WHY make your own soap, lotion, etc?

Blaundee

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Please don't take this wrong :) I am all for crafts, and hobbies, etc- but besides the crafty aspect, why would someone want to make their own soaps and lotions? Isn't it cheaper and easier to buy it? It's not like there aren't a million scents/ingredients/etc to choose from. I'm just curious- I've often thought about trying it myself, but can't find a "good reason" to do so, when there are so mnay options at the stores.
 

TheMartianChick

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There's no harm in asking a question!

Many people choose to make their own soaps and lotions so that they know how it is done. It also can provide some income once you get the knack of it. Some people sell those products in an online Etsy store or at a farmer's market or boutique. To me, the best reason to make your own is that you can contol the ingredients that go into them. Homemade soap has a different texture than most of the ones that I buy in a store, unless I buy some that someone else made in their own home! I also like strongly scented soaps and most in the stores are not that strong unless you buy the fancy (expensive) ones.

Another aspect of making your own is that you can use leftover fat or excess milk in order to make them. It keeps those products from going to waste.
 

Blaundee

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Cool :) Can you make soap SOLEY from things that you grow/produce yourself, or do you have to buy at least some of the ingredients?
 

Denim Deb

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You can make your own soap from wood ashes and fat. It would be just a very basic soap. You'd need to add water to the ashes and let it sit then have a way to drain the water off, that would give you homemade lye. And, you'd have to render down the fat. I've never done it, but it is possible to do.
 

Blaundee

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Denim Deb said:
You can make your own soap from wood ashes and fat. It would be just a very basic soap. You'd need to add water to the ashes and let it sit then have a way to drain the water off, that would give you homemade lye. And, you'd have to render down the fat. I've never done it, but it is possible to do.
Hmmm.... that's interesting... thanks :)
 

TheMartianChick

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As Deb said, it can be done. I think that most of us just buy the lye and then make the soap.
 

Emerald

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For me I get these urges to try new things and I "have" to know how to do it from beginning to end.
I am also allergic to some things and so being able to make things from scratch and KNOW what is in there is important. Plus I can use Essential oils for scents and make what I like.. I like straight scents like. Just lavender or just mint etc. most places you can not get just lavender. Those single notes are my favorites. ;)
 

okra

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Soap making is on our to do list. We have surplus olive oil and I suppose it's the satisfaction derived from making your own rather than comparing it to supermarket prices.

If we compared prices we probably would not grow onions or make our own chips from homegrown potatoes as frozen oven chips are cheaper.
 

Blaundee

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okra said:
Soap making is on our to do list. We have surplus olive oil and I suppose it's the satisfaction derived from making your own rather than comparing it to supermarket prices.

If we compared prices we probably would not grow onions or make our own chips from homegrown potatoes as frozen oven chips are cheaper.
Ah, like raising your own chickens for eggs and meat rather than buying it at the store :) Costs more if you add it up, but it's enjoyable, satisfying, and you know what's in it :)
 

rhoda_bruce

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Also, there is the health benefit aspect. I am soooo about to make soap the old fashion way, but have only used glycerine, however when I made soap using elder leaves and flowers, DH claimed his dry skin condition had disappeared.
Considering my brother-in-law kills a few pigs a year and has fat and I use a potbelly to heat my house and have lots of wood ash, I figure I can make almost free soap.
I"m studying herbology now and there are lots of herbal recipes, I can tap into for various problems. The same would be true of making lotions.
 
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