Homemade Soaps

I have been making our laundry soap for our family using bars of Ivory soap. When I make my next supply run, I am going to get the supplies to make 2 types of soap.

Both soaps will be the same basic ingredients. The bath soap will have some type of additive for making the soap very moisturizing. The other bar will be a laundry soap with Orange Essential Oil in it to boost the oil/grease cutting properties of the soap and also to give it a light scent.

I found that I can buy the lye locally and not have to mail order it. The rest of the ingredients are basic ones found in the grocery store. Once I start making these soaps, it will really be a blessing both in the cost and in the knowing how to do it for ourselves instead of depending on a store.

My next project after I feel good about these soaps will be to start making our own shampoo and conditioner.

I would love to hear from others who have been making their own lye soaps. What lessons have you learned through trial and error?