Soapbubblicious Soap Making Recipes and Info

Star Anise Essential Oil

2012-03-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Illicium verum

Star anise essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fruits of the evergreen Chinese Star Anise tree. It is cultivated in China, Vietnam, India and Japan, with the essential oil being produced mainly in China.

Star anise essential oil has a sweet, spicy, aniseed fragrance and blends well with herbal, floral, woody and spice essential oils. It is antiseptic, stimulating and is a good insect repellent.

In skin care preparations star anise essential oil is used for muscular aches and pains and pain associated with rheumatism.

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Rose Geranium Soap

2012-03-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

These are old-fashioned, hand-milled soaps scented with rose geranium essential oils and dried rose petals added for textural and visual interest. Soap with its own unique look, and worthy of inclusion in a soapmakers’s gift basket.

In most of these hand-milled soap recipes, I suggest the use of grated castile soap. There are two reasons for this: 1. castile soap, being made primarily with olive oil, is soft and easy to grate; 2. it melts down readily and, combined with a little water, quickly turns into a creamy mix that is easy to pour. Tallow and lard soaps are also good choices for hand-milling projects, but take a bit longer to grate.

You will need:

500ml grated castile soap
250ml spring water
15ml crushed dried rosebuds
15ml dried geranium leaves
5ml vitamin E oil
20 drops rose geranium essential oil
5 drops geranium essential oil
5 drops black pepper essential oil

Method:

Melt the soap and water together in a double boiler or bain marie until smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat and add the remainder of the ingredients, adding the dried buds and leaves last. Allow the soap to cool and thicken to the point where it is pliable then scoop out a handful and form it into a patty shape. Repeat until the mixture has been used up. Place on a wire rack and leave to cure for two weeks. After a few days of curing and firming you may, if you wish, press the soaps into neater shapes.

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Spearmint Essential Oil

2012-03-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Mentha spicata

Spearmint essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops of the herb. It is produced in the USA, Spain, Hungary, former Yugoslavia, Russia and China.

Spearmint essential oil has a soft minty fragrance, not as sharp as peppermint, and blends well with floral and herbal essential oils. It is antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and toning.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne, dermatitis and dull skin.

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Pumice & Pine Hand Soap

2012-03-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

Pumice powder makes this soap a hard-working cleaner for hard-working hands. Pine and cypress add a fresh woody fragrance to the soap.

You will need:

220g opaque melt and pour soap base
2 drops green soap colourant
5ml pumice powder
5ml glycerine
10 drops pine essential oil
10 drops cypress essential oil

Method:

Melt the soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Stir in the green soap colourant. Mix the pumice powder and glycerine together then stir into the soap. Ensure that the pumice paste is evenly distributed. Remove from the heat and add the pine and cypress essential oils. Stir thoroughly. Pour the soap into moulds then place in the freezer for a few hours to harden. Remove from the freezer and pop the soaps out of their moulds. Place on a wire tray and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes two bars.

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Spanish Sage Essential Oil

2012-03-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Salvia lavandulifolia

Spanish sage is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of the evergreen shrub. It is cultivated in Spain, France and the Balkans and the essential oil is produced mostly in Spain.

Spanish sage has a herbal-piney fragrance and blends well with herbal and woody essential oils. It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, regulating, stimulating, toning and deodorising.

In skin care preparations Spanish sage essential oil is used for acne, dermatitis, eczema, sores, cuts, dandruff, hair loss and excess perspiration.

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Pumice Scrubby Bars

2012-03-14T01:50:00.001-07:00

This is a firm, hardworking scrubbing soap with added clay for extra dirt drawing power. Pumice Scrubby Bars are a great standby for those times when you need your soap to be extra tough on dirt and grime. This is an abrasive soap, so probably best avoided by those with sensitive skins.

You will need:

500ml grated tallow soap
60ml palm oil
125ml spring water
15ml pumice powder
15 drops pine essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil;

Method:

Spray a square or rectangular plastic kitchen container with cooking spray.

Melt the soap, palm oil and spring water together in a double boiler or bain marie, stirring until thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and stir in the pumice powder. Mix well then add the essential oils.

Pour the soap into the plastic container, smoothing the top over with a knife. Leave overnight to set. Next day, remove the block of soap from the plastic container and cut into bars. Place the soap bars on a wire rack and leave to firm up for two weeks.

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Scotch Pine Essential Oil

2012-03-13T01:40:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Pinus sylvestris

Scotch Pine essential oil is extracted by dry distillation from the needles of the Scotch Pine tree. It is cultivated in the USA, Europe, Russia, the Baltic states and Scandinavia

Scotch Pine essential has a penetrating, woody-camphor fragrance, and blends well with woody, herbal and citrus essential oils. It is antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, deodorising, diuretic and insecticidal.

In skin care preparations it is used for cuts, sores, lice, scabies and in deodorants.

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Pink Grapefruit Loofah Soap

2012-03-12T01:21:00.001-07:00

These practical and pretty soaps are workhorse scrubbies, and make great gifts, too. Use round or tube moulds to create the look of sliced grapefruit…:o)

You will need:

200g clear melt and pour soap base
2 drops red food colouring or soap colourant
10 drops grapefruit essential oil
2 slices loofah, cut 3cm thick

Method:

Place the loofah slices in a round/tubular soap mould, making sure they are a good fit. Melt the soap base in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add the red colouring and stir until evenly distributed. Remove from the heat and add the grapefruit essential oil. Pour the soap in and over the loofah slices. Leave overnight to set then remove from the moulds. Place on a wire rack to firm up for 1-2 weeks.

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Sandalwood Essential Oil

2012-03-11T00:47:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Santalum album

Sandalwood essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the roots and heartwood of the evergreen sandalwood tree. It is cultivated in tropical Asia, with the essential oil being produced mainly in India.

Sandalwood essential oil has a persistent, rich, woody fragrance and blends well with floral, spice, woody and citrus essential oils. It is antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial and toning.

In skin care preparations sandalwood essential oil is used for acne and oily skin, dry, cracked and chapped skin and for soothing shaving rash. It is also a popular fragrance in men’s products.

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Pink Clay Shaving Soap

2012-03-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is a simple melt and pour recipe for an old-fashioned shaving soap. Cocoa butter adds soothing emollience, while clay thickens the soap and gives the razor something to grip.

You will need:

220ml opaque melt and pour soap base
5g cocoa butter
2.5ml pink clay powder
2,5ml vitamin E
10 drops rose essential oil

Method:

Melt the soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add the cocoa butter and vitamin E and allow to melt into the soap, stirring to combine. Remove a small amount of the melted soap and mix with the clay powder into a paste, then mix into the soap. Remove from the heat and stir in the rose essential oil.

Pour the soap into moulds then place in the freezer and leave for several hours to harden. Remove from the freezer and pop the soaps out of their moulds while still hard then place on a wire rack and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes two bars.

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Rosewood Essential Oil

2012-03-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Aniba rosaeodora

The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of rosewood chippings. Rosewood comes from the Amazon region, with Brazil and Peru as the main suppliers.

In skin care it is used in preparations for acne, dermatitis, scars, wounds, wrinkles, sensitive skin and dry, dull skin. It has a woody-floral fragrance and blends particularly well with geranium.

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Pine and Cypress Soap

2012-03-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

This is a fresh, revitalising soap with the woodland fragrances of pine and cypress. Make this soap for the man in your life, or, with its Christmassy scent, to give as a gift. Spinach powder is a natural green colourant that complements the fragrance of the pine and cypress essential oil that is used in this soap.

You will need:

500ml grated castile soap
125ml rosemary water
60ml palm oil
5ml spinach powder
10 drops pine essential oil
5 drops cypress essential oil

Method:

Spray six soap moulds with cooking spray.

Place the grated soap, rosemary water, palm oil and spinach powder in the crock of a slow cooker. Stir the ingredients together and then place the lid on the crock, turn the heat setting to low and allow the soap to melt. Stir gently every thirty minutes, taking care not to build up too much foam.

When the soap mixture is thick and creamy add the essential oils and stir well. Spoon the soap into the moulds, pressing down well to eliminate any air bubbles. Leave overnight to harden. Next day, press the soaps out of the moulds and place on a wire rack. Leave for two weeks to firm up, turning the bars once each day to avoid warping caused by uneven drying. Makes six bars.

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Rosemary Essential Oil

2012-03-06T22:56:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops of the rosemary herb. It is cultivated in France, Spain, Portugal, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Britain, California, Russia, Morocco, China and the Balkans. The essential oil is produced mainly in France, Spain and Tunisia.

