or have a more liquidy texture. How much oil and lye did you use? How old is your lye? Did you use sodium hydroxide lye or potassium hydroxide lye? Thanks!
Hi, can you make a video walk through tutorial on how to use the beginners soap making kit from bramble berry? I just got the kit and it would be very helpful if you could show how to use it as I want to be sure I do it the right way
+Bayli Grossi We have a blog post that shows you how to use that kit! It's very helpful. I'll include a link below. =) Beginner's Cold Process Kit How-To: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/cold-process-beginners-kit/
Hello Ann Marie. I am a little confused. I believed that during the curing process the ingredients react together so the lye is transformed into soap by reacting with the oil and water, but I can touch my soap the following day and it isn't caustic at all, so do I leave it to cure just to leave the water evaporate. I use stearic acid in my soap so they are hard in a couple of day, so am I able to use these soaps immediately? Thanks
Hi Debbie! Most of the saponification reaction happens within the first two days. That means the lye is mostly gone by then. However, there is still water in the bars that needs to evaporate. During the 4-6 week cure time, the water evaporates and the soap becomes harder, milder and lasts longer in the shower. We think it's worth the wait. =) Read more about curing and storing soap here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
Hello! Because one half of the soap had calendula petals, they did eventually turn brown. All natural ingredients will eventually turn brown, so you'll want to keep that in mind when you're using them. =) Making Sunshine Cold Process Soap: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/making-sunshine-cold-process-soap/
Hi! I want to do cold process soap, but I'm 7 months pregnant. Is it safe to work with lye as long as I have proper protective gear? Or should I just wait until after I give birth? Thanks for your help!
Hi there! A lot of it is personal preference! I soaped a lot during my pregnancy and felt safe doing so. However, if you have any sensitivities to fumes you may want to skip it. I would also recommend talking with your doctor! Let them know your concerns and if they think it's OK. =) Read more about soaping while pregnant here: www.soapqueen.com/personal-ramblings/keeping-the-bramble-bump-safe-2/
Doesn't Katie from Royalty Soaps mix oil and lye at around 78°? Could swear I have seen her say that many times. (She says room temp but then explains her house is in the high 70's.)
Hi Ann Marie. I was just wondering why vegetable oil is never mentioned in soapmaking , after all vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals so I would think that it would be a great oil to use. Thanks
Store bought vegetable oil can be tricky to use in soap. It's often made up of several different oils. Because the amounts of each oil aren't listed, it can be difficult to calculate how much lye to use. We prefer oils like coconut, olive, sweet almond, etc. =) Read more about common soapmaking oils here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
hi ,Anne i watched your 4 videos and have some questions are mica color the same colors which are used in eye shadows ? can you give me the perfect percent of olive ,coconut , palm and castor oil for a good bar of soap ? thank you very much
Hello! Some of the micas used in soap are also eye safe and can be used in makeup! I'll include a list below. =) Eye Shadow Safe Micas and Colorants: www.brambleberry.com/Eye-Shadow-Safe-Micas-Colorants-W38.aspx Also, the perfect recipe for you totally depends on personal preference! However, we have a basic recipe we love to use, which is 32% coconut oil, 32% palm oil, 32% olive oil and 4% castor oil. That gives you a firm bar with lots of great bubbles. I'll include a link that shows you how to formulate cold process recipes that may be helpful for you. =) Formulating Cold Process Recipes: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/formulating-cold-process-recipes/
Hi, Anne-Marie! I'm just wondering if there is a way to convert the weight to a volume measurement. I do not own a scale, and cannot afford one, but I still want to try this. So, I'm just curious as to an alternative measurement system. Thanks!
hi, what's the difference between potassium hydroxide & sodium hydroxide can i use any of them as an alternative to the other in making the soap? many people use Castile to make soap or shampoo can it be replaced by Moroccan soap?
is the oils, melted butters, water and lye measured in weight or volume? for example do i weigh out 8z or 1/2 lb of how much liquid i need on a scale or do i use a measuring cup to get 8 oz?
