How to Use Essential Oil for Soap Making | Soap.Club

Posted on July 07 2022

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oil soaps make the perfect gift!

Most essential oils are concentrated oils that have a strong aroma. They are extracted from plants and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, aromatherapy and soap-making essentials.

They're also added to natural, homemade soap bars for their scent and therapeutic effects in coconut oil soap, shea butter and other body butters for a rich lather. Each essential oil is reputed to have its own benefits for the body and mind.

The phrase "quintessential oil" is abbreviated to "essential oil."The fifth element, quintessence, is regarded to be the fifth in a group of four known elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These are regarded as the fundamental components of value by ancient thought.

Ether or spirit is another name for this oil, which is the plant's life essence.

How Are Essential Oils Made?
What Do You Need To Know About Using Essential Oils For Soap?
Why Should You Use Essential Oils For Soap Making?
Types Of Essential Oils For Soap Making Fragrances
Combining Essential Oils And Fragrances
What Are The Benefits Of Essential Oils?
Tips For Using Essential Oils In Soap Making, Including Cold Process Soap
Making an Essential Oil Blend Tutorial
Soap-Making Frequently Asked Questions
A Final Word

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How Are Essential Oils Made?

There are many different plant oils that can be used for soap making, each with its own unique smell and benefits. Some popular oils for soap making include pure lavender essential oil, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree.

When choosing oils for soap making, it is important to consider the properties of different essential oils and how they will work together.

Oils are concentrated plant components, and a drop or two is enough in applications like perfume rubbing or oil burning. Just a few ounces of essential oil in soap batter may produce a distinct or blended scent in essential oil soap.

There are many different plant oils that can be used for soap making, each with its own unique smell and benefits. Some popular oils for soap making include pure lavender essential oil, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree.

When choosing oils for soap making, it is important to consider the properties of different essential oils and how they will work together.

Oils are highly concentrated plant essences, with just a drop or two required in applications like rubbing perfume or oil burning. In essential oil soap, just a couple of ounces can be added to soap batter to create a specific or combined fragrance.

To isolate the pure essential oil from plants, distillation is used. This method necessitates heating and cooling to extract the oil while separating it from the other plant components. The leaves, roots, blooms, and bark of a variety of plants are frequently distilled to extract residual oil.

In some cases, vast amounts of plant matter are required for the creation of just a tiny amount of oil; in the distillation of rose oil, for example, a ton of petals is required to create a pound of oil.

Fragrance oils are often mistaken for essential oils; the two are not the same, since scent oils are manufactured rather than extracted from a plant. Fragrances can also be added to soaps, but they do not provide the same therapeutic effects as essential oils since they may originate from natural sources.

What Do You Need To Know About Using Essential Oils For Soap?

There are three main things to consider for homemade essential oil soap making:

1. The fragrance of the oil

2. The therapeutic properties of the essential oil

3. The saponification value of the essential oil (The term "saponification" refers to the action, technique, or outcome of making soap)

The Fragrance Of Essential Oils

Most essential oils have a concentrated, potent aroma that can be used to scent soaps. Each essential oil has its own unique smell, which can be combined with other essential oils to create a custom scent.

When choosing different essential oils for soap making, it is important to consider their fragrance and how they will work with other oils in your soap recipe. Some oils have a very strong scent that can be overpowering, while others are more subtle and can be easily overpowered.

The Therapeutic Properties Of Essential Oils

Each essential oil has different therapeutic properties, which can be used to target specific skin care concerns for different skin types.

For example, lavender oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties, while citrus oils like lemon essential oil are known for their ability to brighten and refresh the skin.

When choosing a plant oil for soap making, it is important to consider its therapeutic properties and how they will benefit the soap.

The Saponification Value Of Essential Oils

The saponification value of essential oil is the amount of oil required to saponify (turn into soap) a specific amount of lye. If a recipe does not contain lye, the oils in it would remain oils.

In order to produce soap, a chemical change requiring lye must occur.

Each oil has a different saponification value, which must be considered when deciding how much essential oil to add to the soap mix.

For example, olive oil has a high saponification value, which means that it requires more lye to turn it into soap. This can make the soap harsher and more drying on the skin.
On the other hand, coconut oil has a low saponification value, which means that less lye is required to turn it into soap. This can make the soap more gentle and moisturizing on the skin.

When choosing an oil for soap making, it is important to consider its saponification value and how it will affect the final product.

With these three things in mind, you can choose the best essential oils for your soap-making needs.

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Why Should You Use Essential Oils For Soap Making?

As well as adding scent to handmade soap, plant-based oils are used in soap making for their reputed health benefits – especially for the skin. Different oils are associated with different benefits.

Many oils have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties
Others are reported to help relieve pain and inflammation
Ylang-ylang reputedly helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Lemon and sandalwood are both associated with treating acne
Some soothe the senses
Other are mood-lifting

As mentioned before, scent oils are added for the scent alone – if you buy an aromatherapy soap, please check the label for fragrance or essential oil.