Rosemary essential oil has a minty-woody fragrance and blends well with herbal, woody, citrus and spice essential oils. It is antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, fungicidal, insecticidal, stimulating and toning.

In skin care preparations Rosemary essential oil is used for acne, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, promoting hair growth, oily hair, seborrhoea, scabies, head lice and as an insect repellent.

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Peachy Milk Soap

2012-03-06T01:05:00.000-08:00

Peach kernel oil is emollient, moisturising and is tolerated well by all skin types. It is especially suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Milk is known to be useful in soap making for its skin-softening and cleansing qualities, and the inclusion of milk powder in this recipe allows for these benefits to be enjoyed in a simple melt and pour soap.

You will need:

230g opaque melt and pour soap base
10ml milk powder
10ml peach kernel oil
2ml peach fragrance oil
1 drop red soap colourant
1 drop yellow soap colourant

Method:

Melt the soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add the peach kernel oil and soap colourant and stir until well mixed. Remove from the heat and stir in the milk powder and fragrance oil. Pour the soap into moulds and place in the freezer to harden. Remove from the freezer and pop the soaps out of the moulds and place on a wire rack. Leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes two bars.

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Rose Damask Essential Oil

2012-03-05T00:51:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Rosa damascena

Rose Damask essential oil is extracted by water or steam distillation from the fresh petals of the damask rose. It is cultivated mainly in Bulgaria, France and Turkey.

Rose Damask essential oil has a persistent, rich, floral fragrance and blends well with most essential oils. It is used extensively in the perfumery industry and is popular in aromatherapy applications for its uplifting qualities. Rose Damask essential oil is antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, astringent and toning.

In skin care preparations Rose Damask essential oil is used for dry skin, eczema, broken capillaries, mature/wrinkled skin and sensitive skin.

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Orange Cream Soap

2012-03-04T02:58:00.002-08:00

A silky, creamy soap enriched with shea butter and almond oil, and fragranced with the heady scent of orange blossom. Orange powder adds natural colour to the soap.

You will need:

67g almond oil
70g coconut oil
227g palm oil
90g shea butter
63g sodium hydroxide/lye
85g goats’ milk
85g spring water

15ml orange powder
5ml orange blossom fragrance oil or neroli essential oil.

Method:

Melt the oils in a stainless steel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Combine the spring water and goats’ milk, and carefully add the lye. The reaction between the lye and the goats’ milk will generate a reaction that causes the solution to change colour. The colour should be between yellow and tan. Allow the lye to dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the orange powder and essential/fragrance oil at trace; if making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook.

Please refer to the posts on health and safety and equipment if this is your first attempt at making soap.

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Petitgrain Essential Oil

2012-03-03T02:11:00.001-08:00

INCI name: Citrus aurantium var. amara

The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the same tree that produces Neroli essential oil. It is produced in France, North Africa, Paraguay and Haiti.

Petitgrain essential oil is antiseptic, deodorising and toning. It has a floral-citrus aroma and blends well with herb and floral essential oils.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne, oily skin and hair, and in deodorants and skin toners.

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Orange Blossom Soap

2012-03-01T23:52:00.001-08:00

Hand-milled soap can be made using a double boiler, slow cooker or microwave. This recipe for Orange Blossom Soap uses the microwave method, and demonstrates the versatility of modern soapmaking, with a wide range of techniques, equipment, ingredients and additives available to the soapmaker.

Orange Blossom soap fragrance has a similar aroma to neroli essential oil, but costs a lot less.

You will need:

454g grated castile soap
113ml orange blossom water
5ml orange powder
5ml orange blossom soap fragrance.

Method:

Spray five soap moulds with cooking spray.

Place the grated soap and orange blossom water in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic film; place it in the microwave and heat for three minutes on the medium setting. Remove the bowl from the microwave, stir gently then cover and cook for three minutes more. Continue cooking and stirring for three minutes at a time until the soap is thick, smooth and creamy. The soap will get hot, so make sure to protect your hands with gloves or a terry towel and stand well back when peeling back the plastic film and stirring.

When the soap is creamy stir in the orange powder and the orange blossom soap fragrance, making sure they are well combined. Spoon the soap into the moulds, smoothing over the tops with a knife. Leave overnight to cool and set. Next day, press the soaps out of the moulds and place on a wire rack. Leave for two weeks to dry out and firm up, turning once each day to avoid warping. Makes 4-5 bars.

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Peppermint Essential Oil

2012-03-01T00:37:00.001-08:00

INCI name: Mentha piperita

Peppermint essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering herb. It is cultivated globally.

Peppermint essential oil has a clear, penetrating mint fragrance and blends well with herbal and menthol-type essential oils. It is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne, dental products and dermatitis.

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Ocean Scrub Bar

2012-02-29T00:07:00.001-08:00

This is an exfoliating soap for the body with an invigorating fragrance. Not to be used on the face.

You will need:

110g melt and pour soap base
10ml dead sea salt
10 drops ocean rain fragrance oil
1 drop blue water-based colourant

Soap mould

Method:

Melt the soap until completely liquid. Add the fragrance oil and blue colouring. Pour into a soap mould then stir the dead sea salt in. Place the mould in the freezer and leave to set for several hours. When hard, remove from the freezer and flip the soap out of the mould. Makes one bar.

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Patchouli Essential Oil

2012-02-28T00:24:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Pogostemon cablin

Patchouli essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried leaves of the Patchouli herb. It is cultivated in China, India, Malaysia and South America and the essential oil is produced in Europe and the USA.

Patchouli essential oil has a persistent, sweet, earthy fragrance and blends well with floral, woody and citrus essential oils. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, astringent, antibacterial, fungicidal, stimulating, toning and deodorising.

In skin care preparations patchouli essential oil is used for acne, open pores, oily skin/hair, chapped and cracked skin, sores and wounds, athlete’s foot and fungal infections, dandruff, dermatitis, impetigo, eczema, wrinkles and as an insect repellent.

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Oatmeal and Milk Soap

2012-02-27T02:06:00.001-08:00

Oatmeal and milk make a classic cleansing, softening and exfoliating team in soap making. Here is a recipe to get these great benefits the easy way…

You will need:

180g opaque melt and pour soap base
2.5ml dried whole milk
2.5ml fine oatmeal
5ml glycerine
5 drops vanilla fragrance oil
5 drops honey fragrance oil

Method:

Melt the soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Mix the milk powder and oatmeal with the glycerine to form a paste, then add to the melted soap. Stir thoroughly to combine. Remove from the heat and stir in the fragrance oils. Pour into soap moulds and place in the freezer to harden for a few hours. Remove from the freezer and pop the soaps out of their moulds. Place on a wire tray and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes two bars.

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Palmarosa Essential Oil

2012-02-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Cymbopogon martinii var. martinii

Palmarosa is extracted by steam or water distillation of the fresh or dried grass. It is cultivated in India, Pakistan, Africa, the Comoro Islands, Brazil and Indonesia.

The fragrance is similar to rose geranium, and it blends well with floral and woody essential oils. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, hydrating and toning.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne, skin infections, scars, sores and wrinkles. Palmarosa is also used in skin care products intended for cellular regeneration.

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Oatmilk and Chamomile Soap

2012-02-25T01:10:00.002-08:00

This recipe makes a mild, hard soap bar with creamy lather. Oats and chamomile are known to be calming and soothing for irritated skin conditions, while lavender is cleansing and healing. Chamomile and oat milk soap is a good choice for sensitive or irritated skins.

You will need:

113g coconut oil
69g olive oil
272g palm oil
66g sodium hydroxide/lye
300ml spring water
50g rolled oats
15ml fine oatmeal
10 drops chamomile essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil

Method:

Pour the spring water over the rolled oats and leave to soak for twenty minutes. Strain off the liquid (oat milk) and reserve 170ml. Melt the coconut oil, olive oil and palm oil together in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Pour the oat milk into a glass or ceramic bowl and carefully add the lye. Allow the lye to fully dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the oatmeal and essential oils at trace; if making hot process soap, add them at the end of the cook.

Please refer to the posts on health and safety and equipment if this is your first attempt at soapmaking.

Index

Niaouli Essential Oil

2012-02-24T01:23:00.001-08:00

INCI name: Melaleuca viridiflora

Niaouli essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the Quinquenervia tree. It is cultivated mainly in Australia.

Niaouli essential oil has a light, camphor fragrance and blends well with herbal and floral essential oils. It is antiseptic and antibacterial.

In skin care preparations it is used for oily skin, acne, spots, boils, burns, cuts and wounds. Add Niaouli essential oil to soap at concentrations of up to 1%.

