castor oil age spots before and after

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: HOW TO MAKE HERBAL LIQUID SOAP FROM SCRATCH

Making liquid soap from scratch once seemed daunting to me, but after trying it, I discovered it’s much simpler than it looks!

If you’ve already mastered cold process or hot process soap making, then crafting liquid soap is a natural next step.

This guide was originally part of my newest print book, The Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home. Unfortunately, due to space constraints, it didn’t make the final cut—so I’m sharing the tips and recipes here with you instead. Enjoy!

Liquid Soapmaking Tips

Before you dive into making liquid soap, here are a few key points to keep in mind.

YOU’LL NEED A DIFFERENT TYPE OF LYE:

One major difference between liquid soap and bar soap lies in the type of lye used.

Bar soap hardens thanks to sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which acts as the agent that turns oils into solid soap.

Liquid soap, on the other hand, is made by combining oils with potassium hydroxide (KOH). This type of lye is readily available from Etsy or online soap-making suppliers.

Keep in mind that potassium hydroxide purity levels can vary. My recipes are based on 90% purity, a common standard. If your bottle lists a different purity level, you can adjust your recipe using the Soapee calculator. Simply select Liquid Soap – using KOH and input the lye purity number in the first box.

CROCKPOT SIZE FOR LIQUID SOAP:

For this recipe size, I use a 4-quart crock pot (slow cooker), which I picked up at a local big-box store. Make sure to avoid slow cookers with non-stick or Teflon-coated interiors, as these materials can react negatively with lye.

SUPERFAT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN BAR SOAP:

Liquid soap differs slightly from bar soap in that it requires a lower superfat—typically no higher than 3%. A higher superfat may cause the soap to develop an oily layer.

YOU’LL NEED TO USE MORE WATER IN YOUR RECIPE:

When making liquid soap, the water amount is higher than in bar soap recipes. You’ll need roughly three times the weight of potassium hydroxide in water.

IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO DILUTE SOAP PASTE ONLY WITH WATER AND/OR GLYCERIN:

To ensure your liquid soap has the longest shelf life, dilute the finished soap paste with water or a combination of water and glycerin.

Avoid diluting with herbal teas or milk, as these can cause the soap to spoil more quickly—unless they were cooked into the recipe, like in the Calendula & Coconut Liquid Soap below.

OILS ACT DIFFERENTLY IN LIQUID SOAP THAN BAR SOAP:

When creating your own liquid soap recipes, remember that the choice of oils affects the soap’s consistency.

Using more olive oil results in a thicker soap, while more coconut oil creates a thinner soap.

For a deeper dive into how different oils impact liquid soap, check out this informative post on the Soapmaking Forum.

YOU HAVE LOTS OF HERBAL OPTIONS:

“There are many herbs you can experiment with beyond the ones listed in the recipes below. You can easily substitute them or omit them entirely, using plain oils and water in place of infused oils and herbal teas.

I’m currently working on a resource to provide more detailed options, but in the meantime, here are a few herbs and flowers you might consider exploring:

  • Chamomile
  • Plantain
  • Calendula
  • Dandelion
  • Sunflower
  • Violet leaf”

MY WAY IS NOT THE ONLY WAY:

First and foremost, it’s important to note that this is how I make liquid soap—it’s just one of many methods, not necessarily the best or only method.

There are many fantastic resources available for learning how to make liquid soap. Here are a few to get you started:

  • Soapmaking Forum (I frequently recommend this site; it’s an invaluable resource for soapmakers.) – Liquid Soap & Cream Soap Forum
  • Ultimate HP Soap – 30-Minute Liquid Soap
  • Wholesale Supplies Plus – Learn to Make: Liquid Soap From Scratch
  • Modern Soapmaking – Easy & Quick Tips for Making Liquid Soap Successfully

A quick search for ‘liquid soap’ on any search engine will lead you to even more helpful information!

Liquid Soap Making Overview

Step 1:
Weigh the oils for your recipe and place them into a slow cooker. Turn the heat to high. If you’re using milk powder, briefly blend it into the combined oils using an immersion blender.

