Aloe vera pulp

by Laura
(Milford, MI)

I have an aloe vera plant and was wondering if I can add the pulp to my soap. If so, at what stage and how much for a 1 lb batch. What about adding it in place of water, would the lye destroy the benefits of aloe. Should it be blended first,or just plunked in the water?
Thanks for your insight.

Answer:

I would blend the aloe first.

As for adding it to the lye and if the lye will destroy the benefits...good question. It has been debated by many that the lye probably destroys many of the benefits of all sorts of wonderful additives that we put in soap. I simply don't have the answer for you.

When I make a batch of soap that contains delicate ingredients such as aloe, I replace a portion of the water with the aloe but hold it out until trace. Once the soap reaches a thin to medium trace, I add in the ingredient. I do this with milks as well. There seems to be less of a reaction with the lye and I like to think that some of the benefits come though in the final soap.

How much to add? That's up to you. Experiment a little. Start small and keep adding more into each batch until you get the results you are looking for.

Cathy