Butters in soaps? Why waste the money?!?

[@sallykalya9023]

You are the most honest soap maker on YT. Blessings.

[@katarzynaderkacz39]

Exactly! I love your honesty! 💞

[@Dan-jl5ej]

I agree. And intelligent and skilled as well.

[@TangledNana]

Yes, agree with you totally!..Save the exotic butters for creams and lotions! Soap by its very nature is NOT moisturizing. Even with the best soap recipe, you still have to moisturize with creams, lotions and butters.

[@Boris25428]

Thank you Jon for your honest and straight forward explanation. I have been wondering the same myself and especially in cold process soap where you do not know which fats that will be left over as your superfat. As another commenter stated, if you really want to control the actual fat of the superfat, you have to use a hot process and add it at the end of the cook. Now I am a hobby soap maker, only for home use, and I do not have the experience of those who makes soap as a business, but that is my take on things.

[@mapleflagg7744]

You are so right! I had just been going with the flow and using lots of butters at a ever increasing price. Thank you for saying what is totally true. I'm going to soap smarter and more cost effective from here on. 😊

[@AprilHarveyStudios]

Maple Flagg Absolutely agree, the costs are going through the roof,and don't get me started on essential oils haha.

[@kalinaantonova223]

I love your videos ❤ This time i agree with you somewhat. Before the person deside if they gona use those expensive conditioning butters first they have to decide for who this product is. For who is the marketing. This is verry important. Not just to make something but to give it some tought. For example if your buyers are mostly man its perfectly fine to make it as simple as can be. Allot of cleansing,verry litle condition and simple designs. But if the main buyers are woman it shoud be the exact opposite. Expensive butters, lots of conditioning and less clensing. My new company is targeting mostly weman and they do love to see allot of good expensive ingredients. To know that theyr skin will glow and it will be hydrated. The oresentation of the product is really important too. So it depends for who is the product. Amazing balanced soap can be made with 3 oils (some make it with 2 or 1) and still this soap will not satisfy the needs of weman and man ❤. Keep up i love watching your videos 🥰

[@AprilHarveyStudios]

The one big pro of hot process is controlled superfatting. If you use exotic butters that's where I place them. I can utilize smaller amounts thereby reducing overhead and still taking advantage of their properties. It's strange, but I find the odor from shea varies from distributors. Some are not as prominent in the finish.

[@osieg]

Makes a lot of sense. Why add the expensive oils. I’m very new to soap making. Thank you. I’m learning a lot here.

[@leesobel7541]

Educational as always. I started experimenting with raw shea at 6-8% total fats last month. My issue is how much rinsing is needed to get the slippery sensation off my hands. I might reduce or stop using shea. However, my hands do feel soft. Must find the balance

[@TinaLW]

I totally get why you have that opinion; accounting for the majority of people. However, I happen to have very dry skin and love how my skin feels after using a soap with shea butter in it: smell or no smell, how I feel for the rest of the day is more important to me. Just my opinion. Thanks Jon. Great topic.

[@unclejonssoap]

+Tina W. Thanks!

[@catherinejones123]

I actually agree with your opinion. Soap in the bath to wash away the dirty body oils after bath lotions or whipped butters for softening. Butters make soap a little oily. Just something I noticed when I used Cupuacu Butter in a soap. It was greasy almost waxy. Did not like the feel. Also it had a weird smell that over ran the fragrance. Yucky!!!

[@christinesteed4852]

Thanks for a great video! I don't use butters in my soap, either. I found myself nodding along with you throughout...great minds must think alike!

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks for watching!

[@marylouwillhaus4917]

First time viewer here loved your video . You are a 100% right about the butters...well you convenced me anyways . What is your most popular fragrance for cold process soap ?

[@shadyacrehomestead4737]

I see your point about wash off products but I do use shea in my soap recipes...I prefer refined due to the scent issues you talked about. I believe it has anti inflammatory properties and goes along very well with my goats milk in helping people with eczema and psoriasis. Either way you choose, it can't be worse for your skin to add it in :) I do tell people with skin issues that they should COMBINE using my soap with a shea leave on product to use after is best....Thanks for the video!