Hi, if you don't want to use lye but still want to make soap, you will be limited to melt and pour bases, which have already gone through the saponification process. Melt and Pour Soap Bases: www.brambleberry.com/shop-by-craft/soap-making/melt-and-pour/bases
Hi Anne Marie,
I'm a knitter and this year, for Christmas, my bride thought that homemade washcloths would be a good gift for some of our friends and co-workers. After finishing the knitting, she then thought that maybe homemade soap would be a nice addition. I agreed and began my on-line researching. This is when I ran into your TH-cam channel. After watching your first four cold process tutorials, I began watching some of your others (swirls, extc.). This is where my 13 year old daughter Annalisa comes in. She began watching your videos with me and was hooked. Tonight (after watching the first four videos together three times) we whipped up our first batch. We had a blast and now can not wait for 7:00 P.M. tomorrow night. What a great daddy/daughter activity. I have no doubt that your videos played a BIG part in her becoming interested in this craft and just wanted you to know that you are influencing the next generation. I also wanted to thank you personally for your help in getting myself and Annalisa started out in this craft the right (and safe) way .
We'll let you know how thing turned out. Thanks again,
Dale and Annalisa
P.S. Annalisa is maybe one of the few 13 year olds who didn't need "lutefisk" explained when you mentioned it in your video on lye safety. ;~P
+Dale Erickson Hi Dale and Annalisa!
That is so amazing, what a fun activity for you and your daughter! I love crafting with my kids because it encourages creativity and problem solving skills. I can't wait to hear how your soap turned out. =)
+Soap Queen TV
Well, the soap looks like it turned out great (we'll know more in about three and a half weeks more). We mixed up the soap on Sunday evening and unmolded it monday evening. We had a bit of trouble unmolding. The mold claimed to need no lining, we won't make that mistake again ;~). Next time we'll line with parchment paper. The soap looks pretty good though, with just a little trimming, it'll look great.
Thanks again for your help,
Dale and Annalisa
+Dale Erickson It will totally feel amazing too! Congratulations on your first batch of soap. =)
Also, for lining molds, I recommend freezer paper. We've found that's the best material for lining, as it won't stick to the soap. Learn more about lining your molds here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/how-to-line-any-mold/
Dale Erickson this is such a pure comment I love it
I was sent over by royalty soap and this was a great video thank you
This is EXACTLY the kind of tutorial I’ve been looking for. I mean, so many so channels have tutorials on how to make a batch of cold process soap but I want more information on the reactions and why they’re happening and the components of different types of oils and I was hoping I would get that in video form to go along with written research because it’s just another component that makes it easier for me to understand and this is absolutely perfect. You are an INCREDIBLE Teacher and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you so much for your in-depth tutorials! This has alleviated a lot of my anxieties, questions and fears regarding cold process soap making.
It's crazy that several years ago I used to have lye (or rather, hair relaxers that contained lye) put in my hair. It burned bad, especially if I had been scratching my had days beforehand. Glad to say my hair is natural though!
I had no idea they put lye in hair relaxers, how painful!
Revosaxplayer saamme! I started the natural hair within my family (both aunts, grandma, and mother are natural). Currently started a new journey with locs with my mom, grandma, and baby brother! Congratulations queen
💖💖💖
i really love this woman she so nice and makes everything easier thanx ---from iraq
I love this woman because she is so cute and well informed. A deadly attractive combination 😉
You are the best speaker on the net on soap making. Your presence,professionally in dealing with specific details is so professional and organized .
I just recently bought the complete exfoliating soap kit from your site. I'm so excited to try my hand at cold process soap making myself! I've tried some melt and pour, but watching you and royalty soap make all of those beautiful soap bars in really inspiring!
It’s so weird rewatching these videos after so long! I was obsessed with your channel and then I just kind of forgot about it! Now I’m back after a longgg time and trying to remember how to make soap!!
Husband: "But lye won't cause actual burns will it?"
me: [shows him the chicken experiment part of this video] "Any questions?"
ask him does battery acid eat holes in your jeans...he will then get it....
Lol throw back "This is your chicken. This is your chicken on lye" 😂
Any questions?
“I have several. Starting with: Why did you dump lye on your chicken?”
Mine was "How long did you leave the lye on the chicken?" - that actually takes some TIME to do that. I have spilled a TON of crazy stuff on my fingers in chem/biochem labs because I was a clumsy science major. All I ever did was wash it off right away and rise for a few minutes, but I did always have my goggles on (did we even wear gloves when we titrated acids and bases? I think, no, but always eye protection ). Biochem= lots of reasons to use 0 to 1 M H2SO4 without gloves! My biggest issue wasn't in chem, it was a senior physics lab, I stood up too fast after crawling into the center of the electromagnet and whacked my head on the housing, probably gave myself a concussion.