Step 2:
Place the distilled water or cooled herbal tea in a stainless steel or heatproof plastic container. While wearing gloves and goggles, weigh out the potassium hydroxide and carefully sprinkle it into the water. Stir well. It’s normal for the lye solution to make a crackling noise when it’s first mixed.

Step 3:
Turn the slow cooker’s heat to low, then pour in the lye solution. Hand stir the mixture for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s fully incorporated. After that, begin blending with your immersion blender. Blend for 1 minute, then allow the blender to rest for a few minutes before blending again for another minute. Avoid running the motor continuously to prevent burning it out. It may take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to reach trace.

Step 4:
Keep the heat on low, cover the slow cooker with its lid, and check the mixture every 20 to 30 minutes. Stir with a heatproof spoon or spatula. The soap will start to darken and develop gel-like spots, with other areas separating into clear or cloudy liquid. This is completely normal—just stir everything back together, replace the lid, and continue cooking.

Step 5:
After 1 to 2 hours, the soap batter should become thicker and more concentrated. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the soap is glossy and resembles Vaseline, as shown in the photo. The total cook time for liquid soap may vary between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the temperature settings of your slow cooker.

Step 6 (Optional):
To check if the soap is fully saponified, you can perform an old-fashioned zap test to ensure there’s no residual lye.

To do this, scoop out 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of soap paste and allow it to cool to a safe, comfortable temperature. Mix the cooled paste with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of distilled water. Dip your fingertip into the diluted paste and taste it with just the tip of your tongue (don’t swallow the soap!). If it gives your tongue a zapping or electric feeling, the soap needs more cooking. If it just tastes like soap without any zappy sensation, the soap is ready. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with cold water afterward.

If you’d prefer not to taste the soap but are still unsure, you can turn off the slow cooker, keep the soap covered, and let it sit for 6 hours or overnight to finish the saponification process on its own before proceeding with the next steps of the recipe.

Step 7:
Store the soap paste in covered jars if you want to dilute small amounts at a time. This method extends the shelf life of the undiluted soap paste, which can last for several years. If you choose to dilute the entire batch at once, the shelf life will be shorter. The pH of finished diluted soap typically ranges from 9 to 10.5, and because of its natural alkalinity, it generally doesn’t require a preservative for home use—provided it’s diluted with only distilled water or vegetable glycerine. However, those who sell liquid soap or prefer extra protection often add a preservative like Liquid Germall Plus. I personally don’t add preservatives to my soap, but it’s your choice.

Step 8:
To determine the starting dilution amount, weigh the fully cooked soap paste and multiply the weight by 0.2 (20%) to find how much glycerine you need. Then, multiply the weight by 0.8 (80%) to figure out how much distilled water is required.

For example, if your soap batch weighs 30 ounces (850 g), you would need 6 oz (170 g) glycerine and 24 oz (680 g) distilled water.
If you prefer to dilute a smaller amount, such as 4 ounces of paste, you’d need 0.8 oz (23 g) glycerine and 3.2 oz (91 g) distilled water.

If you don’t have glycerine or choose not to use it, simply substitute more distilled water in its place.

Step 9:
Combine the glycerine and distilled water in a deep stainless steel saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the soap paste to the boiling mixture, stirring gently to ensure the paste is covered by the liquid. Then, cover the pan and turn off the heat, leaving it on the still-hot burner. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally and mashing with a fork, spatula, or potato masher to break up any lumps.

Repeat the boiling and cooling process 1 to 2 more times, allowing the soap paste to dissolve completely. Don’t rush this step or stir too vigorously, as the process takes time. Leave the mixture at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, stirring occasionally, until the paste is fully dissolved.

Step 10:
To add fragrance, gently warm the soap one last time, but do not allow it to simmer or boil. Once the soap is warmed (around 100°F), stir in the essential oil. To calculate the right amount, use 1% of the total diluted soap weight. For example, if you have 8 ounces (237 ml) of diluted soap, you would use 0.08 ounces or about 2.4 ml of essential oil, which is approximately ½ teaspoon. You can also use EO Calc for more precise measurements.

