The Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavitch (1997, Paperback)

This book is absolutely great! It is clearly and consisely written, packed full of how and why information. It gives you all the basics for a smaller soap batch and many variations to try. If you want to use different oils then it also gives you the know how to be able to do that. That way you can create your own blends and know what you are doing while you do it.

The focus is definately on why you should use vegetable based oils for your soaps. She makes a good case for the best skin care being a vegetable based regime. I received it yesterday, have never made soap before, but have already completed my first presonalized batch and can't wait to see how it turns out!!