Soap making is not just a craft; it can be a bit of science and artistry. Some soaps made at home are a work of art! Essential oils are commonly used in soap making, not only for their fragrances, but also for their beneficial properties. Whether you’re a seasoned soap maker or a beginner, understanding the role of essential oils can elevate your soap making experience to new heights.
What are some oils you can consider using in soap making that we’ll be looking at? Some examples are: lavender, chamomile, geranium, sandalwood, and calendula.
This post is all about essential oils for soap making.
Table of Contents
Understanding Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold pressing. Unlike fragrance oils, which are synthetic, essential oils are derived from natural sources such as from plant materials, making them a preferred choice for those seeking natural ingredients in their skincare products. Always pay careful attention when selecting an essential oil to use. Cheaper essential oils can have other ingredients mixed with them. You want to find 100% essential oils for your soap making.
How to choose essential oils for soap making
When selecting essential oils for soap making, quality is paramount. Look for oils that are pure and free from additives. Consider the intended use of your soap and any potential skin sensitivities. Essential oils vary in their properties, so choose ones that complement your desired soap type—whether it’s a soothing lavender soap, an invigorating peppermint blend, or an antimicrobial tea tree formulation.
Of course cost is also a factor when choosing an essential oil. There are oils that are relatively inexpensive and others are much more expensive. For example, pure rose essential oil is an expensive oil. These types of oils can be more expensive based on the amount of plant material that’s required to make it. Others can be more expensive because of the availability of the plant material, and even how it’s grown.
How the essential oil is extracted is also super important when it comes to purchasing good quality oils. Look for companies that use steam distillation or cold pressing. Properly extracting the essential oil is key to ensuring that the beneficial properties from the plant material remain intact. Avoid companies that use harsh extraction methods that involve chemicals such as hexane and ethanol.
Popular Essential Oils for Soap Making
As mentioned above, think about what type of soap you’re looking to make. Is it a soap that’s soothing for sensitive skin? Are you looking for a soap that’s invigorating and refreshing?
Top essential oils for sensitive skin soap
There are some essential oils that are great for sensitive skin. The top essential oils for sensitive skin soap are: lavender, chamomile, geranium, sandalwood, and calendula. Let’s take a closer look at what these oils do.
Lavender Essential Oil
Known for its calming and skin-soothing properties, lavender oil is a staple in many soap recipes. This oil is gentle on the skin and can help to reduce skin irritation and redness. It’s perfect for relaxation-themed soaps and blends well with citrus oils like bergamot or sweet orange.
Chamomile Essential Oil
This oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It can be used to calm sensitive and irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium has balancing properties and is gentle for sensitive skin. Because of its balancing properties, it can help to regulate oil production. Additionally, it can help to improve skin elasticity, and reduce redness and irritation.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood essential oil tends to be a more expensive oil, so keep this in mind when you’re purchasing your oils. The cost of this type of essential oil is partially due to the decline in this species of tree. Another contributing factor to a more expensive oil is because the oil is extracted from the heartwood portion of the tree. The process involves steam distillation and has a very low yield. The average yield through the whole process is between 3% to 6%.
Sandalwood has been used for centuries not only for its skin health properties, but also in religion, perfume, and alternative medicine – just to name a few. This oil is a good option for wound healing and helps to reduce inflammation.
Calendula Essential Oil
This type of oil is extracted from marigold flowers and has many benefits. It has the following properties: antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, and even SPF! It’s highly regarded for its skin healing properties and great for treating conditions such as eczema and diaper rash. This is an amazing option to use when you’re making soap.
Citrus essential oils for refreshing soap
Citrus essential oils are popular in soap making due to their refreshing and uplifting scents. Here are five citrus essential oils that are often used to create invigorating soap.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oil has a bright, zesty scent and is known for its astringent and antiseptic properties. Use this oil for refreshing and revitalizing the skin, for cleansing oily skin, and for an uplifting aroma.
Orange Essential Oil (Sweet Orange)
Orange essential oil has a sweet, fresh scent and is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for various skin types. This oil has the following benefits: provides a cheerful and invigorating fragrance, boosts mood, and helps soothe dry or irritated skin.
Lime Essential Oil
Lime oil offers a sharp, tangy scent that is both refreshing and energizing. Use it as a natural astringent, to help clear oily skin, and for a fresh, clean aroma.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil has a bright, citrusy scent that is both invigorating and refreshing. The benefits of this oil are: uplifts mood, helps tone the skin, and has natural cleansing properties.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot has a sweet, citrusy aroma with a hint of floral notes – it’s definitely an interesting smell. It is known for its calming and balancing effects. Use this oil to: promote relaxation, help even skin tone, and provide a fresh, uplifting fragrance.
Note: When using citrus essential oils in soap making, keep in mind that they can sometimes increase photosensitivity in the skin. It’s important to use them in appropriate concentrations and consider labeling your soaps with caution about sun exposure if using these oils at high concentrations.
Basic Essential Oil Tips
These are just quick notes about making soap with essential oils and it is not meant to be a guide on how to actually conduct the whole process.
Blending the Essential Oils
Creating your own essential oil blends can be both rewarding and challenging. Start with a base note (like cedarwood or patchouli), add a middle note (such as lavender or geranium), and finish with a top note (like citrus oils) to achieve a balanced fragrance profile. Experiment with different ratios until you find a blend that resonates with your senses.
Safety Precautions and Tips
Always dilute essential oils properly before adding them to your soap mixture. Follow recommended usage rates to avoid skin irritation or sensitivities. If you’re making soaps to sell, be aware of any allergens and consider your audience when crafting scented soaps.
Where to Source Quality Essential Oils
To ensure the efficacy and safety of your soaps, source essential oils from reputable suppliers known for their commitment to quality and purity. Look for certifications and customer reviews to guide your purchasing decisions. Don’t just get the cheapest essential oils!
Conclusion
Incorporating essential oils into your soap making endeavors not only enhances the sensory experience but also provides natural benefits for your skin. Whether you’re crafting soaps as gifts or for personal use, the right essential oils can transform a simple cleansing bar into a luxurious skincare product tailored to your preferences.
Additional Resources
For further reading on essential oils and soap making techniques, explore the following resources:
Ready to embark on your soap making journey with essential oils? Start experimenting with different blends and unleash your creativity in crafting personalized soaps that delight the senses and nourish the skin. Happy soap making!
This post is all about essential oils for soap making.
