Handcrafting soap can be a messy and trying time for the first few times. It can be difficult to figure out how to balance out the right ingredients so you make a great soap that is gentle to the skin, tough on dirt, has a decent scent, and won’t fall apart. There are a number of factors to look out for.

When a soap is too lye-heavy, it can be too dry to the touch and irritate the skin. Too little lye will prevent the soap from hardening into the bar shape and melt in your hands. Soaping at higher temperatures can create cracks when you’re using hard oils and butters. For more handmade soap problems and solutions, please click here:: Soapy Mess-Up Quick Guide