Soap making is an art, and for enthusiasts diving into the world of cold process soap, it’s a delightful challenge to preserve the aroma of essential oils throughout the process.
During a Starlite Soap Studio workshop, we offer a large choice of both essential oils and safe fragrance oils. Both have their benefits, but for the scent purist, essential oils are usually the first choice.
Essential oils, with their natural scents and therapeutic benefits, can sometimes be elusive in retaining their fragrance. Fear not, for there are techniques to ensure your cold process soap carries the enchanting essence of essential oils from start to finish.
CHOOSE WISELY
Begin by selecting essential oils known for their staying power. Citrus oils like orange, lemon, and bergamot tend to hold their scent well in cold process soap. Lavender, patchouli, and cedarwood are also excellent choices.
BLEND WITH BASE OILS
Mix your essential oils with a small amount of your soap-making base oils before adding them to your soap mixture. This helps disperse the essential oils more evenly throughout the soap, preventing them from clumping together.
ADD AT TRACE
Essential oils should be added at trace, the point in the soap-making process when your oils and lye have emulsified, and the mixture starts to thicken. Adding essential oils at this stage prevents them from evaporating too quickly.
MIND THE TEMPERATURE
Keep your soap mixture at a lower temperature when incorporating essential oils. Heat can cause the volatile compounds in essential oils to evaporate. A slightly cooler mixture ensures the oils have a better chance of integrating into the soap.
STIR GENTLY
When adding essential oils, stir your soap mixture gently and thoroughly. Avoid vigorous stirring, which can introduce air bubbles and potentially disperse the fragrance.
USE FIXATIVES
Fixatives are substances that help anchor the scent of essential oils. Common fixatives include clays - a colourant choice within Starlite Soap Studio workshops. Incorporating these into your soap can help the essential oils linger longer.
PATIENCE IS KEY
After pouring your soap into molds, allow it to cure for a few weeks. During this curing process, the soap hardens and the scent matures, ensuring a more long-lasting fragrance.
Starlite Soap Studio carries a range of essential and fragrance oils for the home-based soapmaker, as well as a number of fun, interactive and informative soapmaking workshops. We hope you will join us!
With a mindful selection of oils, gentle blending techniques, and a touch of patience, your cold process soap can encapsulate the captivating aroma of essential oils. So, let your creativity flow and infuse your soap creations with the enchanting scents of nature.
Happy soap crafting!