Some essential oils, such as lavender, blend well into liquid soap, while others may cause cloudiness or separation. If this is the case, you might want to use a solubilizer to keep the essential oils mixed evenly. A future article will go into more detail on adding essential oils to liquid soap.

Step 11:
Pour the diluted soap into jars using a fine mesh strainer to catch any undissolved lumps. Let the soap sit undisturbed for several days so it can settle and clear. While the soap can technically be used immediately, giving it time to rest will improve its clarity.

Liquid Soap Recipes

Here are two recipes to kick off your liquid soapmaking journey. You can also check out the Dandelion & Honey Liquid Soap recipe already published on my site. Use the Soapee Calculator, the tips shared earlier in this article, and your creativity to experiment and create your own unique liquid soap recipes!

CALENDULA & COCONUT LIQUID SOAP

This soap captures the essence of sunshine in a jar, thanks to the bright yellow color from calendula flower-infused coconut oil. For added nourishment and appeal, I included a small amount of coconut milk powder in the oils, but you can also use cow or goat milk powder, or skip it altogether. Just keep in mind that milk powders should be used in small amounts for liquid soap to avoid scorching during the long cook time.

It’s important not to dilute soap paste with fresh milk, as it can spoil easily. For more on how to make calendula-infused oil, check out my article on Calendula Oil & Salve.

Yield: 60 ounces (1.7 kg) of diluted soap

Ingredients:

  • 13.75 oz (390 g) distilled water
  • 4.63 oz (131 g) potassium hydroxide (3% superfat)
  • 8 oz (227 g) calendula-infused coconut oil (40%)
  • 3 oz (85 g) castor oil (15%)
  • 9 oz (255 g) high oleic sunflower oil (45%)
  • 1/2 tsp coconut milk powder
  • Up to 6 oz (170 g) vegetable glycerine, for dilution (or more distilled water)
  • Up to 24 oz (680 g) distilled water, for dilution
  • Equal amounts of orange and grapefruit essential oils (see step 10 in the Liquid Soap Making Overview for how to calculate essential oil amounts)

Directions:

  1. In a stainless steel or heatproof plastic container, place the distilled water. Wearing gloves and goggles, weigh out the potassium hydroxide and carefully add it to the water. Stir well and set the lye solution aside.
  2. Weigh the coconut, castor, and sunflower oils into a slow cooker. Blend in the coconut milk powder using an immersion blender. Turn the heat to low, then pour in the lye solution. Alternate between blending with the immersion blender and stirring by hand until trace is reached.
  3. Keep the heat on low, cover the slow cooker with the lid, and check every 30 minutes. Stir with a heatproof spoon or spatula. Continue cooking for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Store the paste in covered jars. Follow the dilution and scenting guidelines in the full Liquid Soap Making Overview.

HEMP & PLANTAIN LIQUID SOAP

This soap combines plantain-infused coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and nourishing hemp oil for a truly unique blend. It’s lightly scented with lavender essential oil, though you can skip the scent for a more natural version.

Note: I used rich, unrefined hemp seed oil from Mountain Rose Herbs to give the soap a subtle green hue. However, hemp seed oil has a shorter shelf life, so it’s best to use this soap within 4 to 6 months. Over time, the green hue may fade to a brownish color, though the soap remains effective and fragrant. I’ve had a jar of this recipe for over a year, and it’s still good, but the color has changed.

Yield: 60 ounces (1.7 kg) diluted soap

Ingredients:

  • 13.75 oz (390 g) distilled water
  • 4.63 oz (131 g) potassium hydroxide (2% superfat)
  • 7 oz (198 g) plantain-infused coconut oil (35%)
  • 2 oz (57 g) castor oil (10%)
  • 6 oz (170 g) extra virgin olive oil (30%)
  • 4 oz (113 g) high oleic sunflower oil (20%)
  • 1 oz (28 g) unrefined hemp or avocado oil (5%)
  • Up to 6 oz (170 g) vegetable glycerine, for dilution (or more distilled water)
  • Up to 24 oz (680 g) distilled water, for dilution
  • Lavender essential oil (see step 10 in the Liquid Soap Making Overview for how to calculate essential oil amounts)