[@unclejonssoap]

Awesome!

[@Qotus]

I agree with you. I've used butters in a few of my recipes and when comparing the ones with butters with the ones without, there really isn't a difference, and I have dry skin so I would notice. I see a much bigger difference if I'm using commercial handsoaps that try out my skin completely. My customers are interested in a product that is handmade, free of artificial additives, plastic-free, has as many local ingredients as possible (a challange living in Finland) has a nice smell and cleans without being too harsh. Butters are not needed for this and would only raise the price of the product.

[@unclejonssoap]

+Qotus Thanks!

[@LiLi-uy3ki]

Thank you for the video, It was so helpful ! In my country that kind of butters are so expensive, only Cocoa Butter is not because is produced in my country . I love your advices. Thanks a lot! Sorry for my english i don't speak english very weell 😆

[@unclejonssoap]

You were very clear and easy to understand! Thanks for watching my videos!

[@phyrewillow6463]

I use the butters in my solid lotions. Much more effective than adding to soap. Coconut, olive, and lard are much less expensive and are great for skin.

[@nprosario]

very informative. thank you. im just about to start my journey and was lamenting that I cant afford those costly butters..now I dont feel so bad! Knowledge with a no nonsense attitude!! new subscriber :)

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks! Yeah.. I have since started using shea butter in some products. But I need to know that there will be some benefit before I use it. I appreciate you watching!

[@fabulousprincess603]

This makes so much sense. Awesome tip..

[@unclejonssoap]

I've changed my mind sightly on this subject...lol. There's a video about it on the channel😁

[@fabulousprincess603]

@@unclejonssoap but this makes sense. Not everyone like that lotion feeling in soaps. So there can be options.

[@joshuamedina7292]

Great point never thought about that thanks for the good video.

[@jarreddizzle]

Before watching this video I tended to side with having butters as a good thing, that being not thinking about it much. I do see your points and they do make sense. Great video. I love peanut butter, but if I bought a soap that was marketed for a specific smell and I smelled peanut butter I'd be disappointed.

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks! I think butters in soap are fine. They really don't hurt anything unless the scent comes through. I just can't justify the cost to produce with what the average artisan soaps sell for. But, I'm all for people doing things their own way :) Thanks for watching!

[@destinrouge3576]

Jon even cleansers that get rinsed off play a major role in skin health. nobody is disrespecting in any way ur quality of work. especialy those of us who have nit tried ur soaps. But i must agree with below. but u have the right to your own opinion.

[@tonybirdwell1371]

Thanks for your wonderful insights on making soaps. Very helpful!

[@dab745]

Jon, great video. It really gave me an understanding of what the butters can do. I always thought the butters were key for shaving soaps. But if it can interfere with the fragrance (except leather! And not bay rum!) then I'd rather go for a scent-less shave balm and moisturizer. David

[@unclejonssoap]

Yeah.. not much can get past the leather...lol.

[@AliShah-vp2tu]

Brother jon I have tried some soap, one with only coconut oil 200 grams, lye 36 grams and water 60 grams (I used battery distilled water) my own drill machine stirrer I mixed it 15 minutes , leave it for 5 minutes and again stir it for 15 minutes than it started sonification so rapidly , it was difficult to put in mold. I used normal food color all ruins in lye except the yellow .It was a wonderful job. I am able to use this soap next day as you said. what i learned by your website not to be worried for distilled water or tap water tap water is still good, not necessary to wait 4 to 6 months these are 100 % right directions which I have proofed. thanks for giving awesome tip for saving time and money.

[@unclejonssoap]

+Syed Ali very good! Thanks for watching!

[@louisleoncini9240]

Jon, like if said before I have been making soaps for 20 yrs and I sold them for 10 yrs, you give GREAT info I don't think I would be as forthcoming as you. Have a great weekend.

