Handmade Soap Testing - How to test the pH of your handmade cold process or hot processed soap

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Come and join the community! 🌻www.buymeacoffee.com/ellyseveryday *DISCLAIMER:* The information provided within Elly's Everyday videos, website, social media pages and for Elly’s Everyday group members is based on my own personal research and experience and is provided for informational, entertainment and general educational purposes only. I am not a professional soap manufacturer and do not hold any qualifications in chemistry or skincare formulation (or any other related field) and I make no guarantees about the correctness of the information provided. Please use any information provided at your own risk and view this video if you are new to soap making: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4u3pIpvituBo7c. Thank you!

[@TubbyTabbySoaps]

This is a great quick-and-dirty guide to Ph testing, for sure! Something that I wanted to add: a lot of folks don't know that Ph is standardized using a 10% solution. That is, 10% of the substance you're testing and 90% water. So if we're testing water, it's already fine to test, but if we're testing sugar, for example, ideally we'd dissolve 1 part sugar in 9 parts water (by weight). Then the number we get from Ph is accurate, because the numbers on the scale were obtained doing it this way, if that makes sense? If our solution is a little too strong, for example 50/50 soap and water, it might read *more* alkaline than it is. So through my reading, I learned that the safest way to test Ph is to actually dissolve some of your soap/shampoo/whatever you're testing in water. So 1 gram of what you're testing in 9 grams of water, for example. And then testing the solution, we know for sure that we're getting an accurate reading. I don't know that this is necessary every time, but it was an exercise I found helpful to at least sort of "calibrate" my Ph testing-as in, once I did it once, I found it didn't make any difference with the cheap Ph strips for my shampoo bars, but it did for my soaps. So then I check my soaps that way now, but don't bother with my shampoo bars. All of this to say: Ph is complicated! And you've done a really good job of explaining it here in a straightforward and practical way. But I just wanted to chime in with the info about a 1:9 ratio, in case some folks are finding that their tests aren't working very well or consistently. Thanks for sharing this great content! Love your channel and always get excited when I see you've uploaded something new! Sending virtual/socially-distant high-fives from Canada! 😊

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hello! Thank you so much, I really appreciate your input! I have heard about the 1:9 ratio, but like you, found it makes little difference with my cheap pH test strips. Great info - I love that you shared that for me and others here. Thanks for your kind words also. Hi fives from fom Brisbane! :)

[@crd1579]

I did my first ever batch on Sunday. It’s something I’ve wanted to do forever. I wanted to first make soap at 17 years of age but my mum was to scared for me because of the lye. I had soap books that I bought to make it and then I wasn’t allowed and now finally 20 years later I made my first batch in my kitchen thanks to YOU🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗thank you sooooo much ELLY keep up the great work

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you so much, I'm glad to hear that I helped you to finally make it! Good for you :)

[@simonsam5541]

I know I am pretty randomly asking but does anyone know a good website to watch newly released series online ?

[@dawsonkevin5666]

@Simon Sam Flixportal xD

[@simonsam5541]

@Dawson Kevin Thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) I appreciate it!!

[@dawsonkevin5666]

@Simon Sam happy to help xD

[@SuperBamza]

Very useful video, thank you 😃 Testing starting from 8:00 If you want Litmas paper guideline, please watch from the beginning

[@penelopepennington3838]

Brilliant! I ordered my ph paper :D I am sure I speak for others too by saying you sharing great intention with helping others. A great focus to receive knowing we are all feeling good and thanking you when watching! :)

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you so much Penelope. I'm happy to help out, it makes sense to make it easier for others if possible!

[@jab376]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking what about testing pH before it's put into the molds to be sure it's between pH8 and pH 9 first. Would that be ok?

[@noturningback4sure]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking hello Elly, do you test only one or two soaps of a specific batch or you test all the soaps?

[@Z0751]

This video is just what I needed. Yesterday I made my first-ever batch of soap thanks to your videos and I was getting impatient about trying a bar to make sure it turned out OK (even though I know they need more curing time ideally). Thank you!!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

You're welcome Zachary.

