Using Fragrance Oils In Shampoo Bars: Safe Or Not?

Shampoo bars are a natural alternative to liquid shampoos. They are highly concentrated, usually made with natural ingredients, and are free of preservatives, chemicals, detergents, and other unwanted additives. They are also more affordable than liquid shampoos as they last longer and require less packaging. When making shampoo bars, you can add fragrance oils or essential oils to add a pleasant scent. However, it is important to use the right amount of fragrance or essential oil to ensure that the scent is not too overpowering. Additionally, it is crucial to check the safe usage rates of these oils, as not all of them are skin-safe.

How to add fragrance oil to shampoo bars

Step 1: Prepare your supplies and workspace

Wash your equipment, soap mould, and utensils in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. Clean your workspace by spraying the area with rubbing alcohol or a 5% bleach solution, then wipe it down with a clean paper towel.

Step 2: Weigh your fragrance oil

Place a small glass container on a scale and weigh out your chosen fragrance oil. You'll want to prepare your fragrance ahead of time so that the base doesn't start to cool and harden as you work. Typically, fragrance oil is added at 1% of the total batch weight for a light scent, but this can be increased to 2% if you prefer.

Step 3: Prepare the base

Cut the shampoo base into 1-2" cubes and weigh out the desired amount. Place the cubes into a pouring pitcher and cover with plastic wrap. Melt the base using a double boiler or hot plate until it is completely melted and reaches 185°F.

Step 4: Add fragrance oil

Once the base is melted, add your measured fragrance oil and stir gently until it is thoroughly mixed in. Work quickly, as this type of base will cool down fast.

Step 5: Pour into a mould

Pour the fragranced base into your chosen mould and leave to cool completely, which should take around three hours. Remove the bars from the mould and place them on a flat surface. Allow the bars to cure for 24 hours before using and packaging.

Notes:

• This process assumes you are using a melt-and-pour base, rather than making your shampoo bars from scratch.
• If you are making your own shampoo bar base, you will need to add the fragrance oil before pouring the mixture into moulds.
• The Stephenson Syndopour Shampoo Base is a popular option for making shampoo bars and can accommodate a maximum of 2% fragrance oil.
• If you are making your shampoo bars from scratch, you will need to follow a cold process soap-making method, which involves handling lye. Always take the appropriate safety precautions when working with lye, including wearing safety goggles and long sleeves, and working in a well-ventilated area.

Essential oils for hair care

Essential oils are a great natural way to improve the health and appearance of your hair. They are known to promote hair health and stimulate hair growth. Here are some of the best essential oils for hair care:

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is excellent for hair care as it helps keep follicles cleansed and protected, and improves circulation to the scalp. It can also be used to treat flakiness and other scalp conditions. To use rosemary oil, add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or add it to a carrier oil and massage the mixture into your scalp.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil can soothe the scalp, inhibit inflammation that can contribute to thinning hair, and balance oil levels. It also leaves hair smelling fresh. Simply add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil invigorates the scalp and adds shine to hair. It contains compounds like pulegone and mentone that may strengthen the hair shaft. To use, add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage it into your scalp or add it to your shampoo or conditioner.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil has antibacterial properties that help keep the scalp healthy and free from irritation or infection. It can also be used to combat flakiness or hair lice. Add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or massage it into your scalp when combined with a carrier oil.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang ylang essential oil may help balance sebum production. Sebum is important for hair and scalp health, but harsh shampoos can strip it away. Balancing sebum production is great for both dry and oily hair types. Blend ylang ylang essential oil with a conditioning fixed oil like olive oil.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which helps increase circulation to the scalp, ensuring nutrients reach the hair roots. When used consistently, it supports stronger and healthier hair growth.

When using essential oils for hair care, it is important to dilute them with a carrier oil before applying to the skin or scalp. You can also add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or create your own DIY hair mask or serum. Always conduct a patch test before use, as what may be beneficial for one person might not be for another.

The process of making shampoo bars

Making shampoo bars at home is a great way to save money and reduce waste. The process is simple and requires just a few tools and ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own shampoo bars:

Ingredients and Tools:

First, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. For this recipe, you will need:

• Coconut oil
• Lye (sodium hydroxide)
• Distilled water
• Essential oils (optional)
• Tallow or palm oil
• Olive oil
• Castor oil
• Protective gloves and eyewear
• Digital scale
• Glass or stainless steel bowls
• Immersion blender or hand mixer
• Soap moulds

Preparation:

Before you begin, it is important to take safety precautions. Wear protective gloves and eyewear to protect your skin and eyes from the lye. Make sure the work area is well-ventilated, and avoid using aluminium utensils as they can react with the lye.

Mixing the Ingredients:

Measure and combine the oils (coconut oil, tallow or palm oil, olive oil, and castor oil) in a large bowl. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water and heat the oils until they are fully melted and incorporated, stirring occasionally.

In a separate glass or heat-resistant container, slowly add the lye to the distilled water, stirring continuously. The mixture will become very hot, so be cautious. Continue stirring until the lye is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear.

Let both the oil mixture and the lye mixture cool down to around 130 degrees Fahrenheit (or below), ensuring that their temperatures are within 10 degrees of each other.

Blending:

Place the immersion blender or hand mixer into the oil mixture and tap it on the bottom of the bowl to release any air bubbles. This step is important to prevent bubbles from forming when you mix in the lye.

Slowly and carefully pour the lye-water mixture into the oil mixture. You can pour it down the side of the bowl or directly into the blender to minimise splashing.