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks! But, I've learned that I actually get more and better customers when they can see almost everything. I still hold a few little details back though. Thanks for watching!

[@shannonoakley-moore2292]

Makes so much sense!!! Just recently found your channel and love it! Thank you!!

[@yvettepiercy4487]

I use butters in my soaps, but they are my ONLY hard oils I can use and I can't use any of the ones made from hydrogenated oils either. I definitely notice a difference with them for me in things like the hardness of the bar, the lather and how it feels on my skin. I have sensitive skin and I've tried using castile soap in the past and it was very drying on my skin, and I wash my hands a lot (3-5 times just feeding my dogs, would be more but I wear gloves to handle their meat as they are raw fed and I'm allergic to meat). I want to try a soap with a mix of liquid oils to see what its like but I'm not sure I personally would use it for my skin type, fully understand for those able to use any oils they like that they might omit them completely from soap. There is no point using below 5% of really any oil especially butters, doesn't contribute anything really. I do not hate my cleaning soap thats all liquid oils though but it does take a lot longer to firm up

[@unclejonssoap]

+Yvette Piercy I appreciate your perspective! I can't even imagine having skin that was that sensitive. Glad you found something that works though. :)

[@yvettepiercy4487]

Uncle Jon's its the fun of allergies and autoimmune diseases, you figure out what you can't use and find something you like using what you can use. Its why I make soap though as my worst allergy is coconut which is in literally everything and I react to any amount including derivatives, so you become incredibly aware of even small differences in things you put on your skin and everything. I have yet to try a dedicated shave soap because I can't use steric acid (palm based and I'm allergic) and everything everyone says you need I can't use, so haven't been brave enough to try formulate something as it just gets confusing

[@viewswatch1230]

I love watching your videos and waiting for a new one again.... Ohhh I'm making soaps too, but I'm just starting that's why I need to know more about your work , I saw your soap made, its a very nice soap and really made for cleansing, keep up the good work and keep making videos, , God bless you. !!! Greetings from the Philippines ... 😊❤️

[@karincusick187]

Thank you so very much! Love your videos! Always very informative! Looking forward to the next one. 🤗

[@da5449]

Thanks for your videos

[@bellelopez3261]

Thanks for your enlightening video. Totally agree with you. I have never used butter in my soaps so far.

[@Kim-yy4ym]

Appreciate this video!!

[@louannnance637]

Thank you, helpful considerations

[@ziopinosoapspino6456]

I think many shaving soap makers, myself included, use shea butter and/or kokum butter for their high stearic acid content while at the same time helping with the post shave feel. Yes, the lather is on your face for a short period of time but for most shavers it's any every day thing. Rumor has it that martin de candre uses 70% stearic acid. I believe you use the Cold Process so high stearic content could pose a problem. As for odors, Hot Process will usually take care of that. As they say, It's what works best for you.

[@unclejonssoap]

I use a cold hybrid process for my stuff. High stearic acid content isn't an issue for me. I add lots of straight stearic to my soaps. I personally find that the straight stearic works just as well and costs way less with a great feel during and after the shave.

[@ziopinosoapspino6456]

I've never used your soap but after watching your video I checked out your website for your ingredients list. Stearic acid is far down on the list, assuming your list is in descending order. In researching for my own soap and just about all the artisan/commercial soaps that I own, have stearic acid as a first ingredient and sometimes as a second. With all due respect and please understand i'm not telling you how to run your business. The cost of oil and butters can get in the way of trying to make the best soap you can. Kokum is pricey. Shea butter is cheap, particularly in the amounts found in shaving soap. Happy Soaping

[@unclejonssoap]

The ingredient list on the site s out of order. Like I said.. it's not just about cost, but also there is no scientific proof that I've found that shows any noticeable difference in performance or post shave feel with butters over regular base oils and fats that are properly proportioned. I would buy the theory if I could read an actual scientific study.