[@luisacovolan6576]

Hey Elly! I just wanted to say that I LOVE your videos. They are super helpful and answer all the questions I have regarding soap making. I've been making soaps for about a year now, but had all kinds of questions, and would only find answers in different places. But here, on your channel, I can find all of them in one place! And with an amazing content quality! My favorite video definitely is the one on how to create your own recipes, that's something I've been struggling with for a long time! Thank you very much for the amazing work! Hugs from Brazil!!!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Wonderful Luisa, thank you! I love that my channel has been so helpful to you in so many areas. Thanks!

[@keithfacchino3980]

Thanks for the info Elly! I made my first batch of soap yesterday. It was an adventure, but fun! I goofed a bit on the essential oil part, but I think the orange 10x will calm down a bit. I can still smell the lavender and cedarwood a little. Can't wait to test the pH and making more soap...Cheers!

[@ashokkumawat8543]

Hi Elly's ! You are so good to give better knowledge to other.Good job from Elly's.Thanks.Have a good day.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you Ashok!

[@catrionaaldridge654]

Thank you for sharing,Your Lavender soap video you put up. Was my first ever soap. I Love how you explain everything.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you so much.

[@catrionaaldridge654]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking not sure if you already do .but you would be a amazing teacher. I did a soap making course online .And no disrespect to the lady teaching it .But I left a bit confused I found your Lavender soap online made it .and have been making it a couple of months now .also your orange soap .The way you explained it is easy to understand .I haven't had one failed batch all perfect. I have a craft fair in two weeks and I cant wait to sell your beautiful recipe. 💚☘ You should do online courses. 🌻

[@tnvolzfan9457]

Please be aware that pH strips are not very reliable and do expire. If you had these for several years then I'm sure they were expired and no longer good. A pH meter is the only way I will test any of my products. Just wanted to make sure everyone is aware of this. Thank you for your informative videos you share.

[@kerendn]

I'd love to see how you make those swirly soaps, and learn about recommended color combinations and essential oil blends. If you're up to making a video about that 😊

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you Keren, I've just made a video for one of those soaps (link provided), and the green and blue one is coming soon! :) ~Hanger Swirl Technique - Cold Process Soap - Desert Sand Soap kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWbMn6xsgr9miZY

[@bill8175]

Another awesome and informative video Elly. I learned a lot from it...thanks

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you Bill, glad you liked it.

[@movietrailersOriginal]

thanks for help me to know how to use PH. Thank you so much.

[@bluebirdjohnson7]

Very informative. I've just started my soapmaking journey and needed to test a homemade shampoo bar. It was hp, but still seemed to zap us, even after being cooked for 2 hrs in the crock pot. Not sure why. It wouldn't zap right away, but would feel spicy after a couple seconds. Anyway, after testing I now feel comfortable with my family using it. Thank you so much!

[@ameliapalmer4327]

Your the best teacher Ever.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you so much Amelia :)

[@diablominero]

p means you're measuring a small thing after it on a logarithmic scale, by taking the logarithm base 10 and then multiplying by -1. pH means you do that for the concentration of acidic protons, aka hydrogen ions. We also have a pOH scale for the concentration of hydroxide ions and pKa for acid dissociation equilibrium constants. If you have more than 1 mole of acidic protons per liter, there can be weird interactions that interfere with acid dissociation, so pH stops reflecting how much acid there really is in solution below 0 (because log base 10 of 1 is 0). pH values above 14 mean there's a hydroxide ion concentration above 1 mole per liter, creating similar weird interactions on the other side.

[@barbiescraft]

Thanks for sharing this is very good idea before selling soaps

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you, yes I think so :)

[@ahmadhabib9553]

Can you please share the picture of the purple and pink soap shown in this video? It looks absolutely beautiful. And is it a simple drop swirl design?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yes sure! That's this recipe kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWbMn6xsgr9miZY

[@monitoot]

Thank you so much whenever I have a question, i find the answer in your channel 😍👍🏼Greetings from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 🌴شكرًا 💕🌷

[@renutanwani]

So informative...I m addicted to your channel

[@hinas_for_life]

I bought the same kind of Chinese made PH strips from EBAY, 1 US dollar per pack shipping included, it took about 2 weeks for it to arrive to Japan where I live but this info might be helpfull for your international viewers if they are unsure where to cheaply find some PH strips. I wasn't sure how to use the strips so your finger wetting method AND the thoughtful info that Tubby Tabby Soaps have given will ensure my batches can be safely tested. Thanks as always!!!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

That's great! Yes I use the Ebay pH strips as well. They do the trick nicely.