Directions:

  1. Place the distilled water in a stainless steel or heatproof plastic container. Wearing gloves and goggles, carefully weigh out the potassium hydroxide and sprinkle it into the water. Stir well, and set the lye solution aside.
  2. Weigh the coconut, castor, olive, sunflower, and hemp oils into a slow cooker. Turn the heat to low, then pour in the lye solution. Alternate between using an immersion blender and stirring by hand until trace is reached.
  3. Keep the heat on low, cover the slow cooker with the lid, and check every 30 minutes. Stir with a heatproof spoon or spatula. Continue cooking for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Store the soap paste in covered jars. Follow the dilution and scenting guidelines in the full Liquid Soap Making Overview.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making your own liquid soap allows for creative freedom in selecting nourishing oils, natural ingredients, and essential oils to customize the formula to your needs. With the right ingredients, like plantain-infused coconut oil, hemp oil, or calendula, and careful attention to the cooking and dilution process, you can create a luxurious, natural soap that’s both effective and gentle on the skin.

By following the detailed steps provided in the soapmaking process—from creating the lye solution to diluting the soap paste—you’ll be able to craft a product that suits your preferences. Whether you want a soothing lavender scent, a bright, sunny color from calendula, or a gentle, unscented bar, homemade liquid soap offers a unique, customizable experience. Remember that patience is key, and each batch will have its own characteristics, including color changes over time depending on the oils used.

So, whether you’re making soap for personal use or as a creative gift, the process is both rewarding and satisfying. Happy soapmaking!

14 BEST ROSEMARY OILS FOR HAIR GROWTH

Rosemary oil is a potent natural remedy for hair loss. Several studies support its efficacy in treating male pattern baldness. Many people want to improve hair growth. They often search for the best rosemary oil among many blends, tonics, and treatments. In this article, we meticulously examine 14 rosemary oil blends. Each one offers unique benefits for addressing hair loss.

WHAT TYPE OF ROSEMARY OIL IS BEST FOR HAIR GROWTH?

Rosemary oil comes in two main chemotypes. Spanish and Moroccan/Tunisian types are distinguished by variations in cineole and camphor levels. Both components can help with hair loss symptoms. However, there is no conclusive evidence that one type is better for promoting hair growth. Therefore, the choice between Spanish and Moroccan/Tunisian rosemary oil is largely a matter of personal preference. Regardless of the type chosen, it is crucial to ensure proper dilution to prevent irritation to the scalp. Some rosemary oil blends come pre-mixed with carrier oils. Others may require you to create your own blend for optimal effectiveness.

THE 14 BEST ROSEMARY OILS FOR HAIR GROWTH

Several rosemary oils available in the market are skillfully combined with other ingredients. This creates highly effective solutions for promoting hair growth.

In the table below, we delve into a comparison of some of the finest rosemary oils specifically crafted to enhance hair growth.

NIKURA PURE ROSEMARY OIL ESSENTIAL OIL

Nikura Rosemary Oil for Hair is a potent blend. It features Tunisian rosemary oil, nourishing argan oil, and enriching sweet almond oil. This carefully crafted combination offers a multi-faceted approach to hair care. Tunisian rosemary oil not only protects against UV damage but also enhances hair hydration. Argan oil plays a dual role. It regulates sebum production and provides moisture. This mirrors sweet almond oil’s moisturizing benefits. Together, they improve hair elasticity. This reduces the risk of hair breakage.

THE WHITE COMPANY ORGANIC ROSEMARY PURE AROMATHERAPY OIL

The White Company’s Organic Rosemary Pure Aromatherapy Oil contains only pure rosemary oil. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking an essential oil without extra ingredients. Rosemary oil is notably effective in inhibiting scalp oil production. It is a preferred choice for stimulating hair growth in men. However, its hormone-blocking property may render it less suitable for premenopausal women. Focus on the effects and ingredients. It’s crucial to dilute this pure aromatherapy oil before skin application. Options like coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil serve as suitable carriers for a safe and effective application.