[@ziopinosoapspino6456]

They call us Artisans.

[@unclejonssoap]

Absolutely! And most artisan made soaps are great products. My only point is that without actual science, it's only our opinions about what's more conditioning and what's not. But, it's whatever works for each of us that matters. Got a website!

[@lenamartinez7999]

Thank you for reasoning with us it makes so much sense.

[@peninahkitty]

Great video. You're absolutely right. Some of the best and moisturizing soap that I have ever made is just good old Castile, sometimes with a little variation.

[@seanland7319]

Great video, definitely learned something!

[@hannahfitch8977]

shea butter is useful in adding hardness when you don't want to use palm oil out of concern for the environment and/or not a fan of animal day in soap.

[@unclejonssoap]

This is true. But, in shave soaps, we aren't going for hardness. Since I made this video, I've done another where I actually tested shea butter in my shave soap and have since discovered why it makes such a nice addition to the recipe for conditioning. Thanks for watching!

[@brainstormsurge154]

When he says conditioner I'm pretty sure he means leave-in conditioners that you apply post-wash not the stuff you rinse off in the shower.

[@Francesco90435]

Hi Jon! I love all your videos- they are so interesting and a lot of fun to watch and you are a great soap maker! Well you have an interesting point about the butters. I don't think butters are needed to make a great soap. A great soap can be made without butters. I make some of my soaps with Shea butter, but use only a small amount; I think it adds a creamy feeling to the bar. But adding a butter or not adding a butter doesn't make a huge difference. I think adding Sweet Almond oil to any formula makes a great soap. I feel differences in the texture and lather when I use honey. But you can use two oils, as you do and make an excellent soap! I think as you said balance is the key. For example, you wouldn't want to make an all Palm oil soap! Though I would be interested to know how that would turn out. I hope we can talk Jon.

[@unclejonssoap]

+Francesco90435 thanks for watching!

[@knightmare1015]

very good video and very helpful info to. i've had a few shave soaps that smell like peanut butter arse instead of the intended fragrance they advertised it to be and after looking on a few soap making supply websites, butters are by no means cheap at all.

[@unclejonssoap]

Yeah... it's tough for me to get past that scent..lol

[@gold-in-melanin7488]

I'm so glad you confirmed what I have been thinking for a while. It is a waste and more beneficial in lotion.

[@unclejonssoap]

+Gwen Deane well.. full disclosure. I have since slightly changed my mind a little on this subject..lol. I started using Shea butter in our shave soaps. It does seems more slick and dense. Not sure about other benefits but I like it! As Long as it doesn't smell like peanut butter with fragrance 😁

[@mynameispez]

weird...I have unrefined shea in a few of my bars...I've never has a smell come though. good to know though!

[@unclejonssoap]

That's fortunate. I guess some depends on how much shea you use too. I also tend to be very sensitive to that scent..lol. I don't even get unrefined any more. The skin benefits are awesome! But that smell...

[@emakemakonthego2422]

Agree 👍

[@laina1130]

Great video, I also omit butters in my soaps I use them in creams and body butters. Would love a video on your favorite tips for shave soap, I have been meaning to start a male line and some tips would be great.

[@unclejonssoap]

Awesome! Check out the rest of our channel for our basic shave soap tutorial of sorts. I can try to come up with some basic tips and tricks. Any specific questions?

[@Finneus-bh6sd]

Informative, thank you

[@kristinalynnette4450]

Thank you!!!

[@josephvilca4687]

Hey Uncle Jon, I love your videos. Can you do a Video on how to use soap calculator? Thank you. Joe

[@unclejonssoap]

Hey there! I made one a while back that might be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqipfXiQoZVjmbs Let me know if you have any questions.

[@wynngwynn]

I'm a few years late but I just saved the tallow from cheap ground beef lmao. It's surprising how much comes off ground beef. I got enough for a 3lb batch off of 10 lbs of cheap meat or so lol.