[@bertkutoob]

Really enjoying your videos. Good clean fun and doing the tongue tip test saves me having my mouth washed out with soap for the coming week's bad language. More seriously, have any of your followers added information on what pH is about? I have some thoughts to offer but don't want to duplicate...

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yes, some have commented. I googled it but haven't read deeply into the subject. There's some conjecture about the original meaning of the 'P' - H is definitely Hydrogen.

[@misclaudiarene6752]

Great info I never thought to test my soap.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Ah, well, this was a good one for you then!

[@tassiegirl1991]

Elly your a godsend to new soap makers. What a super idea to test the dishwashing powder to test your strips. I was testing my soap using Chinese made ones but there darkish orange and absorbent ++++ so couldn’t tell how dark green or if higher it was but testing my dishwasher cube by opening it the paper turned a definite blue so compared with my soap the soap is fine maybe 9 one possibly 10 but no zapping on tongue so I’m happy to now use when fully cured. Thanks thanks thanks

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Ah thank you, that's so good! The zap test is pretty reliable too, I am definitely doing a video on that soon!!! :)

[@penelopepennington3838]

Thank You for your amazing help to us newbies! You have really helped my confidence with ph! I love your videos - have a great 2020 & more 💫

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

That's great! Thank you, you're very welcome. I've got some more soap making 'how to' videos planned for the next couple of months :)

[@amajen5296]

Thank you Elly. I am planning to make soap. This is a great teaching to have. Bless you

[@pibilipaba]

Testing starts at 8:40

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

:)

[@IrfanAli-bs8nm]

thanks for saving my time

[@Liofa73]

Shaynie Shane --- No need to be an ass... She's giving a proper introduction, talking about mixing problems and types of testing. All important stuff.

[@jessiehermit9503]

@@Liofa73 Not everyone feels the need to see and hear all that.

[@IntEmpires]

Learnt alot from your channel about soap making. Thanks for sharing. New and subscribed,

[@michaelho377]

Wow awesome I have learned something special and extra careful next time while making my soaps

[@isabelladavis1363]

as always Elle thank you for sharing your knowledge ... stay blessed!

[@NesseyRocks]

Your videos are so helpful. I really appreciate them!!

[@paulettewaller9833]

Thank you Elly for your video tutorials on soap and bread. I have been making sour dough bread for 3 or 4 months now and love it so much. I have been wanting to make soap for several years but just wasn’t sure enough of the process. I have gained the confidence I needed to try the soap now. After watching your video’s I think I can do it. I’ll let you know after I make my first little batch how it turns out. Thanks, and God bless.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thanks so much Paulette, that's so wonderful to hear. Best of luck with your little batch, I'm sure you'll find it easy once you're familar with it :)

[@2711marcus]

Dr Bronners bar soap has a PH of 9.8 +or- 0.3 so anywhere between 9.5 and 10.1. I think soap tested with a PH meter will give a reading closer to 10 than 9. I've tested a few store bought soaps and the ph is around 10. I think the ph strips seem to give a lower reading between 8 and 9 :)

[@annazislina6335]

Thank you Elly! Your videos are super helpful!

[@krystyne3434]

pH is potential hydrogen ions... :)

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you! I did google it when I was editing the video, but there seemed to be a lot of argument about what it stands for.

[@jab376]

Kaye Ferguson. Your pH definition is 🤤

[@maggiemakgill]

The pH scale actually doesn't really end at 1 or 14, you CAN make a NaOH solution with a pH of 15 or strong acids at 0 pH or even -1 (yes the scale goes negative). You just really really shouldn't unless you HAVE TO and are in a proper lab and know what you're doing. I have used solutions of H2SO4 in biochem lab that was as low a pH as 0 (2nd-year uni). The limits are really based on the solubility of what acid/base you're adding to your solution and Strong acids and bases have very high solubilities. Also while pure/distilled water is 7, most tap water isn't here ours is slightly basic because the main water source around here is a lake surrounded by limestone!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

That's interesting! Thank you for sharing! I was thinking about the tap water comment. I know ours is 7, but that wouldn't necessarily be the case everywhere. Thanks again.

