500+ recipes
From my extensive collection of antique and vintage soap and cosmetic books, dating back to the early 1700’s, as well as research on more recent recipes.
300+ pages
Why this book?
I’ve always loved the historical approach to soap and cosmetics. After all, back in “olden times” all they had to work with were natural ingredients and essential oils. In fact, many of these old recipes served as the foundation for the products I made and sold through my own soap and cosmetic business.
Of course, “natural” ingredients can include materials that are actually harmful, so I’ve selected only the recipes that include safe ingredients. We don’t want to make cosmetics with mercury, lead, or arsenic (or opium, laudenum, or cocaine!) all of which were common ingredients in times past.
For general interest, there is a short section on recipes that you SHOULDN’T make! They contain some pretty interesting ingredients, including snails, slugs, and a variety of poisonous, addictive, and/or illegal substances.
Also included in the book you’ll find:
- an historical overview of cosmetics and soap
- general explanations of how to make each of the different types of products
- measurement conversion charts
- directions for increasing or decreasing batch size
- a glossary of ingredients (including alternative replacements)
- list of suppliers
Do you have it already?
If you enjoy the book, I’d love to get your feedback! Send it to [email protected]