I don't think so, because I think the process used in making regular, commercial soap is much different and I don't believe they will melt like Melt and Pour soap bases do, but I am really not sure. Hopefully Hazel will pop in with an answer because she knows a lot more about the different kinds of soap and their processes. I only know Melt and Pour.
Susan

well, soap bought in the store HERE, isn't really soap, but detergent.....not really much differnet than you put in your washer or dishwasher....which is why alot of folks have problems with soap....dry skin, rashes etc.

some soaps in Europe MAY be real soap, but I imagine they are as commercilized as were are here in alot of places.

Experience here has been, chopping, shaving etc comercially produced soap, then adding oils etc just don't work, however in Europe she may be able to find glycerin based soap & MAY be able to get it to work. Using "store bought" soap here tends to produce a gloppy mess that doesn't mold or do much of anyhting well.

Getting ready for a show tomorrow....off to run around then go set up for the show.

Hazel

Thanks, Hazel. I knew you'd pop in sooner or later. :)
Susan

Actually wa have a lot of glycerin based soap here so I guess I'll have to try. I guess I wouldn't be out of too much money if I fail miserably LOL. Do I try to melt it directly on the stove or do I really need a double boiler or bain marie?
Thank you all for your advice!

nookie
who's crossing her fingers lol

Some suggest you grate the soap up, add some water, then let it sit for 24 hours (or overnight) before you try to melt it on the stove. It's pretty much a guess and try situation since soaps are all different formulations and therefore melt (or don't!) at different rates. When I tried it (and failed - U.S. 'soap' which is really detergents), I used very low heat and tried for a long time. Good luck, Nookie. Let us know if you are successful!

I would try melting it in a double boiler. I use a makeshift double-boiler, one smaller pan inside another larger pan filled with water. I think that would be the best way to try to melt it.
Susan

I melt my M&P glycerin base in a glass cup in the microwave, but stove top as Susan mentioned works also. You may have to try differnet "brands" & methods, chopping, grating, plain & with water.....just try to get the plainest glycerin as you can....

Hazel

Thank-you everyone for all of your replies!!! I haven't triend to melt any glycerin soap yet but will as soon as I get my bath salts and smelly jellies finished. :o)

Be sure and let us know how it turns out.
Susan

Just wondered if you had a chance to experiment yet?

hazel

I bought some glycerin based soaps to experiment on this weekend and I'll let you all know how it turns out :o)

Well that was a flop :o( The soaps I bought didn't melt they curdled lol! I guess that's what I get for buying the cheapest first. I'm going to make a trip to a health store later in the week and see what I can pick up. I'll keep you all posted :o)

Ugh. Hopefully the better soaps will melt!
Susan