[@CrossCountryBR]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

You're welcome!

[@RED-cy7ig]

Thanks so much. I just tested my soap.

[@GrandmaMarlayne]

Thanks for the examples.

[@peepla7]

Ph means potential hydrogen. That's what the letters mean all I know is yellow to green is good.

[@jamiesipe8319]

Thank you for this video it has been hard finding information regarding ph testing in CP soap. You were very informative and clear in your explanations.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you :)

[@ALEMADEO]

Hi Elly, any vídeo on how to rebatch a sopa that after 2 months started melting, using cold process? Many thanks once again!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Not yet Allessandra! But thanks for the suggestion, I'll add it to my list. That would be a great one to do :)

[@Lemonz1989]

Just for the people wondering what's with the water. The pH measure (acidity or alkalinity) is only relevant in the presence of water. An acid isn't "acidic", it's simply a weak or strong acid, and the same with bases. An acid in solution (with water) makes an acidic solution (acidity) and the same with a base in solution (alkalinity), which is what the pH strips measure. So acids and bases don't have a pH value in their pure form. :)

[@its_sky23]

Hi Elly, should I test every bar of soap or one bar from each batch? FYI you’re my favorite soap maker ❤️❤️❤️

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you. Just one bar from each batch is fine :)

[@its_sky23]

Thanks Elly, you are the best!!

[@j.durham1993]

Thank you for this info! Just tested my batches for the holidays,and, they all have the right PH!👍Jan in Eugene

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Awesome! It's a nice feeling when they're all tested and you know they're good :)

[@Gingersplace]

It's important to use the same distilled or purified water to test as is in the soap itself due to impurities in water. I've read mixed reviews on ph strip testing.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thanks for your comment. I've been using nothing but tap water and these test strips for years without issue. I think if there's something wrong with your tap water then you would consider an alternative water source. But if your water is safe to drink, then its perfectly ok to use for soap making and testing :)

[@Gingersplace]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking That makes good sense!! Just a thought having watched other videos on testing soap. Everything from the strips to the red cabbage water test, it's all out there. Just throwing my 2 cents in where it may not belong. I enjoy your videos!! :0)

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

No problem at all, thank you!

[@user-gs7qe2mk1q]

This video was very helpful thanks so much

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

You are so welcome!

[@subramaniantr2091]

Hi Elly, thank you for the video. my soap after 2 days has been sitting around 10, probably between 9 and 10. How many days do you think it might take in general for the soap to come to a reasonable number like 8-9 if the soap has been made properly.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

IT depends on the recipe, but shouldn't take any longer than a week.

[@bennettbuilt]

Elly could you make a how to make exfoliating soap video? I love your cold pressed olive oil and coconut oil soap. Is there a way to add texture to it?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Oh yes, that's a great suggestion! Personally I prefer ground oats in my soap as an exfoliant, it's nice and gentle, not too rough on the skin. If you like something a bit rougher, ground pumice stone or some kind of fine sand like this one is nice: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWbMn6xsgr9miZY

[@davidguerra5148]

Thank You for the video. That was very helpful :)

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

You're very welcome :)

[@classsyp1290]

Thanks for your video and it's really work for me. But there is one of confuse that ph test should be make after 1 month soap making ?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

You can test the soap pH after a couple of days to make sure your soap was made correctly, but then leave it to cure fully for at least a month.

[@gabrielaab1651]

Hi Elly, your job ist wonderfull, Congratulation! I want to ask you why you don't use a PH meter in the composition before putting it into shape? I think it is more accurate than the paper test. I also make soap as a hobby and test the Ph in this way. I bought the Ph meter on Amazon for 7 Euros. Greetings from Austria

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

It's not going to be saponified before it hardens and sets, it takes a few days for the reaction to complete. The paper strips are reliable enough for this purpose :)

[@gabrielaab1651]

Dear Elly thank you very much . I think you have a good reason und I will prove it. Best wishes.