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Milk, Honey & Shea Butter Soap

2012-02-23T00:17:00.002-08:00

Hand-milled soaps are made extra mild and soothing with the use of additives such as milk, honey and shea butter. This soap is a treat for dry or damaged skin.

You will need:

250ml grated castile soap
167ml spring water
15ml powdered milk
15ml clear honey
15ml shea butter, melted
10 drops sandalwood essential oil
10 drops rose essential oil
a few drops of preservative

Method:

Spray four soap moulds with cooking spray.

Melt the castile soap and spring water together in a double boiler or bain marie, stirring until thick and creamy. Mix together the powdered milk, honey, shea butter, preservative and essential oils. Remove the soap from the heat and add the milk/honey/shea butter mixture. Stir until evenly mixed through the soap.

Spoon the soap into the moulds and leave overnight to harden. Next day, remove the soaps from the moulds and place on a wire rack. Leave for two weeks to firm up.

Index

Neroli Essential Oil

2012-02-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Citrus aurantium var. amara

This essential oil was named after a princess of Nerola in Italy, who wore it as a perfume. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from freshly picked orange blossoms. Neroli concrete and absolute are produced by solvent extraction from the freshly picked flowers. It is produced in France, Italy, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and the USA.

Neroli is antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal and toning. In skin care preparations it is used for scars, stretch marks, thread veins, mature and wrinkled skin, sensitive skin and in skin toners.

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Mild Plant Oil Soap

2011-10-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

A mild, firm soap with good lather that is relatively quick to trace. Apricot kernel oil added to the soap at trace adds extra moisture, and is suitable for all skin types.

You will need:

137g olive oil
227g palm oil
90g coconut oil
64g sodium hydroxide/lye
170g spring water

At trace:

15ml apricot kernel oil
5ml orange blossom fragrance oil

Method:

Melt the olive, palm and coconut oils together in a stainless steel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Carefully add the lye to the spring water, and allow it to dissolve. Carefully add the lye water to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the apricot kernel oil and orange blossom fragrance oil at trace; if making hot process soap, add them at the end of the cook.

Please refer to the posts on health and safety and equipment if this is your first attempt at soapmaking.

Index

Myrtle Essential Oil

2011-10-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Myrtus communis

Myrtle essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, twigs and flowers of the Myrtle tree. It is cultivated in the Mediterranean, with the essential oil produced mainly in southern Europe, Tunisia and Morocco.

Myrtle essential oil has a clear, menthol fragrance, and blends well with herbal and spicy essential oils. It is antiseptic, astringent and balsamic.

In skin care preparations it is used for oily skin with acne and open pores.

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Marjoram After-Sports Soap

2011-10-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

Marjoram has a warming, relaxant effect on tight muscles after a strenuous sports session. Use this aromatic soap in the bath or shower after sports to help ease aching muscles. If desired, follow up with Marjoram After-Sports Muscle Rub.

You will need:

454g grated castile soap
113ml spring water
5ml dried marjoram
5ml marjoram essential oil

Method:

Spray five soap moulds with cooking spray.

Place the grated castile soap and spring water in the crock of a slow cooker. Stir well, place the lid on the crock and turn the heat setting to medium. Stir the soap mixture every few minutes, taking care not to build up too much foam. When the soap is smooth, thick and creamy, sprinkle the dried marjoram over then stir through. Remove the soap from the heat and mix in the marjoram essential oil. Stir thoroughly to ensure it is well combined.

Spoon the soap into the prepared soap moulds, smoothing over the tops with a butter knife. Leave overnight to set. Next day, press the soaps out of the moulds and place on a wire rack. Leave to firm up for two weeks, turning once each day to avoid warping. Makes 5-6 bars.

Index

Myrrh Essential Oil

2011-10-12T03:13:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Commiphora myrrha

Myrrh essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of crude myrrh, which is obtained from the shrubs from the Commiphora species. A resinoid and resin absolute are obtained by solvent extraction of crude myrrh. Myrrh essential oil and resinoid are cultivated in north east Africa and south west Asia.

The essential oil has a warm, balsamic, slightly medicinal aroma. It blends well with woody, spicy and citrus essential oils. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and fungicidal.

In skin care preparations it is used for chapped/cracked skin, aging/wrinkled/mature skin, eczema, ringworm, wounds and athlete's foot.

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Lubbly Bubbly Soap

2011-10-10T02:27:00.000-07:00

This recipe makes a gentle soap with loads of big bubbles that children and adults alike will love.

You will need:

76g sweet almond oil
19g castor oil
95g coconut oil
95g olive oil
95g palm kernel oil
74g sunflower oil
65g sodium hydroxide
170ml spring water
5ml cucumber fragrance oil

Method:

Melt all the oils together in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Pour the spring water into a glass or ceramic bowl and carefully add the lye. Allow the lye to fully dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the cucumber fragrance oil at trace; if making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook.

Please refer to the posts on health and safety and equipment if this is your first attempt at soap making.

Index

Mimosa Essential Oil

2011-10-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Acacia dealbata

Mimosa is available as Mimosa concrete and Mimosa absolute. It is produced mainly in southern France and Italy.

It is extracted from the bark of the Mimosa plant, and contains around 42% tannins.

Mimosa oil is antiseptic and astringent, and is useful in general skin care for oily and sensitive skins.

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Lime & Peppermint Wake-up Soap

2011-10-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe for a cooling wake-me-up soap, ideal for summer. Spinach powder is a natural colourant that will turn the soap a soft green shade.

You will need:

150g coconut oil
129g grapeseed oil
150g palm oil
25g shea butter
66g sodium hydroxide/lye
170ml spring water
5ml spinach powder
2.5ml lime essential oil
2.5ml peppermint essential oil

Method:

Melt the coconut oil, grapeseed oil, palm oil and shea butter together in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Pour the spring water into a glass or ceramic bowl and carefully add the lye. Allow the lye to fully dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the spinach powder and essential oils at trace; if making hot process soap, add them at the end of the cook.

Please refer to the posts on health and safetyand equipment if this is your first attempt at soap making.

Index

Marjoram Essential Oil

2011-10-03T04:27:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Origanum marjorana

Marjoram essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried flowering tops and leaves of the herb. It is cultivated in the Mediterranean, Egypt and North Africa.

Marjoram essential oil has a herbaceous, spicy fragrance and blends well with floral, woody and herbal essential oils. It is analgesic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial and toning.

In skin care preparations Marjoram essential oil is used for chilblains, bruising and aching/stiff muscles.

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Lemongrass Rainy Day Soap

2011-10-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe for an inexpensive soap that is nevertheless firm, mild and creamy, and of good quality. Turmeric gives the soap a soft yellow colour while lemongrass essential oil lends a zesty lemony fragrance.

You will need:

170g coconut oil
114g lard
170g sunflower oil
67g sodium hydroxide/lye
170g spring water
2.5ml turmeric powder
5ml lemongrass essential oil

Method:

Melt the coconut oil, lard and sunflower oil together in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Pour the spring water into a glass or ceramic bowl and carefully add the lye. Allow the lye to fully dissolve. Carefully pour the lye solution into the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the turmeric and lemongrass essential oil at trace; if making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook. Ensure that the extra ingredients are stirred in thoroughly.

Please refer to the posts on health and safety and equipment if this is your first attempt at making soap.

Index

Marigold Essential Oil

2011-10-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Calendula Officinalis

Calendula absolute is obtained by solvent extraction from the flowers of the Marigold herb, and is quite rare, due to the small amounts produced. It has a herbaceous fragrance. Although the plant is widely grown in northern Europe, the absolute is produced only in France.

In skin care Marigold/Calendula is famed for its skin-soothing and healing qualities, particularly in the care of burns, cuts, wounds, eczema, oily skin, inflammations, rashes, insect bites and wounds.

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Lard Soap

2011-09-29T01:33:00.000-07:00

This is a simple and inexpensive beginner’s recipe that traces quickly. Lard makes a firm, mild soap that produces a thick, creamy lather.

You will need:

454g lard
59g sodium hydroxide/lye
170ml still spring water
5ml fragrance or essential oil

Method:

Melt the lard in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Carefully add the lye to the water and allow it to dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If following the cold process method, add the fragrance/essential oil at trace; if following the hot process method, add it at the end of the cook.

Please ensure that you have read the health and safety information if this is your first attempt at soap making.

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Mandarin Essential Oil

2011-09-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Citrus reticulata

The essential oil is extracted by cold-pressing the outer peel of the fruit. Mandarins are cultivated for their essential oil in Spain, Italy, Algeria, Cyprus, Greece and Brazil.

Mandarin essential oil has a light and sweet citrus aroma, and makes a relaxing room fragrance for children's rooms when mixed with water and kept in a spray bottle. It blends well with other citrus essential oils, and woody oils.

