Soapmaking the Natural Way

Pamper yourself and the planet with this book of simple techniques for creating sophisticated, 100% natural soaps that please the eye, the nose, and the environment. The animal-free ingredients featured in these 45 melt-and-pour projects span a wholesome range from oatmeal, lavender, and coconut milk to honeysuckle, orange cream, and fresh mint. Soothing, exfoliating, luxurious . . . these eco-friendly soaps make a delightful addition to our daily lives as well as fabulous gifts.

"Take run-of-the-mill kitchen equipment such as measuring spoons and double boilers, mix, then heat in the stove or microwave; add other techniques, from embedding objects to layering and swirling; and it's soap. [The author] spends many pages detailing the natural materials, colorants, additives, and scents for a good foundation; the next four chapters are devoted to 45 recipes, each with color photographs, lists of materials and tools, and easy-to-follow numbered instructions. Choose among the different soap properties (soft, smooth, exfoliation, cleanse, and luxurious) to yield such products as calming jasmine and green-tea soap, cornmeal and wheat germ scrub, and energizing lemongrass soap. Embedded are sidebars on soap success, to ensure quality products, and a final chapter on packaging, with details on bags, tags, and paper wraps." -- Booklist