[@Idreeswani2011]

Illy u r doing wonderful job.u have cleared my many doubts nd need more research b4 I start soap making.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Happy to help

[@princ9311]

Pls recommend a best soap ??

[@Ezzz..584]

Hi Elly ! Is this for body soap or should we use on face as well pls let me know thanks :)

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

I use my handmade soaps mainly for body soap and other household cleaning. I use a soap free cleanser on my face because I have very sensitive skin there, but many people are perfeclty fine using soap for their face too.

[@Ezzz..584]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Okay... Thats why i was thinking because many soap makers didn't mention in their videos by the thanks again wish me luck i going to start my own working then i will let u know thanks bye.. :)

[@majdavojnikovic]

Hi, I have e question, may one, in the place of fragrance oils use essential oils, in small amounts, of course? What would be the difference?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yes, of course you can! I just use essential oils because I prefer their fragrance, which is the main difference between the two. You are right in using lesser amounts of fragrance oil, they can be very pervasive. Thanks for your question.

[@tebidnchang7992]

You should really be a science teacher. I think then, I would love studying science 😅😅

[@RelleMae]

Hi Ms Elly, may I ask what is the best PH for soft ? because I am planning to make my DIY soon..thanks

[@myriam219]

Me gusta mucho aunque no entiendo todo. Me encantan tus vídeos. Gracias por compartir 😘😘😘

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hola! Gracias por tu comentario. ¡Probablemente sea mi acento australiano y mi forma de hablar! ¿Podría encontrar algunas explicaciones mejores si realiza una búsqueda en Internet? Gracias de nuevo.

[@myriam219]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking , tu acento yo no lo noto. Gracias por contestar. Habitualmente veo otros vídeos, pero me gusta ver como haces lis tuyos, aunque no lo entienda. Gracias. Espero no haberte molestado. No se hablar inglés 😘

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

¡No hay problema! Gracias por mirar mis videos y tratar de aprender de ellos. ¡Desearía poder hablar español! He usado el traductor de Google para hacerle mis respuestas. Espero que puedas entender mis videos. También escribo los detalles en el cuadro de descripción de cada video, para que pueda traducir ese texto si desea más información. ¡Buena suerte!

[@myriam219]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking thankyou very much...♥️ Lovely 💗

[@soapsforlove4168]

That was very helpful. Take care.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you :)

[@Kit29]

Hi Elly, I just made your Castile soap and I guess I didn’t mix well enough (?) after 48 hours it was very soft. Three days later(today) it finally firm enough to be able to unmold the soap. I cut into it and it is still really sticky and soft and sticking to my knife. So I tested ph level and it’s 11 possibly 12. Is it going to be lower ph as it continues to cure or is this batch is lost? 😢 I know I made your Castile soap before and I came out fine and loved it. I must have done something wrong, weighing wrong amount or not mixing enough. Is there anything you can do to reuse it into an another soap? Thank you for your help.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Sounds like maybe it needed more mixing, or more warmth? You can rebatch it if you're not sure, to turn it into a HP soap :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYW0XnZqgZhpadE

[@Kit29]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Thank you so much for responding to me so quickly. Now I think about it I didn’t add lye solution right away like in your video. So not enough mixing and heating! I watched your suggested rebatching soap video. I feel so much better now that I won’t be wasting my ingredients. I am still a newbie at soap making! Through your videos I have learned so much. I am so grateful to you. Thanks again and looking forward to seeing more of your videos. 😊

[@estelagonzalez345]

thanks for this explanation! can you use the test strips to test a lye-heavy batch while cooking / correcting?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yes, you sure can. They're great for testing as you go with hot process and liquid soap making.

[@sp2295]

What is the shelf life of CP soaps Mam?? And What will be the shelf life of CP soaps made from 100% Shea butter or coconut milk (use instead of water while mixing lye).

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

It depends on how they are made, and I don't know much about shea butter soap, but if well made and stored they should keep at least 6 months, hopefully a lot longer!

[@shksabir7159]

Very 😊👍 good everyday soap making

[@glorymichael8597]

Nice one thanks

[@MelissainRealLife]

I tested a batch of soap I made over a week ago and it's pH was 14. I made a newbie mistake of putting my soap in the fridge instead of letting set out and covered with a towel. Is there any way to save the soap? Thanks.