TOXIQUE ROSEMARY ESSENTIALS

Toxique Rosemary Essentials stands out as an exceptional choice for promoting hair growth. They ensure a standardized approach with a triple-filtered and blended formulation. They check flavonoid and terpenoid levels to guarantee effectiveness. This premium rosemary oil, combined with mint, castor, and argan, offers exceptional quality and potency. The product is 100% natural, pure, and free from harmful additives. This makes it versatile for various applications, from scalp massage to DIY hair care. Toxique Rosemary Essentials is backed by a money-back guarantee. It is a risk-free option. However, its limited availability and all-in-one package may be a consideration for some users.

NATURAL ELEMENTS STIMULATING HAIR GROWTH OIL

This formulation features an essential oil blend that has shown efficacy in alleviating symptoms of alopecia areata. A study found 44% of patients saw improvement. The blend includes rosemary, coconut, cedarwood, and lavender oils. Notably, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood oils contribute to the therapeutic benefits. Additionally, coconut oil serves as a moisturizing carrier oil. It enhances the overall nourishing qualities of this blend.

MAPLE HOLISTICS ROSEMARY OIL

We highly recommend Maple Holistics Rosemary Oil. It is versatile and potent. It caters to hair growth, skin care, and aromatherapy. This 100% pure and undiluted oil ensures maximum effectiveness. You can seamlessly integrate it into shampoos or carrier oils. While its refreshing scent promotes relaxation and energy, it may be too strong for some users. It’s essential to properly dilute the oil to avoid skin irritation, and proper storage is crucial to prevent potential leaks. Overall, Maple Holistics Rosemary Oil has proven transformative in enhancing our hair and skin care routines. It offers a delightful aromatherapy experience.

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES ROSEMARY AND CEDARWOOD HAIR TREATMENT 

This unique blend incorporates the therapeutic properties of rosemary, coconut, cedarwood, and lavender oils. It is crafted with precision. This combination has demonstrated effectiveness in ameliorating symptoms of alopecia areata. Coconut oil has therapeutic benefits. It is a moisturizing carrier and enhances the overall potency of this essential oil composition.

UMBERTO GIANNI ROSEMARY SCALP AND HAIR OIL

The Umberto Gianni Rosemary Scalp and Hair Oil contains a potent blend of 15 essential oils. It’s an excellent choice for promoting hair growth, nourishing the scalp, and providing heat protection for your hair. Going beyond, this formula is enriched with vitamin E, a powerhouse with antioxidant properties that combat free radicals, addressing potential contributors to hair loss.

HAIR SYRUP ROSEMARY OIL 

Hair Syrup’s Grows Mary solution offers an experience of the potent blend of active ingredients meticulously crafted to promote vibrant and healthy hair. The solution harnesses the power of thyme and rosemary oils to address alopecia areata bald spots, while the infusion of almond and olive oil provides deep hydration, enhancing hair elasticity. Grows Mary goes a step further by fortifying hair elasticity, minimizing breakage, and taming frizzy, broken strands, leaving your hair resilient and revitalized.

SAFAH’S BLENDED ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

Safah’s Blended Rosemary Essential Oil features a simple yet effective combination of rosemary oil and the carrier oil, grape seed oil. This blend is designed for direct application to the scalp, allowing you to fully enjoy the hair growth benefits of rosemary oil. Additionally, grape seed oil brings its own advantages to the table—it not only cleanses the scalp but also provides moisturization, effectively removing excess sebum for a healthier hair environment. 

HIQILI ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

For those seeking to enhance hair growth and scalp health, we highly recommend HIQILI Rosemary Essential Oil. It seamlessly mixes with shampoo or conditioner, offering convenience in use while providing nourishment to the scalp and combating dandruff. Crafted with pure and natural rosemary oil, it’s a valuable addition to any hair care routine. However, the robust scent may be overpowering for some, and proper dilution is crucial to prevent potential irritation. It’s essential to be cautious if you have rosemary allergies, as this product may not be suitable.