It is antiseptic and toning. In skin care preparations it is used for acne and spots, oily skin, scars, stretch marks and in skin toners.

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Kitchen Soap with Coffee

2011-09-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

Kitchen coffee soap has abundant lather and creaminess yet is easy to rinse away. Coffee is a good deodoriser and helps to remove kitchen odours such as onion and garlic from your hands and work surfaces. The presence of coffee grinds in the soap adds abrasiveness.

You will need:

227g coconut oil
227g beef dripping/tallow or palm oil
170g boiling spring water
15g ground coffee (not instant)
71g sodium hydroxide/lye
5ml coffee fragrance oil

Method:

Place the coffee grinds in a heatproof glass or ceramic bowl. Pour the boiling spring water over and leave to brew for twenty minutes. Melt the coconut oil and tallow/palm oil in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Carefully add the lye to the coffee solution and allow to fully dissolve. Carefully add the coffee/lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the coffee fragrance oil at trace; if making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook.

Please refer to the posts on health and safety and equipment if this is your first attempt at making soap.

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Lovage Leaf Essential Oil

2011-09-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Levisticum officinalis

Lovage Leaf essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh leaves and stalks of the herb of the same name. It is cultivated in central and southern Europe.

Lovage Leaf essential oil has warm, spicy-floral fragrance and blends well with floral and spicy essential oils. It is antimicrobial, antiseptic, diuretic and antispasmodic.

In skin care preparations Lovage Leaf essential oil is used for oedema and poor circulation.

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All-Natural Honey & Beeswax Soap

2011-09-25T01:16:00.000-07:00

Natural honey and beeswax make a wonderfully sweet-smelling soap with no need of additional fragrance. This soap is luxuriously indulgent yet inexpensive. When adding honey to soap mixtures, less is always more – too much will soften the soap and cause separation, so try not to be tempted to exceed the amount suggested.

You will need:

320g solid vegetable fat/shortening
27g beeswax
107g coconut oil
62g sodium hydroxide/lye
170ml spring water
15ml clear honey

Method:

Melt the vegetable fat, beeswax and coconut oil together in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Pour the water into a glass or ceramic bowl and carefully add the lye. Allow the lye to fully dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the honey at trace; if making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook.

Please refer to the posts on health and safety and equipment if this is your first attempt at making soap.

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Pine (Longleaf) Essential Oil

2011-09-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Pinus palustris

Longleaf Pine essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the chippings, wood and roots of the longleaf yellow pine tree. It is cultivated in the US.

Longleaf Pine essential oil has a balsamic, pine fragrance and blends well with woody and herbal essential oils. It is analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial and insecticidal.

In skin care preparations Longleaf Pine essential oil is used for arthritis, rheumatism, stiffness, back pain and muscular pain.

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Honey and Almond Soap

2011-09-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Honey and Almond Soap is completely natural and fragranced with beeswax and honey. Almonds have a cleansing, lightening effect on the skin. This recipe makes an excellent workhorse soap for hardworking hands in need of a little TLC.

You will Need:

250ml grated castile soap
85ml spring water
15ml beeswax, melted
15ml clear honey
15ml ground almonds

Method:

Spray four soap moulds with cooking spray.

Place the castile soap and spring water in a double boiler or bain marie and heat gently until melted. Stir in the melted beeswax, followed by the honey. Stir well to ensure that the beeswax and honey are evenly incorporated into the soap mixture. Remove from the heat and stir in the ground almonds.

Spoon the soap mixture into the prepared moulds, pressing down well to eliminate any air bubbles. With the back of the spoon, smooth the soap surface to finish. Leave overnight to harden. Next day pop the soaps out of their moulds and place on a wire rack. Leave to firm up for two weeks.

NB. If the soaps do not readily slide out of the moulds, place them in the freezer for two hours. This will harden the soaps and make them easier to dismould.

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Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Essential Oil

2011-09-22T04:34:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Litsea cubeba

Litsea cubeba essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fruits of the May Chang tree. It is cultivated in China, Japan and Taiwan, and the essential oil is produced mainly in China.

Litsea cubeba has a fresh, lemon fragrance and blends well with floral and herbal essential oils. It is antiseptic, insecticidal, disinfectant and deodorising.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne and oily skin, dermatitis, excessive perpiration and as an insect repellent.

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Herbal Milk Soap

2011-08-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

Add a mixture of skin-softening powdered milk and dried herbs to your soap to add value, visual interest and originality. Use dried herbs to suit your skin type, such as chamomile, lavender, rose, rosemary etc.

You will need:

227g white melt and pour soap base
2.5ml dried milk powder (full fat)
2.5ml dried herb of your choice
2 drops yellow soap colourant
10 drops essential oil to complement your chosen herb

Method:

Melt the soap base in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add the yellow colourant and stir until evenly distributed. Mix the milk powder and dried herbs together. Remove the soap from the heat and stir in the milk mixture. Stir in the essential oils. Pour the soap into moulds and place in the freezer to harden for a few hours. Remove from the freezer and pop the soaps out of their moulds. Place the soaps on a wire rack and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes two bars.

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Linaloe Essential Oil

2011-08-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Bursera Glabrifolia

The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the wood, seeds, and husks of the tropical shrub, which is grown in Central and South America and the Far East.

It blends well with floral and woody fragrances, and has a sweet, woody aroma. Linaloe is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, toning and antibacterial.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne, dermatitis, cuts and wounds.

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Green Tea and Oatmeal Soap

2011-08-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

Green tea has a fresh, light fragrance and is a good antioxidant and astringent. Oatmeal is a popular cleansing and exfoliating soap additive and the combination of these ingredients results in a mild, cleansing facial soap.

You will need:

500ml grated castile soap
60ml coconut oil
125ml spring water

15ml green tea
15ml fine oatmeal, ground
10 drops rose geranium essential oil
5 drops clary sage essential oil

Method:

Spray six soap moulds with cooking spray. Melt the castile soap, coconut oil and spring water together in a double boiler or bain marie, stirring until the soap mixture is thick and creamy. Stir in the green tea and oatmeal. Remove from the heat and stir in the essential oils. Spoon the mixture into the prepared soap moulds and leave overnight to harden. Next day, dismould the soap bars and place on a wire rack. Leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes 5-6 bars.

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Lime Essential Oil

2011-08-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Citrus Aurantifolia

Essential oil of lime is extracted by cold-pressing the peel of the unripened fruit, and steam distillation of the crushed whole ripe fruit. It is cultivated mostly in Florida, Cuba, Mexico and Italy.

Lime essential oil has a sharp, citrus aroma and blends well with floral and citrus essential oils. It is antiseptic, bactericidal and toning.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne and boils, anaemia, chilblains and corns, cuts, brittle nails, cuts, herpes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, warts, spots and oily skin.

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Goats Milk Soap with Coconut

2011-08-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

You will need:

182g coconut oil
90g olive oil
182g tallow or palm oil
68g sodium hydroxide (lye)
85g spring water
85g fresh goats’ milk
5ml coconut fragrance oil

Method:

Melt all the oils together in a saucepan. Do not overheat the oils. Pour the spring water and goats’ milk into a heatproof glass or ceramic jug, and then carefully add the sodium hydroxide. Allow the sodium hydroxide to dissolve fully. The water/milk/lye solution will change colour and will become yellow. This is nothing to worry about, and the finished soap will not be affected. Add the solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the coconut fragrance oil at trace. If making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook.

For an exfoliating soap, 15ml desiccated coconut can also be added, either at trace or at the end of the cook.

If you are making soap for the first time, please refer to the post on health and safety.

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Lemon Essential Oil

2011-08-17T02:27:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Citrus limonum

The essential oil is obtained by cold-pressing the outer part of fresh lemon peel. It is cultivated in California, Florida, South America, Italy, Sicily, Cyprus, Guinea and Israel.

Lemon essential oil has a light, citrus aroma and blends well with floral, herb and woody fragrances. It is antiseptic, antimicrobial, astringent, detoxifying, antibacterial and toning.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne, oily skin, spots and wounds, insect bites and boils. Lemon essential oil can also be used in conjunction with chamomile essential oil in hair-lightening shampoos, conditioners and rinses.

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Geranium and Cold Cream Facial Cleansing Bar

2011-08-15T23:22:00.000-07:00

This recipe makes a gloriously fragrant facial cleansing bar. Geranium essential oil is balancing and suitable for most skin types.

You will need:

110g melt and pour soap base
10ml your favourite cold cream
10 drops geranium essential oil
1 drop red food colouring

Method:

Melt the soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquefied. Stir in the cold cream and stir the mixture until the cold cream is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from the heat and add the geranium essential oil and food colouring. Stir thoroughly and pour into a mould. Place the mould in the freezer or icebox and leave for several hours until hard.

