I picked up this book at the library and I am impressed with the sheer amount of information Cavitch has stuffed into it. I learned things in this book that I haven't seen anywhere else, such as the idea to cut your PVC pipe in half to make it easier to remove your soap. I also found the information about petroleum lip balms. They fix the problem temprarily but ulitmately dry out your lips so you become addicted to it. That floored me because I AM addicted to lip balm! She gives us a recipe for a simple lip balm that is composed of beeswax and oil. I can't wait to try it!

Of course, she also includes many recipes for soaps, but I'm a little daunted by them. They require tons of ingredients. One recipe, called "In Good Condition" calls for TWELVE different oils and butters; that's not including the lye and water. I don't know if her soaps are superfatted because I haven't tried the recipes and can't comment on them.

There was also a lack of photos, another bad thing for beginners. They can't see what trace looks like, they can't see samples of the recipes. I'm a visual learner and photos are a must. But since there aren't photos, there is more room to put information about the oils, colorants and scents. This book does not talk about hot process soap making however.

In sum, this book should be in your collection, however, first learn the basics from a different book. Then use this as a reference as you go along.

I have been making soap for several years now and have checked out 15+ books from the library on this topic. The soapmaker's companion is the most comprehensive resource I have ever read, and has enough of the basics for a beginner as well. The recipes included range from simple (basic bars) to complex (glycerin soap). I am a chemist, so I appreciate the chapter on the properties of all kinds of oils and the instructions on calculating the right amount of lye. If you want to make soap, this is the best book to get.

I had never made soap before, then used three different recipes from this book - all three turned out perfect. This is an excellent book for beginners.

Many of the recipes Cavitch gives call for a lot of hard to find and expensive oils, which can discourage new soapmakers.

She also superfats too much, and I also think that can misinform newbies.

Her descriptions of oils and their properties are really helpful, but she doesn't describe using a stick blender at all (only a regular blender).

Good for reference, but definitely should not be used as a soap making bible. I found Kathy Miller's site much more helpful, more informative, and much more realistic for today's soapmaker.

I've recently been fond in soapmaking; and I read and read many soapmaking books and internet available in the market. First, I found this book was hard to follow. I was scared of dealing with lye- one of a dangerous chemical substance. I put it off for a while before I then had a gut to make my own very soap. My soap turned out very wonderful. It was rewarding! I then read other soapmaking books, and I found they are not as comprehensive as the first book-the soapmaker's companion-I read. Any one who wants to try making her own soap should definitely read this book, and you can thank me and the auther later. Good luck with your soap!