[@zouinadoukha2968]

Hi Elly, please could you explain how to lower cp shampoo bars' ph and cp soap for face washing. It is important to know since some parts of our skin don' t tolerate ph at 8 or 9 (alcalin). Thank you so much for your teaching 🥰🥰🥰

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi, you can't unfortunately. Soap is naturally higher pH.

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

If you have time Ms Elly, can you link the honey oatmeal soap video? I looked through your many glorious videos (and got way distracted binge watching...LOL!) and can't seem to find it.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

No problem, here it is :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/al6VgYBog92fna8

[@ChuChumelonofficial]

4.5 to 7 good for ur skin

[@bouthainamelaouhi6782]

Hello Elly, thank you for your amazing videos. It is really helpfull. Can i use citric acid to adjust the ph of the soap espacially if i am going to ise it as shampoo bar. Thank you sooo mjch

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi, you can in small amounts, but I have not researched that thoroughly. I would do further reading before you try it :)

[@bouthainamelaouhi6782]

Thanks Elly I will do some researches and see what can I do. 😊

[@mary_helen]

Ηi thanks for sharing,also thanks for your answer to my question.I also want to know in what degrees the oils and lye should be before we mix the one into the other.Than you very much.🌹

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you, this video explains all about soap temperatures kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip6VpaRnndVpd7s

[@ikawatigunawan3726]

Hi from Indonesia! Thank you so much for your tutorial, ive been following your recipe but would like to get some insights since my soap is always slighlty more alkaline than its supposed to be (ph 10-11), what should i do? And is it still ok to use?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi, are you curing it long enough before testing? If it is still high after a few weeks, then I'd say there is some issue either with your testing paper/method or your soap ingredients may have an issue. Hard to know what's exactly happening, sorry.

[@danielm872]

Hello Elly! I'm new to soapmaking and I have a doubt that I hope you can clear up for me. Normally, artisanal soap has a pH of 8-9 and our skin has a pH around 5-6, does that mean that artisanal soap is bad for our skin? I see a lot of discussion about this on the internet but I'm unsure if it's a legit concern or just fear mongering. So if you could answer me I'd be very thankful 😊

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi Daniel, that's a hotly contested subject! And I don't have the definitive answer I'm afraid. A dermatologist might be a better person to ask ;)

[@danielm872]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Thank you so much Elly!!! And is it possible to lower the pH of handmade soap? I read somewhere that if you add something like citric acid to handmade soap the end result won't be soap anymore or that the emulsion will break and the soap will be ruined, is this true?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yes you can't lower it I'm afraid. Soap is soap and is always alkaline.

[@danielm872]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Thanks Elly 😊

[@jyotinair3736]

So I have made a few batches so far they came out great, also I checked the pH level good as well. My question is do we need to add a preservative to the soap, if I want to sell it, will it cause mold, since it has water in it. I cannot find a detail answer on it. Some of the sites who make soap and sell it on their website it shows they use Benzyl benzoate, I also bought a famous recipe from a master soap maker, but it doesn't have any preservative in the recipe, however on her website it has Benzyl benzoate, as an ingredient.

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

No, you don't need any preservative for bar soaps if they are made properly. Bar soap has been made with oil, sodium hydroxide and water all over the world for centuries without any preservative. The alkalinity and low water amount in the solid product prevents spoilage.

[@jyotinair3736]

Elly's Everyday thank you

[@MyCraftyMind4U]

Thank you so much this was very helpful!

[@handecoskun2886]

Hi Elly!🧡 I made my first castile soap. I made the pH test and it is around 8-9. But it's still a bit soft inside. Do you think it will be safe to use it after a few weeks curing time?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yes, definitely! They need a good six weeks to cure and harden fully :)

[@LanaS2024]

Hi Elly, I love your videos. So I've been making soap for years now, never tested the PH, yet my soaps are quite lovely 😊 today I made a hot processed soap and decided to test the PH level which turned out to be 7, is that good!!!! I heard anything lower than 8 is not soap!!!! I also tested an old bar of soap and it gave me the same result (7) I know it cleans very well 😂 so what do you think is going on!!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Sounds like your pH paper might not be super accurate? 7 sounds good to me though. I'm sure they're fine. Check out my other video on the zap test!

