Soapmaking the Natural Way by: Rebecca Ittner

The title begs the question, If soap, like the famed 99.44 percent pureIvory, isn't natural, then what is? Ittner clarifies the answer in herintroductory chapter, explaining that she intended to "avoid all animal andpetroleum-based products, synthetic colorants and fragrances." That said,the rest is amazingly easy. Take run-of-the-mill kitchen equipment such asmeasuring spoons and double boilers, mix, then heat in the stove ormicrowave; add other techniques, from embedding objects to layering andswirling; and it's soap. She spends many pages detailing the naturalmaterials, colorants, additives, and scents for a good foundation; the nextfour chapters are devoted to 45 recipes, each with color photographs, listsof materials and tools, and easy-to-follow numbered instructions. Chooseamong the different soap properties (soft, smooth, exfoliation, cleanse, andluxurious) to yield such products as calming jasmine and green-tea soap,cornmeal and wheat germ scrub, and energizing lemongrass soap. Embedded aresidebars on soap success, to ensure quality products, and a final chapter onpackaging, with details on bags, tags, and paper wraps. --Barbara Jacobs

Product Description

Here's where simple techniques meet 100% natural soaps that please the eye,the nose, and the environment! Made with the safe and simple melt-and-pour method, these projects feature adelicious range of eco-friendly and animal-free ingredients-from oatmeal andlavender to honeysuckle and clay. The ins-and-outs of soap bases, colorants,and essential oils all received detailed attention.

Soapmaking the Natural Way is an affordable, informative, and inspiring resource.