How to Scent Handmade Cold-Process Soap
The cold-process method of soap making mixes sodium hydroxide with water to create a lye solution, then incorporates oils or fats. Unlike the hot-process method, you don't need access to heat with these soap recipes. Essential oils, herbs and other solid ingredients act as a fixative when you add them to the soap, creating a long-lasting fragrance. Aromatherapy practitioners believe the more expensive natural essential oils contain therapeutic properties associated with their scents. Synthetic fragrance oils cost less and come in a wider selection of fragrances. You can choose to use either type of oil to scent cold-process soap.
Things You'll Need
- Base soap mixture in mixing container (made using cold-process soap recipe of choice)
- Wooden spoon or emulsion blender
- Glass container
- Glass droppers
- Essential oil or fragrance oil
- Additives, optional
- Soap mold
- Towel or blanket
Instructions
-
-
1
Lift the spoon or emulsion blender out of the base soap mixture after it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Let the soap fall off the spoon or blender back into the container; if the drips sit on the surface momentarily before sinking into the soap mixture, early trace has occurred. You can now add scent to the soap.
-
2
Measure, using the glass droppers, 3 to 4 tbsp. of essential oil or fragrance oil for every pound of oils or fats called for in the cold-process soap recipe. Blend the essential oil or fragrance oil into the soap mixture gently using the spoon.
-
-
3
Mix any other additives or decorative elements, such as flower petals, called for in your recipe into the soap mixture and blend it well.
-
4
Pour the soap mixture into the prepared mold, put the lid on the mold, and insulate it with the towel or blanket.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use high-quality oils intended for soap making to scent soap. Low-quality fragrance oils containing alcohol can overreact when blended with the soap, causing it to trace too soon or become lumpy. High-quality oils produce a longer-lasting scent.
Always wear latex gloves, long sleeves and protective eye wear when making soap. Soap base contains active lye and should never come in contact with your eyes or skin.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Always research ingredients to maintain safety and proper use.
If you come into contact with lye solution or oils, wash or flush the affected area with water and seek medical attention as required.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