[@LanaS2024]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking OK I'll do that, thank you so much for the reply 😊

[@raqueldeclase6082]

Hi Elly, Do you only test one bit of the soap that you cut off from the entire bar or every single bar from the entire loaf?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Just one bar from the batch :)

[@sanitiny336]

Hi,thanks for your video's,they are so useful,some daya ago I made a soap with olive oil,and we use it in forth day,I wash my face and unfortunately it causes bleeding eyes,now how we can trust to our handmade soap even after 4 weeks for selling to customer?Will it has lye after 4 weeks?I hope you show me a way to understand it,if you answer me I will appreciate you

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi, it sounds like you do not fully understand the process of making soap or you have formulated an incorrect recipe. You should not use it after four days and it should be tested for safety before use. Have you formulated your recipe correctly? It sounds like you definitely have too much lye in your soap. Are you certain you are using the right sodium hydroxide for your recipe? (the strength does vary worldwide). Have you seen these two videos? How to Formulate and Calculate Your Own Soap Recipes kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6KuqZykZdZkmK8 Calculating Water in Soap Recipes and Clarifying 'Lye Concentration' kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZWakKiQm8eDpJY

[@sanitiny336]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking yes I use the recipe from your video and I calculate that amount of sodium hydroxide from soap calc,how do we test the safety of our soap?may be there is a little lye even after 4 days.yes I see your videos

[@SpazzMuffin22]

Hello! I love your videos and they have been very helpful in getting me back into soap making. I took a break because the last few batches I made didn’t turn out good. Three weeks ago I made three small batches of soap. I tested their ph levels and two of the batches are at a 10 and one is at an 11. Should they still be that high after sitting that long?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi Sikwani, no, I think they should be lower than that. They should be 8-9 within a few days of making. I wonder if something's amiss with your recipe, or the lye, or your scale?

[@SpazzMuffin22]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking thank you for the feedback! I used soap calc and a new scale. Does lye go bad?

[@coconutamore7493]

How is it antibacterial? 🤔 it looks amazing and it has all nice waxes but how does it „wash” hands from bacterias? Just wondering...

[@saurabhsingh-lx4wz]

All soaps will remove bacteria during a wash. Triclosan, the most commonly used antibacterial agent is now considered by the FDA as not having any greater effect than washing with regular soap. From FDA.gov: “According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there isn’t enough science to show that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water. To date, the benefits of using antibacterial hand soap haven’t been proven. In addition, the wide use of these products over a long time has raised the question of potential negative effects on your health.”

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

All soap, if you use clean water and proper handwashing technique will clean your hands of bacteria.

[@carolineleiden]

Soap is a natural mild antiseptic because of the alkaline Ph.

[@katechandler8424]

Elly - can you provide the size of these moulds? Metric is fine and are they bamboo?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi Kate, the mould dimensions are in the description box of this video :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZSalaiweaqUbLs

[@crystaldawn8875]

Brilliant! Very helpful Thank You😉

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

You're welcome :)

[@catherinewalker7097]

Thanks for your great videos. I am wondering what kind of sodium hydroxide you use ? I got some from the hardware store and am not sure if it's the same as from a soap making supplier. My soaps seem to be quite high pH and I wonder if it's because of the lye I'm using. Thanks

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi Catherine, I only ever buy my sodium hydroxide/caustic soda from the hardware or the supermarket and it works fine. As far as I know it's the same thing as a soap making supplier would sell. The trick is to look at the fine print on the packaging - it should say 98 or 99% sodium hydroxide. All of the caustic soda brands here in Australia say 98% sodium hydroxide on the label.

[@catherinewalker7097]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Thanks Elly, that's good to know. I will check mine and try again. Catherine

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

You're welcome :)

[@AtomicElf1]

@@catherinewalker7097 If you're in the U.S. then Roebic Crystal Drain Cleaner is one option. There are lots of other suppliers available, and this may not be the most cost-effective option, but I was able to pick some up at Lowe's and it's labeled as 100% Lye (sodium hydroxide).