I think she has alot of good information
Thank you for all of your tips. I've been doing melt and pour for a few months now, and after watching your videos more than once and taking notes I feel confident to start CP soap making!
melissa teel That is so exciting! Cold process soap is a lot of fun. You are definitely welcome for the tips, I love helping people out. Let me know how your first batch goes! =)
My first batch was the coffee ground bar from your book, I tweaked it a bit, used a different mold and it turned out fabulous!
melissa teel Yay, so happy to hear that! That's one of my favorite recipes, I love using coffee grounds. =)
Soap Crafting book: www.brambleberry.com/Soap-Crafting-Book.aspx
Wow so informative. I've been watching many TH-cam videos on soap making trying to Lear what I can before I start. I've not yet come across as good as this. Many mistakes I would have made had I not watched this. Thanks for the tips and safety notes ;)
You are so welcome! Happy I could help out. =)
Me, first clicking on this video: “Soapmaking sounds like a fun and rewarding hobby. Perhaps I can turn it into side money or even a full time gig!”
Me after 5 minutes: “ AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH WTF!”
Watching this because I applied for a job at a local soap store. Want to make sure I understand enough about soap
Whenever I measured the lye for the first time, my goggles kept getting cloudy and I was sweating. That was probably the scariest moment of my life. Somehow my cat got in, and I was trying to tell him to go away telepathically. Hopefully next time I won't freak myself out.
Josh Pearce Oh no! I'm glad to hear you and your cat are okay.
It may help to have a fan running in your room to help cool it down. You may also want to put your cat in another room so both of you stay safe. =)
Thank you kindly for your detailed reply! I've always wanted to make soap but couldn't find recipes that didn't have some sort of chemical or other in it and I have VERY sensitive skin. I wasn't aware than it's gone within 24 hours, that's amazing!
Thank you Ann Marie. Your soapcrafting book is already on my shopping list!
Oh that's awesome, I hope you love it! =)
Pure Soapmaking: www.brambleberry.com/Pure-Soapmaking-How-to-Create-Nourishing-Natural-Skin-Care-Soaps-P6298.aspx
I love had you explain different ways making soap
lol, I love 2:13 "Always wear long sleeve shirts.. AND PANTS!!!" xD
Thanks so much for your comment Arianna Weatherly! We definitely recommend having your pets out of the room when you make soap so they stay safe. =)
Thanks so much! You are too kind to help. :) The one I am noticing the most spots in is my most recent Lemongrass. I made this recipe up...but I thought it was going to balance hard bar, luxury oil etc. 8 oz. Coconut, 3.2 oz. Shea, 5.3 Palm, 6.5 Olive, 5.8 Sunflower, 3.2 Avocado... superfatted at 93% for 4.45 oz Lye in 11.12 oz distilled water. Wrote down it was a hard trace. Also 1.3 oz lemongrass eo. I swirled 4 oz into an infusion of 1 tsp green oxide and 1 tbs glycerin and swirled.
Hi soap queen, am in the UK and I just bought your book which I think it's amazing!! I am about to start soaping and here is to hoping everything goes well. I love all your videos by the way, keep doing what you do its amazing!!
Oh thanks so much Beth! I really appreciate your sweet comment. Have fun soaping! =)
Pure Soapmaking: www.brambleberry.com/Pure-Soapmaking-How-to-Create-Nourishing-Natural-Skin-Care-Soaps-P6298.aspx
You should refilm these in HD. :)
We'll definitely keep that in mind! Thanks for the suggestion. =)
I love these vids XD my dad made soap in a class and was wondering why his soap took the first layer of skin off his hands and burned when he used it. He didnt let the lye cure out of it and burned himself with it.
Hi. If you don't want to use lye in your soap, you can use Sodium lactate to hardened your soap or use Borax. I've been using borax in some of my soap for almost 2 yrs now and it's pretty safe for the skin. Try to do some research about it :) Have a nice day.
I'm excited to find your great video series here. My son and I are going to give soap making a try. Thank you! Also, I would love to know what your clean up process is. Does Lye damage the sink drain when you rinse off the equipment? If you leave everything overnight, will the raw soap and lye still be caustic?
