Adding Fragrance To Soap: A Post-Production Guide

Adding fragrance to soap is a creative process that can be tricky to get right. While it is not possible to add fragrance to soap after it has been made and put in a mould, there are ways to add fragrance to soap during the soap-making process. It is important to note that not all fragrances are suitable for soap, and some can cause the soap to 'seize', resulting in a batch of soap that is too thick or solidifies in the bowl. This can be avoided by testing fragrances in small batches first and adding the fragrance to the fatty oils before adding lye. The type of fragrance used is also important, as perfumes and colognes are usually alcohol-based, which can be tricky in soap and may not be skin-safe. Instead, it is recommended to use essential oils or fragrance oils specifically designed to be used with soap. Additionally, the amount of fragrance added is crucial, as too much can cause skin irritation, while too little may result in the scent fading. To enhance the fragrance, techniques such as anchoring can be used, which involves pairing lighter scents with deeper or more complex scents. Overall, creating fragrant soap requires careful experimentation with different fragrances, blending techniques, and usage rates.

Using perfume or cologne as an essential oil can make your soap seize

In addition, the higher concentration of fragrance in perfumes and colognes may not be skin-safe. It is also not cost-effective to use perfume or cologne in soap-making, as there are huge varieties of soap-safe fragrance oils available.

Soap-making involves a chemical reaction called saponification. If you add fragrances that are not formulated to work with soap, you may disturb the chemical reaction and have a negative outcome.

Therefore, it is recommended to use only essential oils or fragrance oils that have been designed to be used with soap.

Alcohol-based perfumes and colognes can be tricky in soap

Adding fragrance to soap is a great way to personalise your soap and make it unique. However, it is important to be cautious when adding alcohol-based perfumes or colognes to your soap, as alcohol can be tricky to work with.

Firstly, perfumes and colognes are likely to make your soap seize up if you're working with cold process soap. This is because alcohol can cause the soap to thicken more quickly than usual, sometimes even turning solid in the bowl – a phenomenon known as 'soap on a stick'. It can also cause the soap to heat up, which may lead to a 'soap volcano' where the soap starts bubbling out of the mould.

In addition, commercial perfumes contain ethanol and other additives such as fixatives, stabilisers, and UV-absorbents, which can interfere with the chemical reaction of saponification that occurs during soap-making. This may result in a negative reaction and a batch of ruined soap.

Furthermore, perfumes and colognes are designed to be used on the skin, not in soap, so the concentration of fragrance may be too high and could cause skin irritation. It is also worth noting that some fragrances may not be stable in soap and could change colour or disappear during the saponification process.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use fragrance oils or essential oils specifically designed for use in soap-making. These oils have been tested for use in soap and will ensure your final product is safe and effective. It is also important to respect the dosages and methods recommended for adding fragrance to soap, as too much fragrance can also cause skin irritation.

It's best to use essential oils or fragrance oils designed for use with soap

When it comes to adding fragrance to your soap, it's best to use essential oils or fragrance oils specifically designed for use with soap. While it may be tempting to use perfumes or colognes, these are often alcohol-based and can cause your soap to seize, not to mention they may not be skin-safe. Fragrance oils designed for soap have gone through rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for bath and beauty products and will not negatively affect the chemical reaction of saponification that soap-making involves.

Essential oils are 100% natural, extracted from herbs, flowers, and plants, most often through steam distillation. This gentle process ensures that the sensitive compounds don't break down. Popular essential oils include tea tree, lavender, and peppermint. However, not all plants produce essential oils, so your options are limited. Some essential oils, like citrus, may fade in cold process soap, while others, like cinnamon and clove, cannot be used in leave-on products. It's important to read the descriptions and follow any safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic, created with a mix of aroma chemicals and natural ingredients. They offer a broader range of scents at a more affordable price point. Fragrance oils are also easier to find and typically have better scent retention in soap. However, they are made from toxic chemicals and can contain dangerous compounds such as petroleum by-products, benzenes, aldehydes, toluene, and phthalates.

