Equipment & Ingredients
Now to the really important stuff, here is a list of the Tools & Equipment you will need for making all your gorgeous soaps and cosmetics. Many are common kitchen utensils, that you probably already own. Some of them listed are for the bigger batches like a blender or an electric mixer so you wont need them in the beginning, all you'll pretty much need is a spoon or a fork for stirring or mashing. I know its common sense but always remember to keep your utensils clean, as you don't want to introduce any foreign ingredients or bacteria into your products.
Knives: I would advise getting a selection of sizes, from an ordinary knife to a carving knife, I have always hand cut my soaps using a carving knife, as i don't need to worry about the strings braking on a soap cutter and then trying to find replacements, i have been using the same ole carving knife for 18 yrs, i use it to murder my cocoa butter, slice my shea butter & coconut oil and as mentioned to cut my soaps.
Measuring Cups, Jugs & Spoons: I think i have more measuring jugs than Tescos, but these are essential i have the 500ml, 1 litre, 2 litre & the 3 litre, they need replacing every 18mths to 2 yrs. With the spoons i would advise the stainless steel ones, i got mine from Morrisons, these give you an exact millage for fragrances & essential oils and again get a couple of sets as it saves you going back and forth to the sink to wash the one you need.
Pyrex Jugs & Bowls: These are perfect for melting oils & butters in the microwave, but be warned, i would buy new every 12 - 18mths, as i learnt the hard, when my pyrex jug exploded in the microwave and set it a light. I had been using the same just for 2 to 3 years.
Pans: Again like the jugs, i would buy several sizes and make sure they are stainless steel, as aluminium corrodes, and you really dont want your caustic solution eating through your pan. I bought my set of Stock Pot Pans off Amazon. they do a 4 pack
Funnels: These are a god send, especially if you have shaky hands, again these come in different sizes and i would advise buying 2 of each size, and possibly 3 of the smaller sizes.
Hand Blender: Right i'm going to go against everyone here, when i tell you do NOT, i repeat do Not waste your money on an expensive hand blender, I have used Kenwood (lasted 6mths), Phillips (lasted about 4mths), and many others, i found nothing beats Asda's cheap little white plastic one.... I have three and all have been with me for nearly 5-6 years. I see a lot of people using brands like kitchen aid, i personally have never used one, but, if the hand blender has a metal shaft into a plastic engine, the glue that holds them together will corrode and they will separate, especially if you use them for soap making. Now if your just making skincare you shouldn't have an issue
Hand Whisk: Make sure these are stainless steel, as silicone has a habit of crumbling, if you've used it for a few years. again buy a small whisk along with a medium whisk, if its a bigger batch then the electric mixer with its balloon whisk would be better to use.
Electric Mixer: I have used a Kenwood Titanium for near on 11 yrs and its never let me down, I only updated it recently when it was starting to sound laboured, and i now have 2 Heska Mixers, these are much cheaper but just as efficient and have worked solidly since i bought them 2 years ago
Sieve: Like the whisks these come in different sizes and again i would advise buying at least 2 of each size, to sieve your powders and to use with some cheesecloth to strain your infusions.
Table Top Hob: When I worked from home I always used my own cooker, but at the Shop and at the workshop, I always used a 2 ring hob, I did try a portable induction hob, but I could never really get on with it and always went back to my electric hob. These aren't expensive and can be picked up from most supermarkets, but I always bought mine from the Factory Outlet.
Microwave: Perfect for quick melts, like beeswax, cocoa butter or melt an pour soap bases.
Assorted Bottles, Jars & Lids: You can pick up small quantities of Jars and Bottles from the Range, B & M or from supermarkets, but before I went full on Bulk making I used a company called Ampulla, they have a fantastic range and they are really helpful, but there are loads of other companies out there. I will put a list in the suppliers section.
Scales: Now if your just making for you, then ordinary kitchen scales are absolutely fine, but if you want to make a business out of this, then you will need proper trade scales which have been calibrated.
Pippettes: Are used for decorating the tops of your soaps, bath bombs or wax melt, you can also use artist paint brushes or just a plain old spoon.
Spoons & Forks: Believe me when I say you can never have too many spoons, this is the one utensil, I can not do with out. Oh yes and Forks for Mashing or a quick whisk.
Stainless Steel Bowls: These are perfect for slow hob melts and bath bomb making i got mine from IKEA and I have quite a few, they are a good size
Spatulas or Wooden Spoons: I use silicone spatulas which you can buy from cookery shops. Again like spoons I seem to have an obsession as I have quite a few, but believe me, you need plenty, as it saves you constantly washing the same one.