 AROMATICA ROSEMARY ROOT ENHANCER

Maximizing its effectiveness when applied to the scalp, rosemary oil also contributes to increased volume around the hair roots. Aromatica’s Rosemary Root Enhancer, enriched with soybean extract and sesame seed oil alongside rosemary oil, goes beyond by combating premature hair aging and alleviating inflammation. The precision of the directional nozzle ensures effortless application of this rosemary oil formula directly to your roots and scalp, enhancing its overall efficacy.

L’OCCITANE HARMONY ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND

Infused with the dynamic combination of thyme and lavender oils, L’Occitane Harmony Essential Oil Blend, when paired with rosemary oil, becomes a powerful remedy against alopecia areata. Furthermore, the inclusion of juniper oil adds a cleansing and detoxifying element, promoting enhanced blood flow to the follicles. To ensure a gentle application, it is advisable to dilute this essential oil before applying it to the scalp, preventing any potential irritation.

HANDCRAFT ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

Handcraft Rosemary Essential Oil boasts premium therapeutic grade, ensuring both efficacy and purity. Its packaging in an amber glass bottle with a glass dropper shields the oil from UV rays, guaranteeing longevity. Independently tested by Handcraft Blends, the oil comes with a quality guarantee, though effectiveness may vary among different hair types and individuals. Some users may find the scent too strong, and improper dilution could lead to skin irritation. After several months of use, we’ve noticed a significant improvement in hair health and growth. The oil’s easy application and quick absorption into the scalp leave it feeling nourished and moisturized, making it an appealing choice with its 100% pure and natural composition supported by a quality guarantee.

MIAROMA ROSEMARY PURE ESSENTIAL OIL

With a composition of 100% pure rosemary oil, Miaroma Rosemary Pure Essential Oil needs to be diluted before application. While rosemary oil is gentler on the scalp compared to solutions like Minoxidil, using it undiluted is still too harsh. Similar to other rosemary essential oils, Miaroma’s formula proves effective in reducing DHT levels in the scalp, combating free radicals, and enhancing overall circulation.

HOW DO YOU MAKE ROSEMARY OIL MORE EFFECTIVE?

Regardless of the specific rosemary oil you choose for promoting hair growth, there are additional strategies to boost the likelihood of seeing positive results:

Derma Roller Usage

  • Incorporate the use of a derma roller, known for improving the absorption of topical hair loss treatments. This can enhance the penetration of rosemary oil into the skin, potentially maximizing its effectiveness.

Combining with Minoxidil

  • Consider combining rosemary oil with topical Minoxidil. Rosemary oil offers similar benefits to 2% Minoxidil, and combining the two treatments may potentially yield enhanced results. However, it’s advisable to consult with a trichologist before using a combination of hair loss solutions.

Scalp Massage

  • Actively massage your scalp for at least 20 minutes each time you apply rosemary oil. This massage not only aids in the absorption of the oil but also stimulates increased blood flow to the follicles, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.

WHO SHOULDN’T USE ROSEMARY OIL ON HAIR?

Tread lightly with rosemary oil if you have a sensitive scalp, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have little ones! Its potency can be a bit much for their delicate skin. Allergic souls should also patch test first, and those on certain medications should check with their doctor before venturing forth. Dry or brittle hair might not appreciate its drying powers, while light-colored locks might find themselves a touch darker after a rosemary rendezvous. Overall, consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions, and embrace a cautious approach to unlock the hair-healthy potential of rosemary oil without the unwanted drama.

CONCLUSION

The search for the best oil for hair growth has yielded a diverse range of options, with rosemary oil standing out prominently. Each choice offers a unique blend of nourishing properties, from the restorative effects of essential oils to the soothing benefits of tea tree oil and the richness of castor oil. These formulas hold the promise of being a panacea for healthy and voluminous hair. Whether you are seeking to combat dryness, stimulate hair follicles, or simply enhance the overall health of your hair, these oils provide suitable solutions for all hair types and concerns. After reading this article, we hope you will find a perfect product that suits your needs!