Remove from the freezer and flip the soap out of the mould while still hard then place on a wire tray and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes one bar.

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Lemon Verbena Essential Oil

2011-07-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Aloysia tryphilla

Lemon verbena essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the freshly http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifpicked herb. It is cultivated in North Africa, South America, the Mediterranean and China.

Lemon verbena essential oil has a fresh, floral-lemony fragrance and blends well with citrus and floral essential oil. It is antiseptic, antispasmodic, detoxifying and stimulating.

In skin care preparations Lemon Verbena essential oil is used in massage blends for cramps.

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Gardeners' Soothing Scrub Soap

2011-06-28T03:24:00.000-07:00

This makes a soothing, gently exfoliating soap for gardeners and other hard workers.

You will need:

200g opaque melt and pour soap base
5ml oatmeal, finely ground
5ml dried rosemary
2.5ml ground almonds
5 drops green colourant
6 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil

Method

Melt the soap in a double boiler or bain marie. Add the green colourant and mix until the colour is evenly distributed, then add the oatmeal, almonds and rosemary. Remove from the heat and stir in the essential oils. Pour into soap moulds and place in the freezer for several hours until hard. Remove from the freezer and pop the soaps out of their moulds. Place on a wire rack and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes two bars.

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Lemon Balm (Melissa) Essential Oil

2011-06-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm essential is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers of the herb known as Melissa. It is cultivated in Egypt, Italy and Hungary, with the main producer of the essential oil being the Republic of Ireland.

Lemon balm essential oil has a light, lemon fragrance, and blends well with floral and citrus essential oils. It is antibacterial and acts as an insect repellent.

In skin care preparations lemon balm essential oil is used for allergies and insect bites.

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Easy Minty Soap

2011-06-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Peppermint soap is energising and revitalising and a great wake-me-up soap for a morning shower. It is also cooling and worthwhile having to hand on hot, sultry days.

You will need:

454g grated tallow soap
90ml spring water
23ml peppermint water
4 drops green food colouring or water-based soap colourant
5ml dried peppermint leaves, crushed
25 drops peppermint essential oil

Method:

Spray five soap moulds with cooking spray.

Place the grated soap in a microwave glass bowl. Stir in the spring water and peppermint water. Add the green colourant and stir gently until the ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic film, place in the microwave and heat on the medium setting for three minutes.

Taking care to protect your hands with gloves or a terry towel, remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully peel back the film. Stir the soap mixture gently, replace the film and return to the microwave for another three minutes. Repeat until the soap is smooth, thick and creamy.

When the soap is ready, stir in the peppermint leaves and essential oil. Spoon the soap into the prepared moulds, smoothing over the tops with a butter knife. Leave overnight to set. Next day, press the soaps out of their moulds and place on a wire rack. Leave for two weeks to dry out and firm up, turning once each day to avoid warping. Makes 4-5 bars.

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Lavender Essential Oil

2011-06-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Lavandula angustfolia

Lavender essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowers of the herb of the same name. It is cultivated worldwide, with the essential oil produced mainly in France.

Lavender essential oil has a sweet floral-herbal fragrance, and blends well with most essential oils. It is antiseptic, astringent, antisebborhoeic, diuretic and insecticidal.

In skin care preparations it is used for earache, acne, boils, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, inflammations, allergies, burns, bites and stings.

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Easy Honey Soap

2011-06-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

There is no additional fragrance added to this simple soap as the honey and beeswax have a luscious fragrance of their own. This is an ideal recipe for beginners as it gives one an idea of the possibilities of handmade soapmaking without the need to invest in too much ingredients and equipment. It also makes an excellent quickie standby soap for when you don’t have time to make anything more complicated.

You will need:

250g white melt and pour soap base
15ml beeswax
15ml honey

Method:

Melt the soap in a double boiler or bain marie. Add the beeswax and continue to heat until it has melted. Add the honey and stir the mixture until liquid. Pour into moulds and place in freezer or icebox until set. Remove from freezer and flip out of the moulds while still hard. Place on a wire tray and leave to firm up for two weeks. Makes 2-3 bars.

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Juniper Essential Oil

2011-06-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Juniperus communis

Juniper essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the berries, needles and wood of the Juniper shrub. It is cultivated in northern Europe and Asia, Siberia, Canada and Scandinavia. The essential oil is produced in Europe, the Balkans and Canada.

Juniper essential oil has a fresh, woody fragrance and blends well with woody and herbal essential oils. It is antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and toning.

In skin care preparations it is used for oily skin, acne, eczema, dermatitis, hair loss and in skin toners.

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Cucumber Loofah Soap

2011-06-12T04:22:00.000-07:00

Loofah sponges can be used to great effect with hand milled soap to make an attractive scrubbing soap that is fun to use and makes a great gift. Loofah can be dyed with RIT dye (ritdye.com) to create a unique look for your hand-milled soap projects.

You will need:

Loofah sponge
250ml grated tallow soap
60ml palm oil
125ml spring water
2 drops green soap colourant or food colouring
20 drops cucumber fragrance oil
Dark green RIT dye
3 or 4 round soap moulds

Method:

Dye the loofah according to the manufacturer’s instructions and continue with the rest of the project once it is ready.

Using a serrated knife cut the loofah into 2 - 4cm thick slices, depending on the thickness of your soap moulds. Cut away the inners with scissors, leaving a neat cavity into which the soap will be poured. Take 3 – 4 slices and place each one in a round soap mould.

Melt the soap, spring water, palm oil and green colouring in a double boiler or bain marie until thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and stir in the cucumber fragrance. Pour the soap mixture into the loofah moulds and leave overnight to set. Next day, dismould the loofah soaps and allow two weeks for the soaps to firm up before use.

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Jasmine Essential Oil

2011-06-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Jasmine officinale

Jasmine essential oil is produced by steam distillation of jasmine absolute, which in turn is produced by alcohol separation from jasmine concrete. Jasmine concrete is produced by solvent extraction of the flowers of the same name. It is cultivated in China, India and the Meditteranean, and the concrete is produced in Europe, North Africa and the Far East. The absolute is mostly produced in France.

Jasmine essential oil and absolute have a rich, heady, floral fragrance. It has a lingering aroma, and is popular in room and drawer fragrancing products. Jasmine blends well with most other essential oils, the citrus oils in particular. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

In skin care preparations jasmine essential oil and absolute are used for dry, oily and sensitive skins.

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Creamy Cocoa Butter Soap

2011-06-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

This one of my favourite soaps, with the creaminess and emollience of cocoa butter combined with the abundant foam found in coconut oil soaps. Goats’ milk makes it extra creamy.

You will need:

114g cocoa butter
340g coconut oil
76g sodium hydroxide/lye
85ml goats’ milk
85ml still spring water.
5ml melon fragrance oil

Method:

Melt the oils in a saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Combine the goats’ milk and water in a glass or ceramic container/jug. Carefully add the sodium hydroxide to the milk and water and allow to dissolve. The solution will change colour due to the reaction between the lye and the milk, but this is nothing to worry about.

Once the lye has fully dissolved, carefully add it to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace. If you are making cold-process soap, add the melon fragrance oil at trace; if making hot-process soap, add it at the end of the cook, stirring thoroughly to combine.

If you are making soap for the first time, please refer to the post on health and safety first.

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Hyssop Essential Oil

2011-06-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and flowers of the herb of the same name. It is cultivated in France and the Balkans, although it grows wild in many parts of the world.

Hyssop essential oil has a minty-herbal fragrance and blends well with herbal and citrus essential oils. It is antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial, antiviral and diuretic.

In skin care preparations it is used for cuts, wounds and bruises, inflammations and skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

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Creamy Avocado Soap

2011-05-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

A luxuriously creamy, moisturising soap that is superfatted with avocado and shea butter. Green clay cleanses skin and adds firmness and colour to the soap bars.

You will need:

454g grated castile soap
113g spring water
10ml avocado oil
5ml melted shea butter
5ml green clay powder
5ml cucumber fragrance oil

Method:

Spray five soap moulds with cooking spray.

Place the grated soap and spring water in a microwave-proof glass bowl. Mix together until well combined. Stir in the avocado oil and shea butter. Cover the bowl with plastic film and heat on the medium setting for three minutes. Taking care to protect your hands with gloves or a terry towel, remove the bowl from the microwave and peel back the film. Stir the soap mixture, replace the film and cook for another three minutes. Repeat these steps until the soap mixture is smooth, thick and creamy.

