Seamus Hammond
Soap Queen offers a wide range of tutorials on soap-making, bath fizzies, lotions, and more. One of their popular tutorials is on how to make perfumed soap, where they guide viewers through the process of creating unique scented soaps. Soap Queen also provides tips on how to blend fragrance oils to develop personalized scents and offers recipes for natural solid perfumes and floral spray perfumes. In addition to perfumed soaps, Soap Queen also has tutorials on making floral body oils, where they teach viewers how to create complex floral scents using lightweight liquid oils and fragrance oils. They also offer advice on substituting different types of oils and provide downloadable labels for gift-giving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of perfume | Solid or liquid |
| Base | Oily or aqueous |
| Dosage | Not exceeding 5% perfume for solid soaps |
| Ingredients | Coconut oil, meadowfoam oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, white beeswax, essential oils, clay |
| Equipment | Containers, soap mold, hand towels, stick blender, Mini Spray Bottles |
| Process | Melt and pour, cold or hot saponification |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a base
Choosing the right base for your perfumed soap is essential, as it will determine the dosage of your fragrance and the overall stability of your product. Here are some key considerations when selecting a base for your perfumed soap:
Type of Soap Base:
The type of soap base you choose will depend on whether you want to create a solid or liquid soap. For solid soaps, you can use a Melt and Pour base, or opt for cold or hot saponification. Liquid soaps, on the other hand, typically use an aqueous base for better stability.
Fragrance Dosage:
The chosen base will dictate the dosage of your fragrance. For solid soaps, it is recommended to not exceed 5% perfume. You can calculate the weight of the perfume based on the weight of your oils and butters for saponification. For liquid soaps, the dosage is calculated based on the weight of the product.
Incorporating Fragrance:
The method of incorporating fragrance depends on the type of base. For liquid soap bases, simply mix the perfume well with the base while it's cold. For Melt and Pour bases, add the fragrance after the base has melted, stirring for a few seconds. With cold or hot saponification, you have two options: incorporate the fragrance into the oils and butters before adding soda, or add it at the trace (when the soap paste forms).
Enhancing Properties:
Consider adding clay to your soap base, as it helps set the scent and can provide beneficial properties to the skin. Additionally, essential oils can be used to enhance the fragrance and offer their own unique properties.
Ready-to-Pour Bases:
To simplify the process, you can opt for a convenient "ready-to-pour" soap base like Shea butter or Goat's Milk. These bases are easily available at craft stores or online. Simply cut the base into cubes, melt them, and add your fragrance of choice.
Remember, the base you choose will influence the final characteristics of your perfumed soap, so consider the dosage, stability, and any additional benefits you want to offer.
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Adding fragrance
Adding a fragrance to your soap is a great way to personalise it and make it unique. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or even create your own unique scent by blending different oils.
When adding fragrance to liquid soap, simply mix the perfume with the base until well combined. For melt-and-pour soap bases, add the fragrance after the base has melted, and stir the mixture for a few seconds. For cold or hot saponification, you have two options: either incorporate the fragrance into the oils and butters before adding the soda, or add it at the trace (the latter can be tricky as the added fragrance may accelerate the trace, leaving you with less time to mould your soap). It is also important to note that for liquid soaps, an aqueous base is typically used for better stability, whereas an oily base is used for solid soaps.
The amount of fragrance you use is important, and this will depend on the base you have chosen. For solid soaps, it is recommended that you do not exceed 5% perfume. For liquid soaps, the weight of the product will determine how much fragrance to use. As a general rule of thumb, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of essential oil for every pound of soap. However, be cautious with certain oils, like peppermint, which can irritate the skin—in this case, use 2 teaspoons per pound of soap base.
You can also use clay to help set the scent and add beneficial properties to the skin.
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Mixing methods
For cold or hot saponification, there are two possibilities. The first is to incorporate the fragrance into the oils and butters before adding the soda. The second option is to add the fragrance at the trace (when the mixture forms the soap paste). This second option can be unpredictable, especially if the added fragrance accelerates the trace, leaving you with less time to mould your soap. When adding fragrance to the trace, it is best to do so when it is thin.
For liquid soap bases, the weight of the product is calculated to determine the amount of perfume to add. For saponification, the weight of the perfume is calculated based on the weight of the oils and butters that will be saponified. For Melt and Pour bases and cold or hot saponified soaps, a perfume with an oily base is suitable.
For solid soaps, it is best not to exceed 5% perfume. For liquid soaps, it is recommended to use fragrances with an aqueous base for better product stability. Essential oils can also be used to perfume soaps and provide beneficial properties.
