Making and Packaging Honeycomb Soap
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles|November - December 2022
My best-selling soap to this day is a soap with beeswax and honey that I call Honeycomb.
TINA MOENCK
Making and Packaging Honeycomb Soap

The reason for this moniker is not only because of the ingredients but also because of the appearance. It resembles a honeycomb because I line my mold with bubble wrap. This soap may also be a great addition to a fall line of soaps due to the color and the essential oils. It is, however, a better project for experienced soapmakers, not for the beginner's first few batches.

Just a note: If you are new to soap making, please review lye safety before making soap. Search for Tina Moenck on YouTube to view my videos, including one on honeycomb soap.

I buy beeswax from local beekeepers. If you use beeswax, buy from local businesses, if possible. Locate beekeepers at local markets or ask around.

Working with beeswax in soap can be tricky. Beeswax is just that, a wax and very high in unsaponifiables. If you are new to soap making, unsaponifiables means not all the ingredients will saponify. Since some of the beeswaxes will saponify, add it as an oil to the lye calculator, but only at 1-3 percent of the recipe. At higher amounts, it can create drag and make for a softer soap. In addition, work quickly because this soap moves fast. Also, any form of sugar added to soap will create heat and cause full gel in just a few minutes, so the combination of beeswax and honey in this soap affords just a short window of time to mix and get it in the mold. I get the full gel in the mold within 5 to 10 minutes, but it depends on how hot the mix is to begin with. The temperature of the room affects gel time, as well.

Humidity can also throw a monkey wrench into the plan, and sometimes, those pesky soap gremlins show up and mess up a batch of soap, even when you think you did everything right. Soapmaking is a journey and a never-ending learning process. You will learn something new with every batch if you are observant. Do not get discouraged when you try something and it doesn't work out quite right; it is part of learning and growing.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MAKING SOAP, COSMETICS & CANDLESView all
Soap vs. Syndet Shampoo Bars
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

Soap vs. Syndet Shampoo Bars

If you have been making soap for any length of time, you’ve most likely heard of shampoo bars. If you have not heard of them, they are hard bars of soap used to clean hair. They are an alternative to the more common liquid shampoos sold in stores in plastic bottles.

time-read
5 mins  |
January - February 2023
An Entrepreneur's Packaging Evolution
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

An Entrepreneur's Packaging Evolution

Becky Strasburger of Nashville Soap Company nashvillesoapcompany.com creates one hundred percent handcrafted, all natural and vegan-friendly soaps, candles and body care products, crafted in small batches in Nashville, Tennessee.

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2022
Marketing and Goat Milk in Soap
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

Marketing and Goat Milk in Soap

The restorative properties of goat milk soap and lotion are undisputed, and the benefits of smooth, clean skin are a bonus of soaps made with goat milk.

time-read
6 mins  |
November - December 2022
What Sustainable Packaging Means to You
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

What Sustainable Packaging Means to You

Sustainability is more important than ever, but it is also more confusing than ever.

time-read
6 mins  |
November - December 2022
The Little Book of Beldi: A Modern Take on a Classic Soap.
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

The Little Book of Beldi: A Modern Take on a Classic Soap.

Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles magazine readers, please meet Rebecca K. Wright.

time-read
5 mins  |
November - December 2022
Holiday Products and Packaging
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

Holiday Products and Packaging

Ah, November and December ... Did you know that a total of 13 major holidays are celebrated within these months worldwide?

time-read
6 mins  |
November - December 2022
Packaging Breakdown: What to Consider When Choosing Product Packaging
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

Packaging Breakdown: What to Consider When Choosing Product Packaging

Product packaging has always been important to a cohesive product line, but do you know what it takes to be successful?

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2022
Candle Packaging for Small Businesses
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

Candle Packaging for Small Businesses

You created a beautiful candle. You designed, tested, and made it.

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2022
Making and Packaging Honeycomb Soap
Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles

Making and Packaging Honeycomb Soap

My best-selling soap to this day is a soap with beeswax and honey that I call Honeycomb.

time-read
5 mins  |
November - December 2022