There are several ways to clean up after soaping! You can let the soap harden and chip it off, or clean it right away. A bit of lye going down the sink shouldn't be bad. It's actually in most drain cleaners! You can check with your plumber to be sure though. Read more about cleaning here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/clean-soapy-session/
Anne Marie is an awesome entrepreneur. Extremely smart.
I’m thankful for you 💋 I’m now soap making because of your advice ❤️
really good speaker. very detailed. even your makeup and nails are great
Thank you for your clarity Ann Marie.
You're welcome!
Thanks so much Ann-Marie. I'm gonna be making cold process soap for the first time and am a little nervous about using lye and cleaning all the utensils when I'm done
Hi, sorry if this has been asked before but can you get rid of any spilt lye flakes in the regular trash wrapped up in a carrier bag or is it best to pour them down the sink?
Royalty soaps sent me here. Thank you for such an informative video
Hi Jake - This is what the MSDS sheet says for working with lye in case of accidental exposure: "Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing
and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used.Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean
shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately" Vinegar is something that many soapers use as well.
Here from Safiya’s latest video! 🙌🏻
Me too
Renán Guevara yup me too, now I wanna make soap... 😅
Love this. Its just what I was looking for. You gave oil percentages, but not for the palm oil. Any recommendations? Thank you.
Michele Iglesias So glad you love it Michele! You can use palm oil up to 30% in your recipes. =)
Read more about soapmaking oils and how to use them here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
This post on formulating cold process recipes may be helpful as well: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/formulating-cold-process-recipes/
Thanks for sharing the important information 🙏❤️
Fantastic video. I would add using a face mask. You can never be too cautious. Thanks for sharing.
Good starter vid. But what kind of water should I use and at what temp is good to add lye?
I just poured the thing of lye to my water on a a HARD ALUMINUM container and boy oh boy I thought I was going to die .. and now I'm here.. be safe! Listen to this woman!!
Hi Ann Marie Love all your vidoes. There was one regarding oatmeal? I can t remember but thought I read that baking soda did not work in cold process soap but it did in the rebatch? Does this mean I can use Baking soda in Hot Process? if so, would i add at the end or in the batter ? thanks bunches
great video, cant wait for the next ones in the series.
I also love the bloopers :D
if you remake this in HD you NEED to keep the reference to "this is your brain on drugs, any questions" since its become an absolute meme in the last year or so
I love your videos! just 1 remark. If you add vinegar to lye it neutralizes it, so have in hand vinegar in case of any accident! is way better than applying water for 15 minutes :).
Absolutely! So, it's all down to different strokes for different folks. I see. Thanks, Anne-Marie! =)
The passive agressiveness of the chicken experiment was gold
Great video. Thanks for the information 👍🏽 👏🏿💯
What a great tutorial!!! Thank you so much
I am new to soap making, I cant wait to start. Tink
Hi Anne Marie! Thanks so much for the informative videos! May I ask how do you determine the total amount of oils to use in a soap? Is it 70% of the targeted total soap weight?
+Aby Antonio I remember you mentioning it before but I just couldn't find where :) Hope to hear from you!
+Aby Antonio Hi there!
Your oils will be around 70%, depending on your superfat level. An easy way to find out how much oil, lye and liquid to use is with our Lye Calculator! It does the math for you. =)
Learn how to use the Lye Calculator here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/using-the-bramble-berry-lye-calculator-2/
Very nice soap 👌👌👌👌👌
Can you make a video showing the posible troubles with soap... Like white spots, watery spots....... Im beginner soapmaker and need know what to do in this cases. I realy apreciate your help. Thanxs
Hi Vanessa! You may find this blog post helpful! It goes into detail regarding different soapy mishaps.
Soap Behaving Badly:
www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/soap-behaving-badly/
You may also find this blog post helpful, it has all the resources for beginning bloggers in one place! =)
Beginning Soaper Resource:
www.soapqueen.com/bramble-berry-news/beginning-soaper-resource-roundup/
Hi. I am a professional brewer and we use liquid Sodium Hydroxide in the brewery for cleaning various tanks and equipment. Can that be used in soap making? and if so, is it at the same proportion of dry mix to water ratio?