[@unclejonssoap]

Yep! The 70/30 blend of ground beef is great for this!

[@ReBirth246]

makes sense

[@terencetsy]

Thanks for making this vid, Jon. Shoutout from Singapore!

[@r.thomassen6285]

I wonder what a butter really is? I mean, I know it's some semi-solid fat with a high amount of waxes and that it is from plants. But I don't know how it's made, except from shea butter. But what I think, is that an oil is something that has had the waxes removed, that's why it's liquid, and that's why they can sell waxes from all sorts of things. A butter is a fat with waxes and everything, that's why it's semi-solid. But what if you add waxes to oils, will that be a butter? Let's say you take unrefined olive oil and add unrefined olive wax to that. Wouldn't that be olive butter? Or am I totally wrong? If so, what is in a butter except from oil and wax? And what does a butter do that a wax can't? If there is some plant materials left in the butters that not are in oils or waxes, well, that can be added. Just throw in a few olives, for example. I am totally new to soap making, just sayin'. So I have not tried to use any butter or waxes yet, just plain olive oil. But I have been thinking about butters, and wondered what substances they can be broken down into? I'm not gonna waste money on expensive butters if there is nothing more in them than oils and waxes and some plant materials. Then I can make lots of butter myself from a bag of wax and some olives, and make a soap with a 100% olive butter, for example. But I might be totally, totally wrong.

[@unclejonssoap]

That's a good question! I will have to research a little more and see what i can find. Might be a good video topic :)

[@rexmckenna6270]

Good call.....I also am curious about this. Hope to see a new video soon:!

[@willythemailman3911]

Great video. I love all your videos. My question is, does anyone make scent samples? I asked a different soap maker what bergamot soap smelled like and he said bergamot. I don't know what that smells like but I know who I won't buy from. And I don't want to go to nearby soapmaker and smell his stuff with the intention of buying it somewhere else. I also don't want to buy a tub of shave soap from you only to throw it away if I don't like the smell. Internet descriptions are not always helpful either

[@unclejonssoap]

Willy The Mailman understood! Scent descriptions can be tough. We normally sell small samples of the soaps, but that's not always a good representation either. By the way.. bergamot smells like orange and maybe a little fresh cut grass. Very green smelling. Thanks for watching!

[@sura.skincare]

I like all your videos. You are the best

[@romiegomes1595]

Wise words

[@katarzynaderkacz39]

Great content!!!

[@andrewfranks6233]

Without using butters, what other fats are you using ? Lard ? Tallow ? How do you accomplish the "slick" feel of your shave bar ?

[@unclejonssoap]

I've since come around (somewhat) on the great butter issue. But to answer your question, tallow and lard add slickness just fine. BUT, I do like to combine tallow and butters now. They all just seem to work well together.

[@devbachu7072]

cool what about added vitamin e an castor oil is that enough with u oils

[@unclejonssoap]

dev bachu I have since done another video where I change.my mind about added butters..lol. They do seem to help and are a great addition as long as they don't make your soap smell like peanut butter or tahini 😂

[@kanagaraj9837]

Thanks for the informative video. lately I read adding silk fibre (tussah silk)to the soap could add slip to the soap ,please do share Ur view on the same.

[@unclejonssoap]

It can add slickness to soap. But it would never torn a bath soap into a shave soap. I did a second video after experimenting with butters and found that they did indeed add a lot to my shave soap recipe. Adding silk can do the same but your base needs to be good first.

[@DarciKin]

nice video

[@zachphillips5313]

Hey uncle Jon, How do you feel about aloe butter or nutmeg butter? I know aloe butter is nice and affordable and is cleansing as well as nutmeg butter, but that is pricier. I'm new to soapmaking and was about to buy aloe butter but went with babassu oil instead, so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@brianb.2894]

Hi Jon. What in your opinion is the best oil or additive to kill the sudsiness in a homemade shave soap? Thank you.

