Firstly I compliment you on your cool and instructional videos. I can't help myself, but I simply have to comment on the process. Please regard this as a positive critical note. I know some people like CP shampoo bars - I'm not a fan (I make syndet shampoo bars). But to each their own. :) IMHO all those expensive oils and goodies are put to a better use in a hair mask, as the lye won't do them any good, if it not destroys them totally like the provitamin B5 (panthenol). Regarding the citric acid: this will partly reverse the saponifying process (the acid will neutralize the NaOH), and not in a good way. So it won't bring the pH down, it gives your soap a higher SF! The rebatch is the final blow! The high temperature will destroy the remainder of the good things that still might have been in the soap. You might consider to make an HP soap and add the extracts, panthenol, aloe (concentrated and powdered), comfrey oil etc, after the cook, so that those won't be damaged by the NaOH. Just my 2 cts.
Thank you so much for your comments. I appreciate it. I actually was thinking on the same lines but for different reasons (faster curing). I will do more research on some of the things you commented on (citric acid: I do add that after trace so I will check to see if it is affected at that point.) I test my ph after processing and it is a bit lower, but it may be due to other things. I am grateful that you took the time to write, I receive it with love. Kisses to you, my friend!
For my customers that weren't afraid to try a bar shampoo, they love it. I've given a few to friends to introduce them to the bar method and they love them as well. I'm thinking of making sample sizes so a potential client can try it and later possibly buy it. Your videos are so informative. De' :-}
+CarlaK_77 a good place to get your additives is either the chemistry store or wholesale supplies plus or ingredients to die for. They have a wide variety. There are other sources but this is a good place to start.
Its a balancing test. I add .25 oz of Citric Acid ppo. Then to compensate for the Citic Acid by adjusting the lye. I add .57oz of additional lye for every ounce of Citric Acid. This lowers the PH of my shampoo bars. I only do this for hair care. I hope this helps. Sorry for the delay.