If that's what the MSDS says, I'll have to bow to scientific consensus.
This video is the first soap making instruction I've come across that didn't advise the use of vinegar. Maybe either will work, but I'm gonna keep my vinegar handy.
If you knjow what wallpaper is in the background of your video I would LOOOVE to know! Please I need this for my daughter's room! :)
If I make a lot of Cold process soap, could I then use it as melt and pour soap? Just because ingredients are costly in Denmark and I would like to make a variety of different soaps.
Hi!! I just love your soap makingg tutorials. You are great!!!!!
I have never made soap. But now I am planning to. Can I use RO water or bottled water instead of distilled water?
I love your attitude!!
Thank you! Great presentation!!
Can you reheat the lye water solution later on to use if you forgot something and have to wait a while before mixing with the oils and other additives?
How long can your lye water sit. Can you make a large batch ahead of time and go to it when you need it, or should you make it singularly for each batch?
Hey Anne-Marie, is Cold Process Soap better than regular glycerin (melt and pour) soap? Some of them says that CP soaps are better because glycerin doesn't hydrate your skin enough and essential oils from glycerin soap fades quickly, so as their color? I think that glycerin soap are better!
Hi. When I was making a cold process soap, I got some lye mixture that was seated on my wrist coz my gloves is a bit big for my size, and it's really itchy and burning but I washed my hand with a cold running water for few minutes and the burning sensation n my skin s gone. I don't use vinegar coz it will produce more heat resulting to get more red spots on the skin :)
I love your videos, they help me so much! My question is, can I use corn oil in CP? If I can, how much I should use? Thank you!
Hi there, I am researching how to do this, and I've noticed something about percentages and the percentage calculator, I was wondering if maybe you could give a little lesson in what all the percentages are about in frgrances, in oils etc. Thanks so much :)
Hi Janine!
Thanks so much for your suggestion! When we say percentages, we mean the total amount you add to your soap! For instance, 1% of fragrance oil makes up 1% of your recipe total. =)
We have a great blog post with more information that may be helpful for you! I'll include a link below.
Soapy Math: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/math-soapers/
Hello! 1st time here! I’m interested in creating my own soap but do I have to use lye?
Hi! I was wondering if you could make a beauty soap like glutathione soap, papaya soap or soap with salicylic acid for acne
Hi Jamie!
Thank you for those great suggestions. =)
@Liza Bethea: I'm glad you didn't get hurt! I second the call to remake the video.
@ potential soapmakers: Lye is different from most of the chemicals that we come into contact with around the house in that it reacts chemically with water, which is why rinsing with water is a bad idea and will only make your burn worse. It's also a base, so to get its Ph to a safe level, you add an acid like vinegar or orange juice. (yay science!)
Hello Team. I know that Sodium Lactate is a popular addition with Anne-Marie but does it stop soap melting at high temperatures? I purchased her book Pure Soapmaking but it doesn't mention Sodium Lactate or any other ingredient that performs this function. What addition would Ann-Marie recommend to stop soap melting at high temperatures that is a natural ingredient without any parabens or carcigens or any other nasty ingredients please? Thank you
Hello Ms Debbie,
I'm making this picture for my friend using water-soluble paper. Are there any other options I can use to make the picture last for ever or for a very long time? Most of the times the picture soaps last for about 3 or 4 days befor fading away.
I was wondering what the name of the app is that you used in the video. I looked in the iTunes app store for soap queen and bramble berry but to no avail. I'd really like to use the calculator in the app that you recommend. : ) Thanks.
How many times can you reheat the palm oil? For a beginner soap maker who may only use it once in a while, would it be okay to buy in a larger bulk for cost efficiency or should I stick with smaller portions?
Thank you! Can't wait to finish these episodes.
+Jennifer Campbell You can reheat those bags as many time as you like! We do that often in our Soap Lab. =)
Palm oil has a shelf life of about 1 year. If you know you're going to use all the palm oil within 1 year, you can get the bigger quantities! If not, you may want to go with the smaller pound sizes. Read more about oil shelf lives here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
Oh man I am so thankful I watched this. Im currently studying (ie watching youtube vids) how to make soap and that chicken frickin scared me
So with the palm oil- if I don’t need all the bag but obviously need to heat it all up can I re heat it. Sorry I’m really new to soap
Makit
For anyone working with lye and worried about ingestion, poison control is important, but you should IMMEDIATELY drink something acidic like 100% orange juice, while someone is getting poison control on the phone. The acid will neutralize the alkaline lye on contact, and this also fulfills the need to dilute the lye as much as possible. If you can stomach it, sipping apple cider vinegar water is even better at neutralizing lye. Using vinegar water in all your wipedowns and utensil cleaning is also highly advise. Yes, it smells, but afterwards everything is safe to touch.