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Presentation
Homemade soap is a fun and creative project that allows you to personalize your soap with unique scents and colours. You can elevate the presentation of your homemade soap by gift-wrapping it. Here are some ideas to make your perfumed soap look like a queen:
Gift Wrapping
Use wax paper to wrap the soap. Secure it with baker's twine and embellish with natural elements like a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for a rustic, wintry charm. You can also use other natural elements like dried flowers or lavender buds.
Containers
If you're giving liquid soap as a gift, consider using a decorative bottle or container. You can find unique bottles at craft stores or online. For a cohesive set, create your own labels with downloadable templates or design your own. You can also add a personal touch by including a handwritten note with the ingredients used and the benefits of the soap.
Packaging
If you're giving multiple bars of soap or creating a self-care package, use a decorative box or basket to arrange the soaps. Line the box with tissue paper or shredded paper and add other bath-time treats like bath bombs, a loofah, or a washcloth.
Display
If you're selling your perfumed soap or displaying it at a craft fair, create an attractive display with varying heights and textures. Use wooden crates, cake stands, or tiered trays to showcase your soaps. Add props like dried flowers, moss, or vintage teacups to create a whimsical and inviting display.
Creative Touches
Don't be afraid to get creative with your presentation. You can tie a ribbon or twine around the soap, add a small charm or pendant, or attach a dried flower to the packaging. These small touches make your soap stand out and feel extra special.
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Safety
Understand the Ingredients and Their Hazards
Before you begin, it's crucial to research and understand the ingredients you'll be using, including their potential hazards and proper usage. All ingredients, including essential oils, fragrance oils, and colourants, can pose risks if not handled correctly. For example, some essential oils can cause irritation or photosensitivity, so it's important to check their suitability for your specific product. Always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by your supplier for each ingredient. If an SDS is not provided, consider requesting one and think about sourcing your ingredients elsewhere.
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when making soap, especially when handling lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide). This includes gloves to protect your skin, safety goggles to shield your eyes from splashes or splatters, and a respirator mask to prevent inhalation of hazardous fumes and particles. Remember that these particles can remain in the air long after you've finished, so adequate ventilation is crucial.
Lye Handling
Lye is a highly corrosive substance, and mishandling it can lead to severe skin burns and eye damage. It emits dangerous fumes when mixed with water and becomes extremely hot. Always add lye to water slowly and never the other way around to prevent violent reactions. Use lye-safe and heat-resistant utensils, avoiding aluminium, glass, and flimsy plastics. Mix lye solutions in a well-ventilated area or under an exhaust hood to minimise fume inhalation. A sudden change in wind direction can affect your safety when working outdoors, so be mindful of that.
Weighing and Measuring
Accurate ingredient measurements are vital for safety in soap making. Weigh each container and keep a list of their weights to ensure precise measurements and avoid missing key ingredients. Knowing the weight of your moulds also helps determine the finished batch weight.
Emergency Preparedness
Have an emergency plan in place in case of accidents. For instance, keep absorbent rags or towels readily available to quickly contain and clean up any lye spills, and know the steps to neutralise the spill with cool water or vinegar. Be prepared for potential burns or accidental exposure to lye, and always have a plan for dealing with such incidents.
Dosage Control
When adding fragrances to your soap, it's important to control the dosage to avoid altering the final product. For solid soaps, it is recommended to not exceed 5% perfume. For liquid soaps, calculate the fragrance dosage based on the weight of the product and the oils or butters used.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a "ready-to-pour" soap base like shea butter or goat's milk, essential oils, and fragrance. You can also add food colouring and natural ingredients like oatmeal for a moisturising effect.
Cut your chosen soap base into cubes and place them in a microwave-safe container. Melt the soap in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted. Add 2-3 teaspoons of essential oil per pound of soap base. Be cautious with oils like peppermint, using less per pound. Mix well, then pour the mixture into your chosen moulds and allow it to harden.
For liquid soap bases, incorporate the fragrance when the base is cold. Mix well for perfect homogeneity. For Melt and Pour bases, add the fragrance after the base has melted and stir the mixture for a few seconds. For saponification, you can either incorporate the fragrance into the oils and butters before adding soda, or add it at the trace (when the mixture forms a soap paste).
Choose a lightweight liquid oil like fractionated coconut oil and add your desired fragrance oil. You can use a spoon to mix the oils together, then transfer the blend to a container or spray bottle.
