Where to Start with Susan Miller Cavitch
Susan Miller Cavitch is a soapmaking expert and author whose 1997 book “The Soapmaker’s Companion” established the standard reference for understanding soap chemistry and formulation. Published by Storey Communications, the book has remained in print for nearly three decades, a testament to its depth and practical value. Cavitch is known for her ability to explain complex chemistry in accessible language, teaching readers not just how to follow recipes but how to design their own formulas from scratch. Her work is particularly valued by intermediate and advanced soapmakers who want to understand the science behind saponification, oil properties, and lye calculations.
Start here
The Soapmaker's Companion
Susan Miller Cavitch · 281 pages · 1997 · Moderate
Themes: cold-process soap, soap chemistry, formulation, natural ingredients, advanced techniques
The most thorough single volume on soap formulation available. Cavitch explains the chemistry of saponification in accessible language, teaches you how to calculate your own lye ratios, and walks through the properties that different oils contribute to a finished bar.
Why Start Here
If you want to understand the science behind soapmaking rather than just follow recipes, this is your book. Cavitch covers over 40 recipes organized by type: basic bars, cream soaps, vegetable-based soaps, transparent soaps, and liquid soaps. More importantly, she teaches the principles behind formulation so you can eventually design bars from scratch.
At 281 pages, it goes significantly deeper than most introductory books. The trade-off is that the presentation is more text-heavy and less visually guided than Anne-Marie Faiola’s books. For some learners this is preferable, for others it makes the first batch feel more daunting.
What to Expect
A comprehensive, science-forward guide covering formulation, chemistry, and over 40 recipes across multiple soap types. Best suited for readers who prefer understanding the theory before starting, or as a second book after gaining basic experience.