Thank you for this video! I just have one question: doesn't microwaving the oils destroy the nutrients in the oil?
We haven't experienced that happening to our oils at this time and we reheat them multiple times!
how long you let the bar soap cure, before using? I know you may use sod.lactate for faster cure. but in case if you don't use it then.
could you do a version of bramble berry app for Android 😍
Hello I need to know if I can wait until the lye water reach room temperature then add to oil or I have to heat up the oil to match the lye water temperature
hello anne marie I recently started making soap and Ive been having fun with it thanks to your videos but ive noticed that alot of the time when i add my fragrance oil my soap accelerates very fast and i feel like alot of the time i feel myself panicking also ive been wondering i cant seem to find anything really that explains the difference between hot and cold process soap thank you so much again YOUR EPIC
Hi Moxie! I'm so glad that you have been enjoying soaping! Some fragrances will accelerate trace of your soap, at Bramble Berry we try to be very clear on each product description how the fragrance behaves in soap. I always recommend having all your supplies ready to go so you don't panic mid-recipe =)
If you are curious about the difference between hot process soap and cold process soap, you may find these blog posts helpful! The most fundamental difference is hot process calls for heat being applied through the use of a crock pot (or a double boiler or jacketed soup tureen), while cold process does not!
Cold Process Soap:www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-cold-process/
Hot Process Camo Soap: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/hot-process-series-crock-pot-camo/
Good day madam please I need discretion on every measurements on how to prepare marble soap thanks
Hello,I am new in this soap making process.I wanted exact measurements to make cold process soaps.Can you guide me with that please.
it does seem scary and overwhelming, thank you for sharing your video I learned a lot for a beginner I can not wait to start doing this, all the oils seem overwhelming what kind of oil scents would you suggest for your first batch and as a beginner.
+jeff mcdoyle You're welcome Jeff! We have an amazing series that goes over the basics of cold process soap and has some great beginner recipes I think you'll like. I'll link that series below. =)
Back to Basics Roundup: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/back-to-basic-series-roundup-quiz/
awesome thanks so much
Hello Ann Marie. Thank you so much for these TV episodes - you are so knowledgeable. I have a little dilemma. I took one of my soaps to a friend in a paper bag in my handbag, but it started melting. What can I do about that please? Thank you.
+Debbie Davies Oh I'm sorry about that! Was that melt and pour or cold process soap? Also, is it fairly hot where you live? Let me know. =)
+Soap Queen TV Hello Ann Marie. Thank you for your reply. My soap was cold processed soap but it is not very warm at all where I live, or in my home! The only thing I didn't do was to use preservative but as far as I can gather it shouldn't technically even be necessary. Being as I want to eventually have a soap shop important that I get to the bottom of this mystery.
+Debbie Davies Soap doesn't need a preservative so I don't think that is what's causing it! When you say the soap melted, did it turn fully liquid? Or did it have a sort of oily texture on the outside?
+Soap Queen TV Thank you Ann Marie. The soap melted in a soft sort of way not a oily way or slimey way - just melting in a not staying hard sort of way.
+Debbie Davies Hmm, I'm wondering if it may be the recipe. If too much oil is used, the soap can be soft or have a more liquidy texture. How much oil and lye did you use? How old is your lye? Did you use sodium hydroxide lye or potassium hydroxide lye? Thanks!