Pulse the blender a few times, watching as the oils and lye start to combine. Alternate between short pulses and stirring until the mixture reaches a light trace consistency. This will allow time to add fragrance without the soap becoming too thick.

Adding Fragrance:

If you wish to add essential oils or fragrance, now is the time to do so. Work quickly and stir (do not blend) in your chosen fragrance. You can use essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, peppermint, or lavender, or opt for fragrance oils for more unique scents.

Moulding and Curing:

Once the soap reaches a medium trace consistency, it's time to pour it into your moulds. Scrape the bowl to ensure no soap is left behind. Tap the moulds on a table or counter to release any trapped air bubbles.

Allow the soap to sit in the moulds for 24 hours to 72 hours at room temperature. Then, remove the soap from the moulds and cut it into bars if using a loaf mould. Let the bars cure in a well-ventilated area for 4 to 6 weeks before use.

Using Your Shampoo Bar:

Your homemade shampoo bar is now ready to use! When washing your hair, rub the bar between your hands to create a lather, then massage it into your scalp and hair. Rinse with water, and follow with an acidic rinse like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice diluted in water to balance the pH of your hair and scalp.

The pros and cons of shampoo bars

Shampoo bars are a great alternative to traditional liquid shampoos, offering a more eco-friendly and natural way to cleanse your hair. However, as with any product, there are pros and cons to using shampoo bars that you should consider before making the switch.

Pros of Shampoo Bars:

• Eco-friendly and Sustainable: Shampoo bars are packaged in cardboard or paper, reducing plastic waste. One shampoo bar is equivalent to multiple liquid shampoo bottles, saving plastic from landfills. They also have minimal water waste and biodegradable ingredients, making them safe for the environment.
• Easy to Use and Store: Shampoo bars are travel-friendly, compact, and won't leak in your luggage. They are easy to store in a dry place and don't require special containers.
• Good for Curly Hair: Shampoo bars are often formulated without sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols, making them suitable for curly, coily, and wavy hair. They can add softness and manageability to curls.
• Sulfate-Free Options: Some shampoo bars are sulfate-free, which is gentler on the hair and scalp.
• Safe for Coloured Hair: Shampoo bars are typically pH-balanced and safe for colour-treated hair, as they won't strip the colour.
• Long-Lasting: Shampoo bars tend to last longer than liquid shampoos, making them more cost-effective in the long run, despite a higher upfront cost.
• Multi-Purpose: Some shampoo bars can be used as body wash or shaving soap, reducing the number of products you need.

Cons of Shampoo Bars:

• Transition Period: When switching to shampoo bars, your hair and scalp may go through an adjustment period, resulting in heaviness, stickiness, or oiliness. This can last for several weeks or even months.
• Slow Results: Shampoo bars may take longer to show results as the natural ingredients take time to penetrate the hair shaft. Hard water can also slow down the results.
• Challenging for Travel: Packing shampoo bars without a special container can be tricky, as they can get wet and mushy.
• Requires More Care: Shampoo bars demand extra care to keep them dry and prevent them from becoming soft and mushy. You need to store them properly between uses, unlike liquid shampoos.
• Generalized Formula: Shampoo bars often have a generalized formula that may not address specific hair types or concerns. They might leave a waxy residue on curly or long hair.
• Expensive: The initial investment in shampoo bars can be steep due to the use of high-quality organic ingredients and sustainable packaging.
• Less Convenient to Use: Shampoo bars need to be lathered in your hands before application, which can be messier and more time-consuming than liquid shampoos. They can be challenging to apply evenly, especially on thick or long hair.

While shampoo bars offer a more natural and eco-friendly option, they may not suit everyone's hair type or lifestyle. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making the switch to ensure it aligns with your hair care needs and personal beliefs.

The environmental impact of shampoo bars

Shampoo bars are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid shampoos. Here are some of the environmental benefits of using shampoo bars:

Reduced Packaging and Plastic Waste

Shampoo bars usually come with minimal or no packaging, reducing plastic waste. Traditional shampoo bottles often end up in landfills and oceans, contributing to plastic waste and harming marine life. Shampoo bars help reduce this waste and lower the environmental impact.

Longer Lifespan

Shampoo bars are compact and concentrated, lasting longer than liquid shampoos. This saves money and reduces the frequency of purchasing and discarding plastic bottles, further reducing waste.

Lighter and More Efficient Transportation

Due to their lightweight and compact nature, shampoo bars are more environmentally friendly to ship. They reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation when compared to liquid shampoos.

Natural and Organic Ingredients

Shampoo bars are typically made with natural and organic ingredients, such as essential and plant-based oils like coconut oil. They are free from harmful chemicals like sulphates, silicones, parabens, and phosphates, which are often found in liquid shampoos and can contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic ecosystems.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Shampoo bars have a lower carbon footprint than shampoo bottles. They use less water and require fewer resources for production. The natural ingredients and minimal packaging contribute to lower emissions during manufacturing.

Cruelty-Free and Vegan Options

Many shampoo bars are cruelty-free, meaning they are not tested on animals. Additionally, plant-based formulas avoid toxic and non-biodegradable chemicals, further reducing their environmental impact.

Cost Efficiency

Shampoo bars are highly concentrated and last longer than bottled shampoos, making them a more cost-efficient option. This also reduces the frequency of purchases, resulting in less waste and a positive impact on the environment.

Frequently asked questions