Add the clay powder and fragrance oil and stir until well combined. Spoon the soap into the prepared moulds, smoothing over the tops with a butter knife. Leave overnight to set. Next day, press the soap bars out of the moulds and place on a wire rack to dry out and firm up. Leave for two weeks, turning once each day to avoid warping. Makes 4-5 bars.

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Helichrysum Essential Oil

2011-05-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Helichrysum angustifolium

Also known as Immortelle, helichrysum essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowers of the immortelle plant. Helichrysum absolute is produced by solvent extraction of the flowers. It is cultivated in Italy, Spain, France and the Balkans.

Helichrysum essential oil has a rich, sweet, floral fragrance. It blends well with other floral and herb essential oils. It is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent and fungicidal.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne, abscesses and boils, cuts and wounds, inflammations and allergies, cuts, wounds and burns.

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Colour Chunk Soap

2011-05-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Colour Chunk Soaps are fun to make as well as look at, and are a good project for children as long as an adult supervises. This soap makes good use of leftover pieces of glycerine soap, or if you wish you can buy a few bars in assorted colours for projects like this one. The glycerine soap will have its own fragrance, so additional fragrance is optional.

You will need:

250ml grated tallow soap
125ml spring water
250ml glycerine soap in assorted colours, cut into small cubes

Method:

Spray four soap moulds with cooking spray. Melt the tallow soap and water in a double boiler or bain marie, stirring continuously. When the soap mix is smooth and creamy, remove from the heat and add the glycerine soap cubes. Stir briefly until the soaps are combined and spoon into the prepared soap moulds. Leave overnight to harden then dismould the soaps and place on a wire rack. Allow two weeks for the soaps to firm up. Makes 4-5 bars.

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Grapefruit

2011-05-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Citrus x paradisi

Grapefruit essential oil is extracted by cold-pressing the fresh peel. The fruit is cultivated in California, Florida, Brazil and Israel, and the essential oil is produced mainly in California.

Grapefruit has a fresh, sweet citrus fragrance, and it blends well with florals, other citrus oils and spice oils. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent and toning.

In skin care preparations grapefruit essential oil is used for acne, oily and dull skin and in skin toners.

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Coconut Wash Balls

2011-04-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Coconut Wash Balls are made the old-fashioned way and brought up to date with yummy coconut fragrance oil. Coconut Lime Verbena is another good coconut fragrance with a zingy lime top note that you might want to try…:o) Tallow makes a bright, white soap that ties in with the coconut theme.

You will need:

250ml grated tallow soap
60ml spring water
60g coconut oil
15 drops coconut oil
2.5ml ground desiccated coconut

Method:

Melt the grated soap, spring water and coconut oil together in a double boiler or bain marie until melted and creamy. Add the desiccated coconut and coconut fragrance oil and stir well. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken slightly. Spoon out handfuls of the soap mixture and roll into balls. Place the balls on a wire rack to cure and firm up for two weeks.

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Ginger

2011-04-15T03:35:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Zingiber officinale

Ginger essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from dried, ground ginger root. It is cultivated in Africa, the Caribbean and the Far East, with the essential oil being produced in China, India and the UK.

Ginger essential oil has a sharp, earthy, spicy fragrance and blends well with woody, floral and citrus essential oils. It is analgesic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, warming and stimulating.

In skin care preparations Ginger essential oil is used for painful joints, poor circulation, aching muscles and sprains.

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Coconut Shampoo Bars

2011-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

This recipe makes extra-bubbly shampoo bars. Castor oil is cleansing and conditioning, and enhances the lathering ability of soap. Makes 4-5 bars.

You will need:

28g sweet almond oil
28g canola oil
86g castor oil
113g coconut oil
113g olive oil
86g palm oil

64g sodium hydroxide/lye
170ml still spring water.

5ml coconut fragrance oil

Method:

Melt all the oils together in a saucepan. Do not overheat the oils. Pour the spring water and goats’ milk into a heatproof glass or ceramic jug, and then carefully add the sodium hydroxide. Allow the sodium hydroxide to dissolve fully. Add the lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the coconut fragrance oil at trace. If making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook.

Remember to familiarise yourself with the health and safety guidelines if you haven't made cp/hp soap before.

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Geranium Essential Oil

2011-04-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Pelargonium graveolens

Geranium essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, stems and flowers of the Geranium shrub. It is cultivated in Europe, Russia, Egypt, Central America and Japan. The essential oil is produced mainly in Reunion, China, Russia and Egypt.

Geranium essential oil has a persistent, sweet, minty-rose fragrance and blends well with floral, woody and citrus essential oils. Geranium/bergamot and geranium/rosewood are popular geranium blends. It is anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, diuretic, fungicidal and deodorising.

In skin care preparations geranium essential oil is used for acne, burns, dull skin, mature skin, dermatitis, eczema, wounds, oily skin and as an insect repellent.

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Cocoa Butter Chocolate Soap

2011-04-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Cocoa butter helps to make an emollient soap bar. The fragrance of chocolate makes this soap deliciously indulgent…:o)

You will need:

454g opaque melt and pour soap base
15g cocoa butter, melted
5ml chocolate brownie fragrance oil
2ml cocoa powder

Method:

Melt the soap base in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Combine the melted cocoa butter and cocoa powder and stir into the soap until the colour is evenly distributed. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate brownie fragrance oil. Pour the soap into moulds and place in the freezer to harden for a few hours. Remove from the freezer and pop the soap out of their moulds. Place on a wire rack and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes 4-5 bars.

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Basil Essential Oil

2011-03-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

INCI name: Ocimum basilicum

French Basil essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering herb. It is cultivated in France, Italy, the USA, Egypt and the Balkans.

French (sweet) Basil essential has a fresh spicy-herbal fragrance and blends well with herbal and citrus essential oils. It is antiseptic and toning.

In skin care preparations it is used for the treatment of insect bites and as an insect repellent.

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Chocolate Soap

2011-03-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe for a creamy chocolate soap. These yummy bars make an unusual gift for your favourite chocoholic - just make sure they don’t try to eat them…;o)

You will need:

104g cocoa butter
150g coconut oil
200g tallow or palm oil
15g dark chocolate
67g sodium hydroxide/lye
85g spring water
85g goats’ milk
5ml chocolate fragrance oil

Method:

Melt the oils and dark chocolate together in a stainless steel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Combine the goats’ milk and spring water. Carefully add the lye to the milk and water solution. The lye will cause a reaction with the milk, and the solution will change colour, somewhere between yellow and beige. Allow the lye to dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils, and stir or whisk to trace.

If you are making cold process soap, add the chocolate fragrance oil at trace; if making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook.

Please read the posts on health and safety and equipment if this is your first attempt at soapmaking.

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Frankincense Essential Oil

2011-03-16T14:50:00.001-07:00

INCI name: Boswellia carteri

The essential oil is extacted by steam distillation from oleo gum resin. The fragrance is warm with a balsamic undertone. Frankincense blends well with floral, citrus and spicy essential oils.

In natural skin care it is used for blemishes, scars, wounds and dry, aging and wrinkled skins. It is antiflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and tonic.

Frankincense is cultivated in Africa and China, and distilled in Europe and India.

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Chocolate Cookie Soap

2011-03-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Cookie Soap is a fun recipe for an emollient soap enriched with cocoa butter. To make the chocolate chips, take 100g castile soap and cut it into chocolate chip-sized pieces. The pieces can be used as milk chocolate chips – if you want dark chocolate chips, grate the soap and melt it with 50ml water and one or two squares of dark chocolate using the hand-milling technique. Pour the chocolate-coloured soap into a soap mould that has been prepared by spraying with cooking spray, and leave overnight to set. Next day, cut the soap into small pieces to be used as ‘chocolate chips.’

You will need:

454g grated castile soap
30ml melted cocoa butter
170ml spring water
5ml cocoa powder
5ml chocolate fragrance oil
50g soap chocolate chips.

Method:

Place the grated castile soap, spring water and cocoa butter in the crock of a slow cooker. Add the cocoa powder and stir all the ingredients together. Place the lid on the crock and turn the heat setting to low. Stir the soap mix every thirty minutes, taking care not to build up too much foam. When the mixture is thick, smooth and creamy add the chocolate fragrance oil and stir well. Remove from the heat and stir in the ‘chocolate chips’.

Allow the soap to cool slightly until it is firm enough to mould with your hands. Working quickly, scoop out some of the soap and roll it into a ball between your hands then flatten it into a ‘cookie’ shape about 2cm thick. Repeat until all the soap has been used. Place the cookie soaps on a wire rack and leave to firm up for two weeks, turning once each day to avoid warping.