Hi, can you make a video walk through tutorial on how to use the beginners soap making kit from bramble berry? I just got the kit and it would be very helpful if you could show how to use it as I want to be sure I do it the right way
+Bayli Grossi We have a blog post that shows you how to use that kit! It's very helpful. I'll include a link below. =)
Beginner's Cold Process Kit How-To: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/cold-process-beginners-kit/
Hello Ann Marie. I am a little confused. I believed that during the curing process the ingredients react together so the lye is transformed into soap by reacting with the oil and water, but I can touch my soap the following day and it isn't caustic at all, so do I leave it to cure just to leave the water evaporate. I use stearic acid in my soap so they are hard in a couple of day, so am I able to use these soaps immediately? Thanks
Hi Debbie! Most of the saponification reaction happens within the first two days. That means the lye is mostly gone by then. However, there is still water in the bars that needs to evaporate. During the 4-6 week cure time, the water evaporates and the soap becomes harder, milder and lasts longer in the shower. We think it's worth the wait. =)
Read more about curing and storing soap here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
Hello Ann Marie when you made the sunshine soap which was beautiful, did it turn brown?
Hello!
Because one half of the soap had calendula petals, they did eventually turn brown. All natural ingredients will eventually turn brown, so you'll want to keep that in mind when you're using them. =)
Making Sunshine Cold Process Soap: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/making-sunshine-cold-process-soap/
Hi! I want to do cold process soap, but I'm 7 months pregnant. Is it safe to work with lye as long as I have proper protective gear? Or should I just wait until after I give birth? Thanks for your help!
Hi there!
A lot of it is personal preference! I soaped a lot during my pregnancy and felt safe doing so. However, if you have any sensitivities to fumes you may want to skip it. I would also recommend talking with your doctor! Let them know your concerns and if they think it's OK. =)
Read more about soaping while pregnant here: www.soapqueen.com/personal-ramblings/keeping-the-bramble-bump-safe-2/
how about essential oils and milk? how should i measure them? and also if I want to use nettle is it ok to use the leafs ?
Doesn't Katie from Royalty Soaps mix oil and lye at around 78°? Could swear I have seen her say that many times. (She says room temp but then explains her house is in the high 70's.)
Hi Ann Marie. I was just wondering why vegetable oil is never mentioned in soapmaking , after all vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals so I would think that it would be a great oil to use. Thanks
Store bought vegetable oil can be tricky to use in soap. It's often made up of several different oils. Because the amounts of each oil aren't listed, it can be difficult to calculate how much lye to use. We prefer oils like coconut, olive, sweet almond, etc. =)
Read more about common soapmaking oils here: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
😊😊😊
hi ,Anne i watched your 4 videos and have some questions are mica color the same colors which are used in eye shadows ? can you give me the perfect percent of olive ,coconut , palm and castor oil for a good bar of soap ? thank you very much
Hello!
Some of the micas used in soap are also eye safe and can be used in makeup! I'll include a list below. =)
Eye Shadow Safe Micas and Colorants: www.brambleberry.com/Eye-Shadow-Safe-Micas-Colorants-W38.aspx
Also, the perfect recipe for you totally depends on personal preference! However, we have a basic recipe we love to use, which is 32% coconut oil, 32% palm oil, 32% olive oil and 4% castor oil. That gives you a firm bar with lots of great bubbles. I'll include a link that shows you how to formulate cold process recipes that may be helpful for you. =)
Formulating Cold Process Recipes: www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/formulating-cold-process-recipes/
Thank you very much ,that helps me really
Hi, Anne-Marie! I'm just wondering if there is a way to convert the weight to a volume measurement. I do not own a scale, and cannot afford one, but I still want to try this. So, I'm just curious as to an alternative measurement system. Thanks!
hi, what's the difference between potassium hydroxide & sodium hydroxide can i use any of them as an alternative to the other in making the soap?
many people use Castile to make soap or shampoo can it be replaced by Moroccan soap?
is the oils, melted butters, water and lye measured in weight or volume? for example do i weigh out 8z or 1/2 lb of how much liquid i need on a scale or do i use a measuring cup to get 8 oz?
how much ventilation is needed when you making your lye water? Is one open window enough or do you need more?
If you get lye on you, or on any surface you can use vinegar to stop lye from processing
Does anyone know if this is a hard soap? Like if i use this recipe do you think a stamp would stamp through the soap?
Is it possible to make soap without lye water and be able to sell it? Thank you for this helpful video
Hi, if you don't want to use lye but still want to make soap, you will be limited to melt and pour bases, which have already gone through the saponification process.
Melt and Pour Soap Bases: www.brambleberry.com/shop-by-craft/soap-making/melt-and-pour/bases
@@bramble-berry Thank you for this
Please please tell me the ratio of lye mixture to oils! Thanks xxx