When choosing between essential oils and fragrance oils, consider your priorities. If you prefer natural scents and ingredients, essential oils are the way to go. If you're looking for a wider variety of scents at a lower cost and don't mind synthetic ingredients, fragrance oils may be the better option. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference, and you may even find that you prefer to use a combination of both in your soap-making endeavours.

You can add fragrance oil to your fatty oils before adding lye

Adding fragrance to soap is a delicate process, and it's important to use the right ingredients and techniques to avoid ruining your batch. While it's generally not recommended to add fragrance to soap after it has been made, you can add fragrance oil to your fatty oils before adding lye. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prepare Your Ingredients and Work Area:

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. This includes your choice of fragrance oil, fatty oils, lye (sodium hydroxide), safety gear, and a well-ventilated work area. Remember to wear protective gloves and eyewear throughout the process.

Measure and Mix Your Fragrance Oil:

Determine the desired amount of fragrance oil for your batch of soap. A strong scent can be achieved with 0.7 ounces of fragrance oil per pound of cold process soap. However, this may vary depending on the specific oil you're using, so it's important to check the recommended usage rates. Mix your chosen fragrance oil with an equal amount of liquid oil from your batch. This step helps to ensure that the fragrance oil blends evenly and prevents it from cooling down the mixture, giving you more time to work.

Combine Fragrance Oil with Fatty Oils:

Add the fragrance oil mixture to your fatty oils. Combine and blend these oils thoroughly before introducing the lye. This step allows the fragrance oil to disperse evenly throughout the fatty oils, creating a consistent base for your soap.

Introduce the Lye:

Once your oils are properly blended, you can carefully add the lye. Slowly pour the lye into the oil mixture and continue blending until everything is fully incorporated. It's important to follow safety precautions when working with lye, as it can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Always add lye to water, never directly to the oils, to ensure it dissolves properly and doesn't create unsafe conditions in your soap.

Monitor for Trace:

Keep blending the mixture until it reaches a thin trace stage. Adding your fragrance oil before this point helps prevent the soap from thickening too quickly. Scents can dramatically speed up trace, so adding them early gives you more control over the process.

Add Colors and Other Additives:

If you wish to incorporate colors or other additives to your soap, now is the time to do so. Work quickly, as the trace can accelerate, and you want to have the option to correct any discoloration if needed.

Pour into Molds:

Once you're happy with your mixture, carefully pour it into your chosen molds. Tap the molds on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure a smooth, even surface.

Cure Your Soap:

Allow your soap to harden and cure in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The curing process can take time, and longer curing periods often result in better-quality soap. Follow the recommended curing time for your specific recipe.

Remember, when working with fragrance oils and lye, always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines. It's essential to use fragrance oils specifically designed for soap making, as they have been tested and approved for this purpose. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can successfully add fragrance oil to your fatty oils before introducing lye, creating beautifully scented soap.

Some fragrances can be anchored with kaolin clay

While it is possible to add fragrance to soap after making it, it is not recommended as it can disturb the saponification process, which is the chemical reaction that occurs during soap making. This can lead to negative reactions and may even be unsafe for the skin.

One way to enhance the fragrance of your soap is to use a technique called "anchoring". This involves pairing lighter fragrances with deeper, earthier, or more complex scents to anchor them in the soap. One example of this is anchoring lime essential oil with earthy patchouli essential oil.

Some soap makers use kaolin clay to help with scent retention. Kaolin clay is a fine-textured, highly absorbent mineral compound that is one of the most common soap additives. It is known to provide skin slip and dries to a smooth, matte finish. In addition, kaolin clay can absorb both oil and water, making it a popular additive for shaving soaps.

To use kaolin clay as a fragrance anchor, mix it with your fragrance oil and let it sit for about 2 hours before adding it to your soap at trace. While there are mixed reviews on the effectiveness of kaolin clay in anchoring scents, some people have noticed that it helps their soaps smell for longer. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of kaolin clay may vary depending on the type of fragrance oil or essential oil used.

Frequently asked questions