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Fennel Essential Oil

2011-03-14T15:28:00.001-07:00

INCI name: Fueniculum vulgare

Sweet fennel essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the seeds of the fennel plant; bitter fennel essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the whole plant. Both types are cultivated in Europe, the Balkans and India.

Fennel essential oil has an aniseed-like fragrance and blends well with floral and woody essential oils. It anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiseptic and toning.

In skin care preparations it is used for bruises, dull/congested skin and mature skin.

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Choc Mint Layered Soap

2011-03-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

These soaps have a heavenly fragrance and make pretty gifts. There are many soap fragrances available with names such as ‘banana bread’, ‘oatmeal cookie’, ‘lemon meringue pie’ etc. that can help you to come up with fun ideas for layered projects such as this one.

You will need:

220g opaque melt and pour soap
10 drops chocolate brownie fragrance oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
Green and red food colouring or liquid soap colourant

Method:

Divide the soap into two equal parts.

To make the chocolate layer, melt one half of the soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Mix a few drops of red and green colourant until you have the shade of brown that you want, then add two drops to the melted soap and stir well to combine. Stir in the chocolate brownie fragrance oil. Pour into two square soap moulds until the soap reaches halfway up and leave for twenty minutes before pouring in the mint layer.

To make the mint layer, melt the remaining soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add two drops of green colourant and stir well to combine. Remove from the heat and add the peppermint essential oil. Pour the peppermint soap over the chocolate soap layer. Place the soap mould in the freezer and leave for several hours to harden. Remove from the freezer and pop the soaps out of their moulds while still hard, Place on a wire rack and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes two bars.

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Eucalyptus Lemon Essential Oil

2011-03-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Eucalyptus citriodora

Eucalyptus lemon essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the lemon-scented gum tree. Although this tree is native to Australia, it is cultivated for essential oil mainly in Brazil and China.

It has a strong, lemon aroma with a balsamic undertone. Eucalyptus lemon is antiseptic, antibacterial, deodorising, fungicidal, antiviral and insecticidal.

In skin care preparations it is used for fungal and viral conditions, cuts, wounds, sores, dandruff and as an insect repellent.

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Whipped Floating Soap

2011-03-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Whipped soaps are ideal for children’s bath time as they float on water so are always within reach. There are many soap fragrances available that are appealing to children such as J&J Bedtime Bath, Baby Powder, Chocolate and the various fruit and ‘cookie’ type fragrances.

You will need:

250ml castile soap, grated
125ml spring water
5ml cocoa powder
15 drops chocolate fragrance oil

Method

Melt the castile soap and spring water together in a double boiler or bain marie until thick and creamy. Add the cocoa powder and stir until the colour is evenly distributed. Stir in the chocolate fragrance oil.

Using an electric hand mixer, whip the soap until its volume has doubled. The air that is incorporated into the soap is what causes it to float. The soap will cool quickly: form the mixture into three balls or patty shapes with your hands. Place on a wire tray and leave to harden for two weeks.

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Citronella Essential Oil

2011-03-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Cymbopogon nardus

Citronella essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh or dried grass leaves. It is cultivated and distilled in Sri Lanka.

It has a strong, fresh, lemon fragrance and blends well with floral, woody and citrus essential oils. Citronella essential oil is antiseptic, antibacterial, fungicidal, insecticidal and toning.

In skin care preparations it is used for oily skin, heavy perspiration and as an insect repellent. In tropical countries citronella essential oil is used in oil burners to ward off mosquitoes, and in mosquito repellent sticks and creams.

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Chamomile Soap

2011-03-02T05:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a soap that is quick and easy to make, with all of the soothing benefits of chamomile. Good for sensitive or irritated skins. Chamomile Roman is the cheaper of the two main chamomile essential oils – Chamomile German (blue chamomile) has become extremely expensive, however it is more effective due to its blue azulen content.

You will need:

454g melt and pour soap base
10ml dried chamomile flowers
15ml apricot kernel oil
20 drops chamomile roman essential oil

Method:

Grind the chamomile flowers using a mortar and pestle until powdered. Melt the soap base in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add the apricot kernel oil and stir until thoroughly combined. Remove from the heat and add the dried chamomile flowers and essential oil. Stir until well mixed. Pour into soap moulds and place in the freezer for a few hours to harden. Remove from the freezer and pop out of the moulds. Place on a wire rack and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes four bars.

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Chamomile German Essential Oil

2011-02-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Matricaria recutica

German chamomile essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flower heads of the blue chamomile. It is cultivated and distilled mainly in Hungary and eastern Europe. The plant is no longer grown in Germany.

German chamomile essential oil can be distinguished from Roman chamomile by its blue colour, known as blue azulen. This higher concentration of azulen gives German chamomile superior anti-inflammatory qualities. It has a sweet, apple-herb fragrance and blends well with floral and citrus essential oils. It is anti-allergenic, antibacterial and fungicidal as well as being anti-inflammatory.

In skin care preparations it is used for teething babies, toothache, acne and boils, allergies and rashes, earache, inflammations, dermatitis, eczema, sensitive skin, as a lightener for blonde hair, cuts and wounds.

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Castile Soap

2011-02-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

True Castile soap was originally made in the old Castile region of Spain from olive oil that was locally produced. It is one of the finest soaps in the soap maker’s repertoire as it is mild, emollient and tolerated well by all skin types, and especially good for the delicate skin of babies. Castile soap is relatively expensive, but makes an excellent creamy facial soap. Beeswax is added in this recipe to add firmness to the soap bars. It also makes it easier to flip them out of their moulds.

You will need:

424g olive oil
30g beeswax
56g sodium hydroxide/lye
170ml still spring water
5ml geranium essential oil

Method:

Melt the oil and beeswax in a stainless steel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Carefully add the lye to the water and allow to dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils, and stir or whisk to trace.

If using the cold process method, add the geranium essential oil at trace; if using the hot process method, add it at the end of the cook.

Please refer to the posts on safety and equipment if this your first attempt at soapmaking using lye.

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Cedarwood Essential Oil

2011-02-22T09:57:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Cedrus Atlantica

The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the wood, stumps and sawdust of the Lebanon cedar tree. It is native to the Atlas mountains in Algeria, although the essential oil is produced mainly in Morocco.

Cedarwood has a warm top note with a woody-balsamic undertone, and is a popular addition to men's colognes. It blends well with floral and woody essential oils.

In skin care preparations it is used for acne, dandruff, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections, oily skin, skin eruptions and ulcers.

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Baby Soap

2011-02-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hand milling is an ideal technique to use in making baby soaps as the additional water makes the soap extra mild and gentle. Using mild castile soap in this recipe ensures that the finished soap is as gentle and non-irritating as possible. Use Baby Powder fragrance oil for the aroma of old-fashioned baby soap. Another one of my favourites is J&J Bedtime Bath.

The natural oils used in soapmaking have a bearing on the colour of the finished soap. True castile soap, having been made with olive oil, has a creamy colour with a faint greenish tinge. Take this into account if you wish to add colour to your baby soap. Red, for instance, will turn the soap a dusky rose colour rather than a clear pink.

You will need:

454g castile (olive) soap
227ml spring water
5ml Baby Powder fragrance oil
3 drops red soap colourant (optional)

Method:

Spray soap moulds with cooking spray.

Grate the soap and place it in a glass or ceramic bowl. Pour the water over and stir to thoroughly combine the ingredients. If using colourant, add it now and mix well until the colour is evenly distributed.

Put the soap mix in a slow cooker, double boiler or bain marie, and heat gently until it has melted and has become thick and creamy. Stir in the fragrance oil. Remove from the heat and spoon the mixture into the prepared soap moulds. Leave overnight to set. Next day, dismould the soaps and place on a wire rack for two weeks to dry out and firm up. Makes 6-8 bars.

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Cassie Essential Oil

2011-02-18T04:24:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Acacia farnesiana

The plant is a bushy thorny shrub, related to the Mimosa, and an absolute is extracted by solvent from the flowers. It is cultivated in tropical and semi-tropical regions.

It is antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, balsamic and insecticidal.

In skin care it is used in preparations for dry and sensitive skin, and is also popular in the perfume industry.

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Avocado, Oatmeal and Honey Soap

2011-02-17T03:34:00.000-08:00

You will need:

1st Stage:

174g avocado oil
140g coconut oil
54g olive oil
86g tallow
66g sodium hydroxide
170g spring water

2nd Stage:

5ml honey
30ml oatmeal
5ml honey fragrance

Method:

Safety Guidelines

Melt all the oils together in a saucepan. Do not overheat the oils. Pour the spring water in a heatproof glass or ceramic jug, then carefully add the sodium hydroxide. Allow the sodium hydroxide to dissolve fully. Add the solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the 2nd stage ingredients at trace. If making hot process soap, add them at the end of the cook.