[@catherinewalker7097]

@@AtomicElf1 Thank you but I am in Australia. Appreciate your help though

[@hilaeshel3510]

Tank you dear, It helps a lot. Can we fix a batch that is more than PH 9, after cure ?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yes, it would need to be rebatched with extra oil added to bring the pH down to 9 :)

[@hilaeshel3510]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking lovely, thanks

[@sukymartz1269]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Hi!! How much more oil would need to be added?! .. Thank you for the video!

[@stephensonkrista]

Question for you Elly - I've heard some dissenting opinions on whether it is healthy to make soap bars at a slightly alkaline pH (8-9) the way most soapers do bc the skin is generally acidic. Have you heard anything about this or can you offer any insight on exactly WHY it is the general consensus to make soap at 8-9 pH? Do we test to pH to simply assess that the soap is indeed cooked?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Hi, all handmade soap is pH 8-9, it's not possible to make it any lower unfortunately (unless you want to make something that isn't soap). Soap is naturally high pH product. A dermatologist will probably tell you not to use soap on your skin due to the pH, but humans have been washing themselves with soap for millennia with no apparent ill-effects, so it's up to the individual to decide if they want to use it or not.

[@healing_krystal]

Thank you for this video is it possible for soap pH to come out to acidic?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

No, not if it's made properly.

[@nextlevelcandlesbathproduc1845]

thank you! love your videos!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you, you're welcome :)

[@themissamna]

great idea I'm starting to make soap.. thank you very much from Sudan

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Wonderful! I'm glad you're feeling inspired.

[@themissamna]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking your video's are amazing thank you

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you so much!

[@24shwetaa]

Hello Ellly, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I made some aloe Vera soap and have kept it for over a month. However when I tested the ph it shows 14! My other batches are showing the same…I’m really not sure what I’m doing wrong. Any advice would be appreciated 😊

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yikes! Something wrong with your recipe, measurements or lye there. Do not use that soap! You'll have to find out what went wrong. The pH should be 8-9.

[@24shwetaa]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking Thank you Elly!

[@Clocktiming258]

you doing fantastic job👍🏻 ....please make video on liquid soap

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thank you, yes great suggestion - it's on my list! :)

[@dianatarrant8214]

I get all my supplies from Aussie Soaps. They have most things.

[@32BARCUT]

Thank you!

[@nirmalasellahewa3838]

So helpful, Thankyou!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

You're welcome!

[@nishdesilva6449]

Hey Elly, how long should I wait before I cut the soap? Thank you

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

It depends on the soap, and how you're cutting it, but usually within the first 12-48 hours. Just wait until it's hard enough to cut.

[@nishdesilva6449]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking thank you. You are awesome!

[@joltron1865]

Thanks for this. I E got soap that tests high for PH but there is no ZAP (I've been zapped before ND know the feeling). Is it possible to be high PH but no ZAP?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

I'm not sure if that's possible. How high is the pH? If it's under 9 it is ok to use.

[@joltron1865]

@@EllysEverydaySoapMaking colour wise prolly 11 .... But I can eat this stuff.if.i wanted to Its very fresh maybe a week or so ...

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Yeah give it time. If it's not at 8 or 9 within a week there's a issue.

[@mjflinn5007]

I really love your video's!

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Thanks!

[@margaretcunningham7146]

The first soap I made was just a melt and pour. I added rose petals that I dried myself. After a while, the soap turned brown. Any thoughts?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

Could have been the rose petals, they tend to brown as they get old, and many botanical ingredients go brown in soap unfortunately. May have been the melt and pour base too, reacting with the petals? I'm not sure, sorry.

[@palakagarwal9750]

can we adjust and lower the PH of shampoo bar from 8 to 5-5.5 ? i found few people telling to add citric acid to lower the PH. Does that really work ? if yes, at what stage can we add it as PH is tested after the soap is cooked (As per your ACV shampoo bar video). Also, does ACV soap have lower PH than other shampoo bars because of presence of Vinegar in it ?

[@EllysEverydaySoapMaking]

No, it's soap so it will always have a higher pH. The vinegar isn't strong enough to lower the pH of soap.