[@unclejonssoap]

Hmm.. not sure I get the question. I'm going to guess that you mean the fluffy lather that you would get with bath soaps? I think the best way to make sure you have a nice dense lather is to keep most liquid oils out of the recipe (except for castor oil), and keep the stearic acid very high. Hope that helps :)

[@ziopinosoapspino6456]

If you're using coconut oil, I suggest keep it below 20% and castor oil below 15%. Both oils are known for creating bubbles and that's a good thing, but you need to find the balance of those oils to the rest of the oils/fats in your formula.

[@unclejonssoap]

Good point!

[@PrinceThe8th]

great video!

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks!

[@newstart49]

Apple butter doesn't work well either. lol Seriously though- what is the difference between a butter and fat/oil?

[@lrlevy]

Hi. I've been watching all your videos and really enjoy them. I want to try some of your shaving soaps. Which are your favorites? Thanks.

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks for watching! I really like the bay rum, gravity, and pipe smoke as my top 3 scents right now. I look forward to you trying some! :)

[@MOez1976]

Hi Jon. You changed the tins into plastic containers for your shaving soaps? Looking great

[@unclejonssoap]

+MOez1976 I don't think I've ever used tins. I used a clear jar with a black kid for a short time. Are you thinking of Dr. Jon's?

[@MOez1976]

Yes you are Right. My bad

[@unclejonssoap]

lol.. all good :)

[@nowexit]

Going to have to disagree with you on this one John. The body soap qualities are cleansing, conditioning and moisturising, liquid oils provide the conditioning the butters deliver a layer of moisture otherwise removed in the bars cleansing abilities. Coconut oil at 16 to 20% will effectively remove the dirt trapped in the layer of grease on your skin by emulsifying the grease, trapping it in the lather which then washes down the drain but coconut oil at those percentages will have a drying effect for normal skin hence the addition of a butter to combat this. Adding a butter below 5% of the total oil weight is a waste of time. If you have oily skin then a bar of soap with no butter maybe ok but otherwise you are going to notice dry itchy skin without it.

[@unclejonssoap]

I respect your opinion but my customers never complain about dry or itchy skin and we never use butters. But, like i said.. it's all about what you want in your soaps as a maker or a customer.

[@Ikkey73]

Fido123 great point. You and John both have valid points.

[@totalanthony]

Good video mate, I was about to send you an email regarding this as I enjoy using your shave soap as it's one of the best shave soaps I've used. Just out of curiosity but the vegan soaps of your that shavingtime are selling are they the new vegan formula or previous formula?

[@unclejonssoap]

Hey there! Thanks for the kind words! I don't think Shaving Time has any of our vegan. If you're referring to the pictures of the jars, some are old pictures. We're also not labeling a lot of them as tallow any more because we stopped making the vegan. They rarely sell compared to tallow :)

[@totalanthony]

Uncle Jon's ok mate cheers. Here's a question for you . Are you planning on using lanolin for your soaps in the future?

[@unclejonssoap]

Not in the foreseeable future. As long as we're using tallow, it just doesn't seem necessary right now.

[@queenvaldez3502]

Love it and you are hilarious 😂

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks 😁

[@posbanner6694]

I made lard soap about three months ago and now it smells really awful. Does this happen?

[@unclejonssoap]

It could. Depends on super fat amount. The extra oil in the soap sounds like it went rancid

[@sheriking5295]

word!

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks for watching!

[@norweavernh]

Marketing, esp when creating a vegan and palm free recipe.

[@lydiaerrera4259]

Is it the pricey butters the real reason do not use it in your recipes? You say there is no real difference.

[@unclejonssoap]

Basically the price is the first reason. The other one would be that there are other fats and oils that can do just as well. Although we use Shea butter in our shave soaps now because we use it in other proyand I do like it now that I found a place where it's reasonably priced😁

[@rockinrobin9455]

Oy vey: this video is like BUTTER.

[@unclejonssoap]

+Rockin' Robin Ha!