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Cabbage Rose Essential Oil

2011-02-16T00:49:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Rosa centifolia

Cabbage Rose essential oil is extracted by steam and water distillation from the fresh petals of the Cabbage Rose, also known as the Moroccan Rose. The essential oil is also known as Rose Maroc or Rose de Mai. It is produced in Morocco, France, Italy and China.

Cabbage Rose essential oil has a sweet, persistent, floral fragrance and blends well with floral, herbal and woody essential oils. It is antiseptic and astringent.

In skin care preparations, Cabbage Rose essential oil is used for dry skin, eczema, mature and wrinkled skin.

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Apple and Peppermint Soap

2011-02-15T03:06:00.000-08:00

Apple and peppermint combined in soap give it a fresh, clear fragrance. Add some dried peppermint to enhance the aroma and attractiveness of the soap.

You will need:

227g melt and pour glycerine soap base
2 drops green food colouring or soap colourant
1.5ml green apple fragrance oil
1.5ml peppermint fragrance oil
5ml dried peppermint

Method:

Melt the soap base in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add the green colourant and dried peppermint and stir until evenly distributed. Remove from the heat and add the fragrance oils. Pour into soap moulds and place in the freezer for a few hours to harden. Remove from the freezer and pop the soaps out of the moulds. Place on a wire rack to firm up for one to two weeks. Makes two bars.

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Black Pepper Essential Oil

2011-02-14T03:38:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Piper nigrum

Black pepper essential oil is extracted from dried and crushed peppercorns, and is cultivated in India, Malayasia, Madagascar, China, Indonesia, Europe and the US.

Black pepper essential oil is analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, stimulating and toning. It has an earthy, spicy fragrance and blends well with woody, herbal, spicy and floral essential oils.

In skin care preparations black pepper essential oil is used in massage oils for warming and easing sore muscles and cramps after strenuous exercise, and can be added to soap, bath water and bath preparations for the same reason.

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Aloe Vera Loofah Soap

2011-02-11T03:39:00.000-08:00

Loofah is a popular additive in soap making because of its exfoliating properties. It can be used powdered or cut into slices and the soap poured in the middle. Another method is to cut a thin slice of loofah and place it in the mould before pouring the soap, so that you have a smooth soap with a scrubby side.

You will need:

90g white melt and pour soap
10ml powdered loofah
15ml aloe vera gel
10 drops lime essential oil
5 drops spearmint essential oil
1 drop green food/soap colourant

Method:

Melt the soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add the powdered loofah and colouring and stir until combined. Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the aloe vera gel and essential oils. Pour the mixture into a soap mould then place it in the freezer or icebox and leave for several hours until hard. Remove from the freezer and flip the soap out of the mould while still hard. Place on a wire rack and leave for a few days to firm up. Makes one bar.

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Bergamot Essential Oil

2011-02-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Citrus bergamia

Bergamot essential oil is extracted by cold-pressing the peel of the almost ripe fruit. It is cultivated in Calabria, Italy and the Ivory Coast. Named after the town of Bergamot in Italy where the oil was first sold.

This essential oil has a fresh citrus aroma with a balsamic undertone, and is said to elevate one's mood. It blends well with floral and woody essential oils.

It is antiseptic, antitoxic, deodorising and toning. In skin care preparations it is used for acne, boils, spots, cold sores, insect bites, oily skin, psoriasis, scabies and wounds.

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Aloe Vera After-Sun Soap

2011-02-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

This is a calming soap that sunburned skins will appreciate. Aloe vera gel cools and soothes sunburn and other skin irritations. Make some Aloe Vera After-Sun Soap to put in your holiday bag….:o)

You will need:

250g glycerine melt and pour soap base
30ml aloe vera gel
20 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops violet or purple soap colourant

Method:

Melt the glycerine soap in a double boiler or bain marie until liquid. Add the colourant and stir until evenly mixed through. Remove from the heat and stir in the aloe vera gel followed by the lavender essential oil. Pour the soap mixture into moulds and place in the freezer for a few hours to harden. Remove the moulds from the freezer and pop the soaps out of the moulds. Place on a wire rack and leave for two weeks to firm up. Makes 2-3 bars.

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Bay Leaf Essential Oil

2011-02-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

INCI name: Pimenta racemosa

Bay Leaf essential oil is extracted by water or steam distillation from the leaves of the West Indian Bay tree. It is cultivated in the West Indies and the essential oil is produced in Dominica.

Bay Leaf essential oil has a fresh, herbal fragrance and blends well with floral, citrus, herbal and spicy essential oils. It is antiseptic, astringent, toning and stimulating.

In natural skin and hair care it is used mainly in hair preparations for the treatment of dandruff, lifeless hair, oily hair, stimulation of the scalp and promotion of hair growth.

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Almond and Vanilla Soap

2011-02-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

This is a mild, bubbly soap that is tolerated well by most skins. Cocoa butter adds emollience, while almond and coconut oils are both good skin cleansers. Vanilla fragrance oil adds a delicious scent. Some vanillas tend to turn the soap brown over time. When using vanilla, you can leave the soap uncoloured and let the fragrance oil colour the soap, or you can add a colour that will complement the brown tones eg. yellow or orange. Alternatively, use a non-discolouring vanilla fragrance oil.

Don’t use blue colourant in vanilla soap unless you are happy for your soap to turn grey.

You will need;

154g sweet almond oil
150g cocoa butter
150g coconut oil
66g sodium hydroxide/lye
170g spring water
5ml vanilla fragrance oil

Method:

Check the safety guidelines before beginning...:o)

Melt the sweet almond oil, cocoa butter and coconut oil together in a stainless steel or enamel saucepan, taking care not to overheat. Pour the spring water into a heatproof glass or ceramic bowl and carefully add the lye. Carefully stir the lye to fully dissolve. Carefully add the lye solution to the hot oils and stir or whisk to trace.

If making cold process soap, add the vanilla fragrance oil at trace; if making hot process soap, add it at the end of the cook.

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Rosin

2011-02-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

Sodium Soap

Rosin is distilled from the oleoresin of pine trees and is used to create amber-coloured transparent soap. Soap bars made with rosin are hard and long lasting with good lather and cleansing ability and a natural fragrance. The original Pears soap was made with rosin.

Potassium Soap

Rosin helps to create naturally fragrant, amber liquid soaps with abundant lather. It adds clarity to potassium soaps and can be included at percentages of up to 15% in liquid soap formulations.

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Chocolate

2011-02-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

Sodium Soap

Chocolate soap can be made by adding chocolate or cocoa powder to the soap mix. Chocolate soaps are always popular, especially with children.

To add chocolate to your soap, add the chocolate to your oils at the fat stage and melt it into them. To add cocoa powder, add it at trace. Chocolate is an excellent addition to milk soap, as it results in a gentle, creamy, chocolatey bar.

One other way to add cocoa powder to soap is to add it to hand-milled soap. Sprinkle the cocoa powder over the grated soap and mix it through, then melt the soap as for the hand-milling method. Chocolate soaps are made yummier by the addition of chocolate-type fragrances, which are easy to obtain.

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Isopropyl Alcohol

2011-02-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

Isopropyl alcohol is used in glycerine and liquid soapmaking. Ethanol will produce a perfectly clear transparent soap, however as far as I am aware it is not available to home soapmakers in the UK. Isopropyl alcohol makes a good substitute for ethanol.

Supermarket alcohols such as vodka and whisky can be used in glycerine soapmaking, however the finished soap will be cloudy and will take a few weeks to firm up properly. Isopropyl alcohol speeds up the process, breaking down the soap gel more quickly. The finished soap is harder and more transparent. It can also be obtained more cheaply than ‘value brand’ supermarket spirits.

Isopropyl alcohol can also be used in liquid soapmaking to reduce the cooking time and to create more clarity in the soap. The alcohol is added to the lye/fat mix at the beginning of the process. Potassium pastes made with alcohol dissolve more readily when diluted with water.

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Sugar

2011-02-02T01:07:00.000-08:00

Sodium Soap

White granulated sugar is used in soapmaking as a solvent. In transparent soapmaking it is made into a solution with water and is added after the glycerine and alcohol. The soap is ready to pour when it becomes syrupy, and the finished soap will have a smooth, glossy surface thanks to the addition of sugar.

Hand-milled soap can be melted more readily with the inclusion of a small amount of sugar solution. Replace 25% of the water with a 60% sugar solution. Once the grated soap, water and sugar solution have been mixed together, leave to stand for a little while before placing the mixture in a double boiler or slow cooker.

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