How to Add Gentian Violet to Cold Process Soap
Gentian violet is a chemical that possesses antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is used most commonly to treat fungal infections of the skin, but has also been used as an antiseptic. Its brilliant purple color is used in inks and dyes for a variety of applications. Adding gentian violet to soap lends it a deep blue to purple tint, and some of the medicinal properties may remain after curing. The soap making process may however compromise some of gentian violet's properties, due to the high PH, temperatures and other variables.
Things You'll Need
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Goggles
- Apron
- Dust mask
- Kitchen scale
- Oils for soap making
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Water
- Glass bowls
- Plastic container
- Spatula or large spoon
- Stock pot
- Thermometer
- Immersion blender
- Gentian violet
- Droppers
- Soap mold
Instructions
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1
Follow your soap recipe to determine the amount of oil, water and sodium hydroxide (lye) to use in your soap. Calculate how much gentian violet you plan to use. Ten drops per pound (16 ounces) of oil is a good starting point.
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2
Measure the required amount of oil and put in the stock pot. Measure the required amount of water and pour into the glass bowl. Measure the desired quantity of gentian violet into a second glass bowl.
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3
Put on your goggles, apron, gloves and dust mask. Weigh the required quantity of lye flakes in the plastic container. Pour the lye flakes into the bowl of water, stirring gently to dissolve. The chemical reaction will produce heat. Leave to cool. When the lye solution has cooled to 150 degrees, begin heating the oil on low heat until it reaches 110 degrees. When the lye solution is 115 degrees, add the lye solution carefully to the oils, stirring gently.
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4
Blend the oils and lye solution with the immersion blender. The mix will begin to "trace" or leave visible marks of blending. It should be about the consistency of pudding at this stage. Turn off the blender, and add the gentian violet, stirring with the immersion blender. Turn the immersion blender back on to thoroughly incorporate the gentian violet. If your soap contains too little violet color, add a few additional drops of gentian violet.
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5
Pour the raw soap into the soap mold. Remove from mold after 24 hours and cut. Your soap will be ready to use after six weeks of curing in a dry space. Test the soap to make sure that the dye does not transfer to skin.
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Tips & Warnings
Only make soap in well-ventilated areas.
Sodium hydroxide is highly caustic, and can cause severe skin or eye damage. Handle with great care, and do not remove protective gear until all tools have been washed and rinsed.
Do not use aluminum tools or containers with lye or solutions of lye.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit handmade soap image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
