Citric acid for bath bombs Step-by-Step Cream of Tartar Recipe This recipe replaces citric acid entirely with cream of tartar. It creates a smooth bath bomb that acts more like a "bath dissolve," melting away to release skin-conditioning oils. [1, 2, 3, 4] 📦 Necessary Materials 1 cup baking soda 1/4 cup cream of tartar 1/2 cup cornstarch (acts as a filler and stabilizer) OPTIONAL 1/2 cup Epsom salt or sea salt - OPTIONAL - We don't use it 1 tablespoon carrier oil (like cocon

Cracked bath bomb Bath bombs cracking, crumbling or stuck in the mould? Here's why it happens in South Africa's climate and exactly how to fix it. No fluff. Why Your Bath Bombs Keep Falling Apart (SA Edition) Bath Bomb Fails: The South African Fix-It Guide Bath bombs look easy until yours snaps in half on the way out the mould. Then suddenly you're googling at 11pm wondering if you've ruined your life or just your citric acid. You haven't. South Africa's climate is just messi

mica colours available in pink shades If you’re diving into the world of soap making, you’ll soon discover that colour is just as important as scent and texture. After all, who wants a boring bar of soap? Whether you’re crafting a vibrant bath bomb or a luxurious soap bar, choosing the right colourants can make your creations pop and bring your artistic vision to life. Here’s your ultimate guide to soap making colourants, packed with practical tips, a dash of South African hu

You will need: A silicone mould, Black oxide colour , Glycerine soap base (M and P), Fragrance oil, Rubbing alcohol, Jugs and spoons, Chocolate transfer sheets. The are available from most baking shops 1. Place your soap in the microwave on defrost until it has all melted, 2. While it is melting cut your transfer sheet to fit snugly into the base of the mould, shiny side in contact with the mould. i.e. facing down 3. Take your black oxide (mixed with a little alcohol to preve

Unleash Your Creativity with Scrunchie Soap Feeling creative? Want to try something new? Here is a fun project you can do at home with safe ingredients. Make an exciting “scrunchie soap” that is perfect as a gift or for use by you and your family. This project is not just about making soap; it's about adding a splash of fun to your self-care routine. What You’ll Need Before we dive into the fun part, let’s gather our supplies. Here’s what you’ll need: Paper cupcake holder Sho

Soap making is a fascinating craft that allows individuals to create custom soaps tailored to personal preferences and skin types. There are several methods for making soap, each with its own set of advantages, challenges, and safety considerations. In this blog post, we will delve into the different types of soap making, highlighting which methods are the easiest, safest, and which require the use of lye, along with necessary protective measures. Types of Soap Making 1. Cold

Multi soap cutter If you’re diving into the world of soap making, you’ll soon discover that cutting your soap bars neatly and evenly is just as important as the recipe itself. A clean cut not only makes your soap look professional but also ensures it cures evenly and fits perfectly into your packaging. Whether you’re crafting for fun, gifting, or selling, mastering the use of soap cutting tools will elevate your soap game. Let’s explore how to use these tools effectively, wit

April 2010 What a fun day! I have been dying to try out my "new" second hand Fly press so I decided to make a "rls" soap stamp on an old piece of resin that I cast but had no use for. As you can see it worked out really well. I think so anyway. I have come a long way from my home made stamp - I now make them on a laser cutting machine and they look FABULOUS If you are looking to brand your soap then a heaavy durty acylic soap stamp is the perfect way to do this. The stamps

Creating bath bombs at home is a fun and rewarding hobby. One of the most enjoyable parts of making bath bombs is adding scent. The right fragrance can transform a simple bath into a relaxing, spa-like experience. This guide explains how to scent your bath bombs using essential oils and fragrances, helping you choose the best options and apply them correctly for lasting, pleasant aromas. Colorful bath bombs with essential oils ready for scenting Choosing Between Essential Oil

Soap making is not for dummies What is Superfatting in Soap Making? Superfatting is a technique used in soap making to add extra oils or fats beyond what is necessary to saponify the lye. This process results in a soap that is more moisturizing and gentle on the skin. Understanding Saponification Before delving into superfatting, it's important to understand the saponification process. Saponification is the chemical reaction that occurs when fats or oils are mixed with an a

SAP Values in Soap Making This may seem unnecessary but it is vital in soap making and you cannot ignore this step. SAP values, or Saponification values, are crucial in the soap-making process as they determine the amount of lye (sodium hydroxide) needed to convert a specific type of fat or oil into soap. Understanding SAP values helps soap makers achieve the correct balance of ingredients, ensuring that the final product is safe and effective. What is SAP Value? The SAP valu

DIY Soap Making: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners in 2026 (Fun, Informative & Powered by Riverlea Soap) 1. Getting Started: Why Make Your Own Soap? There’s something deeply satisfying about turning simple oils, lye, water, and scent into a beautiful bar of soap that you made with your own hands. Since I started making soap in 2007, I’ve loved not only the creativity but also the science behind it – watching ingredients transform through saponification into something gentle

Swirled CP Soap Here’s the straight-talk guide to swirling cold process soap with a swirl tool using the insert-and-twirl method . No fluff, no fairy dust, just good soap sense 🧼 What you’re actually doing You’re moving coloured batter through uncoloured (or differently coloured) batter in controlled chaos . The swirl tool doesn’t decorate the surface. It rearranges the inside. Best batter consistency (this matters) Thin to medium trace. If it’s too thin, colours melt into

Because soap should clean your skin, not confuse your conscience. Introduction: Why Soap Making Is Older Than Your Great-Grandmother’s Wisdom Long before supermarket shelves groaned under plastic bottles and neon labels, soap was made by hand. Real hands. Real ingredients. No marketing department required. Soap making began as a practical skill, born from necessity and refined through generations. Fats, ashes, water, patience. Over time, it became something more than utility.

Life can often throw unexpected challenges our way, and recently, I faced one that disrupted my plans to complete a 30-day soap-making...

CP Soap WEEK 4: Create, Refine, & Teach Objective: Turn your process into beautiful content. Day 24: Photograph and Prep Content Tasks:...

Graduated CP Soap WEEK 4: Create, Refine, & Teach Objective: Confidently create a showcase batch. Day 23: Make Your Signature Soap...

Drop Swirl CP WEEK 4: Create, Refine, & Teach Objective: Design a “hero” soap to feature. Tasks: Choose 3–4 oils, 1 fragrance, and 2–3...

Making notes WEEK 3: Add Colour, Scent, and Creative Confidence Objective: Level up with colours, fragrances, and swirls. Day 21: Note/...

Cutiing Soap WEEK 3: Add Colour, Scent, and Creative Confidence Objective: Level up with colours, fragrances, and swirls. Day 20:...

Natural colourants in Soap WEEK 3: Add Colour, Scent, and Creative Confidence Objective: Level up with colours, fragrances, and swirls....

Drop Swirl CP from Riverlea WEEK 3: Add Colour, Scent, and Creative Confidence Objective: Level up with colours, fragrances, and swirls....

A selection of blue and green micas from Riverlea WEEK 3: Add Colour, Scent Objective: Level up with colours, fragrances, and swirls....

A selection of blue and green micas from Riverlea WEEK 3: Add Colour, Scent, and Creative Confidence Objective: Level up with colours,...