Articles

Last month we explored the phenomenon called “soda ash,” a layer of sodium carbonate that forms on the surface of raw soap whenever unreacted sodium hydroxide comes into contact with carbon dioxide in the air. The result is a layer of white powder that can be easily washed off with water, and easily prevented by covering raw soap with plastic film. But occasionally soapmakers come to me with a “soda ash” problem that does not wash off with water, and which forms despite covering the soap. While it appears similar to soda ash, this white layer is simply soap that is lighter in color than the soap surrounding it. Figure 1 shows white soap crystals that have formed in a bar of palm oil soap colored with maroon oxide. Figure 2 shows a cross section. Unlike soda ash, these crystals are not just a surface feature—they appear on the interior as well, and they do not wash off with water.

The oat (Avena sativa), is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed, also called oat(s). While oats are suitable for human consumption as oatmeal or in baked goods, one of the most common uses is as livestock feed. The oldest oat grains were found in Egypt about 2000 BC. Oats were introduced to North America at the beginning of the 17th century.

A quick look into the concept of Hurdle Technology.

As a dedicated soap and candle making enthusiast, you understand that the key to creating exceptional candles lies in choosing the best fragrance oils. At Wholesale Supplies Plus, we recognize the importance of high-quality ingredients for small business owners in the soap and candle making industry. In this guide, we'll explore the nuances of fragrance oils, from the type of wax that holds the most fragrance to the ultimate list of the best fragrance oils for candle making.

For a small business, time is everything and is your most valuable asset. Anyone who's run a small business understands that effective use of your time is critical to your success.

Sugar is the common name for sweet, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are found in food. There are many types of sugar derived from many different sources. Sugars are located in the tissues of most plants and are obtained from sugarcane and sugar beet via commercial extraction. Historically, sugar was relatively unimportant until American Indians discovered methods of turning sugarcane juice into granulated crystals which were easier to store and to transport.

Fragrance blending is becoming our new obsession! It is so satisfying to imagine a scent and then create it. This month we were inspired by flower gardens, food gardens and meditation gardens. If you love floral, you’ll love these fragrance blends!

You’ve heard of the benefits of using social media to market your business, but how do you execute an effective strategy that doesn’t require you to be a web guru—or consume your time? Here’s the lowdown on how to support your business with social media effectively, and strategically. 

This article answers commonly asked questions regarding Essential Oils, how they are processed and how they are used.

Part of running a profitable small business is how well you can maximize the value of your own time, to ensure that your working hours are dedicated to producing real and impactful results. Here are a few simple ways to ensure that you approach your workdays with mental focus, maximum energy, and also as few distractions as possible.

Creating a product line extension for holiday soap making or other beauty products can boost your profitability and increase average order values throughout the season. And the best part is that you don't have to heavily invest in new products or expose your business to financial risk. Instead, use data-backed research to grow your holiday product offerings in a way that is smart and effective. Here's how to do it. 

This month we explore seizing, a phenomenon in which an oil/lye mixture solidifies so quickly after mixing that it is too thick to transfer easily from the mixing pot to the molds. While there is nothing functionally wrong with the resulting soap, seizing leaves little time for artistic techniques like layering and swirling, and in a large batch there may be insufficient time to fill the last molds before the soap hardens completely. Fortunately, the cause of seizing is easily understood, and simple tests can identify the culprits.