Bubble Bar Recipes

Over on our Facebook page we've long been having discussions about how to make the best bubble bars.  Opinions and experiences vary as with most crafting adventures.
However we've been luck enough to have one of our members contribute a successful recipe and she's kindly agreed to share it with everyone.

Nicola from the Soap And Card Shack - Brackley - has recently opened a bricks and mortar shop where these gorgeous bars are selling really well.  If you can't wait and would like to try some for yourself, you can contact Nicola through her website http://www.soapandcardshack.co.uk/ or via her Facebook page Soapandcardshack-brackley

Nicola's Recipe for Bubble Bars

250g Bicarbonate of Soda


100g Citric Acid

50g SLS Noodles <<< please read this before proceeding

8ml Fragrance or Essential Oil of your choice

Colour - any cosmetic/toiletry grade colour (if using ultramarine blue please choose acid resistant)
 
Combine all dry ingredients thoroughly.  Add colour if desired, fragrance and mix well.   Bind with a few spritzes of water.
 
You will find that the noodles do not take up the colour therefore you will have a mottled effect to your bars.  Press into a suitable mould or form into shapes by hand.  Allow to dry before wrapping.
 
Thanks Nicola for sharing.  We'd love to hear your comments and recipe ideas - please do post below.
 
 

SLS - A Bit of Understanding

Most of you will be aware of SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (Sulfate) and SLSA Sodium Laureth Sulphoacetate (Sulfoacetate). 

SLS is a very widely used surfactant & degreaser, a chemical that is used in a wide variety of products including toothpaste, bubble bath, shampoo, soaps and much more to cleanse and (super) foam.  Examine some of the labels in your bathroom and it's likely that you will find it. 

Much is said about SLS and it's ability to irritate the skin.  Chances are you've done some of your own research and perhaps come across those who prefer their toiletries to be SLS free.  One possible reason for the conclusion that SLS is irritating to the skin is the fact that it's molecules are teeny tiny and have the ability to be absorbed.

In contrast, (SLSA)Sodium Laureth Sulphoacetate is a large molecule surfactant whose structure prevents it from being absorbed by the skin.  This aspect is perhaps why it has found favour with those suspicious of SLS and its potential as an irritant, along with the fact that it is derived from Coconut and Palm Oils. 

Both of these products work effectively.  Both must be used by the home crafter with extreme caution - examine the MSDS of each and you will see exactly the same risk phrases; each in its dry form is an irritant to the airways and eyes and can cause serious damage.  Always use with appropriate breathing equipment, protective clothing and in a well ventilated environment.  It is worth noting that these dry powders become airborne the moment you open the bag.  If you do so without breathing protection you will be coughing in an instant.  This goes for the "noodle" form of SLS as well as the powder form.

Of course once your products are made and the ingredients combined and bound together such as in a bath bomb or bubble bar, they are quite safe.