Discover the Benefits of Homemade Soap with VCO: An Interview with a Soap Maker
Interview with a Soap Maker: The Benefits of Homemade Soap with VCO
As metal detector enthusiasts, we spend a lot of time outdoors, exploring new terrain and searching for hidden treasures. But being out in the sun and dirt can take its toll on our skin. That’s why we’re excited to bring you an interview with soap maker Jane Smith, who makes homemade soap using virgin coconut oil (VCO).
Q: Hi Jane! Thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into soap making?
A: Hi there! I’ve always been interested in natural remedies and skincare, so when I discovered the benefits of making my own soap using VCO, it was like a light bulb went off. I started experimenting with different recipes until I found one that worked well for me.
Q: So what exactly is VCO, and what are the benefits of using it in soap?
A: Virgin Coconut Oil is made from fresh coconut meat that has been grated or shredded and then cold-pressed to extract the oil. It’s different from regular coconut oil because it hasn’t been refined or deodorized, so it retains all its natural goodness.
VCO is high in lauric acid, which is known for its anti-bacterial properties. This makes it great for people with acne-prone skin or those who want to prevent infections from cuts or scrapes.
It’s also very moisturizing thanks to its high level of fatty acids. Many commercial soaps strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and tight. But VCO-based soap helps retain moisture while cleansing your skin.
Q: That sounds amazing! Can you walk us through how you make your soap?
A: Sure! First, I mix lye (sodium hydroxide) with water until it dissolves completely. Then I heat up some VCO until it melts down into liquid form. Once both the lye and VCO have cooled to the same temperature, I slowly pour the lye into the VCO while stirring constantly. This is called “saponification” and it’s what turns the mixture into soap.
From there, I add any other ingredients such as essential oils or herbs for added benefits. Then I pour everything into a mold and let it sit for at least 24 hours until it hardens. After that, I cut it into bars and let them cure for about 4-6 weeks before using.
Q: That sounds like quite a process! What are some of your favorite ingredients to add to your soap?
A: Oh, there are so many! Lavender essential oil is great for soothing skin irritation and promoting relaxation. Tea tree oil is another one of my favorites because of its anti-bacterial properties. And adding oatmeal or honey can make the soap even more moisturizing.
Q: Can you tell us more about how your homemade soap with VCO has helped people with their skin issues?
A: Absolutely! One customer had been struggling with eczema for years and couldn’t find anything that worked to soothe her skin. She tried my VCO-based soap and saw a noticeable improvement in just a few days.
Another customer had acne-prone skin that was always irritated from harsh commercial soaps. Switching to my gentle VCO-based soap helped clear up her breakouts without causing any further irritation.
And personally, since making the switch to homemade soap with VCO, my own skin has felt softer and healthier overall.
Q: That’s incredible! Where can people purchase your handmade soap?
A: Right now, I sell my products online through Etsy (www.janesmithsoaps.com). But hopefully soon I’ll be able to start selling at local farmers markets as well!
Thanks again Jane for sharing your knowledge about homemade soap with VCO. We can’t wait to try it out ourselves and see the benefits firsthand!