Essential oils are natural products and fragrance oil is synthetic; this doesn’t mean, however, that common soaps should be avoided if they contain scent oil. As long as the oil is not harsh and constitutes less than one percent of the soap’s ingredients, it should not be detrimental.

Types Of Essential Oils For Soap Making Fragrances

There are all sorts of plant oils and fragrances used in soap making. Soap.Club produces over 70 varieties of handmade soap infused with fragrances from nature, using the best essential oils for the perfect finishing touches.

The quality of plant oil depends on:

The crop it is distilled from
Where the plant was grown
The conditions at the time

For these reasons, oils can be less stable to work with than scent oils. However, for the best results, find a reputable manufacturer and get the best essential oils from them.

Fragrance oils are another good example; once you've found a reputable vendor, stick with them for consistent results, but be wary of phrases like "perfumer's grade" and other terminology that appears official but isn't.

Blending Essential Oils for Soap

Artisan soap makers understand the importance of balancing scents; at Soap.Club we offer single-scented soaps as well as mixtures. In some cases, we combine both vital aromatherapy oils and fragrance oils to achieve the right equilibrium.

Top notes, middle notes, and base notes are used to categorize essential and fragrance oils. Essential oil blends frequently include one scent from each group for a more complex scent.

Citrus essential oils with a top note include sweet orange, lime, and citronella. These scents are strong but fleeting.

The most prominent note oil in this list is ylang-ylang, which has notes of citrus and rosewood (or orange blossom). Sandalwood, vanilla, and musk are all middle-note oils.

Rose, jasmine, tea tree, and neroli are some of the high-note plant oils. They provide the primary component of any fragrance mix and are found in almost every scent.

We use the cold process soap making technique at Soap.Club, which means the fragrance or oils are added last; this helps to keep the soap fragrant.

An alternative is to use a fixative, which enables the soap to keep its smell in instances where it would otherwise completely fade.

Our soaps are cured for at least six weeks, which enhances the scent and increases the quality of the bar.

What Are The Benefits Of Essential Oils?

Each plant oil has its own associated benefits. Some people like to use plant-based oil with a carrier oil in massage, while others add a few drops to an oil burner or rub them into pulse points to enjoy the fragrance.

In handmade soap, the essential oil can be used every day to bring about benefits and a lingering fragrance. Some of the most popular oil include lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, and rose.

Lavender has relaxing and sleeping qualities, but it also possesses antiseptic and skin- and scalp-clearing properties. Lavender is also known to alleviate pain and increase circulation.
Sandalwood has been used since ancient times to heal cuts and wounds, offering antibacterial qualities that help eliminate germs. Sandalwood is anti-inflammatory as well as soothing to the nerves.
Jasmine conditions and reduces blemishes, while rose improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity. Each oil has something to offer in terms of maintaining healthy skin.
Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, cuts and burns and even insect bites. Tea tree oil soap can also be used to help treat nail fungus, athlete's foot and ringworm.

Tips For Using Essential Oils In Soap Making, Including Cold Process Soap

Essential oils should be added to a soap recipe at a rate of 5-10 drops per pound of base oil. Because the oils are so concentrated, you don't need as much essential oil when you pour soaps.

-Measure essential oils and mix them together to create the desired scent. This can be done by combining equal parts of each oil, or by adding more, or not as much oil in a specific fragrance, to create a different scent.

-Once you have created the desired scent, add the plant oils to your soap base.

-If you are using a melt and pour soap base, melt the base first then add the oil.

-If you are using a cold process soap-making base, mix the oils into the base before adding any other ingredients.

-Add the essential oils to the soap base.

-Stir the oil into the soap base until they are evenly distributed.

-Pour the soap mixture into molds and allow it to harden.

-Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the mold and enjoy your scented, foaming hand soap!

Making Your Own Essential Oil Blends Tutorial

An essential oil scent has three primary notes: top, middle, and base.

The lightest and freshest notes are found in the top portion,
while floral or fruit scents predominate in the middle sections.
The heavier notes reside towards the bottom of the fragrance.
A well-rounded blend will have one oil from each note.

You will need:

-A selection of oils in different scents (e.g., sweet orange, lime, citronella for top notes; rose, jasmine, neroli for middle notes; ylang-ylang, sandalwood, vanilla for base notes)

-A dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid

-Carrier oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Decide on the ratio of oils you want

2. Measure the oils. Using a glass measuring cup, measure out the oils in the ratio you have decided on.

3. Add the oils to the bottle. Pour the measured oils into the dark glass bottle.

4. Seal the bottle and shake well. Seal the lid tightly and shake the bottle until the oils are well blended.

5. Label your blend. Label your oil blend with the name of the oils and the date it was made. Store in a cool, dark place.

6. Use within 6 months. For best results, use your oil blend within six months. After this time, the fragrance will start to fade.

7. Add to soap at trace. When making cold process soap, add the oil blend at trace. This is the point at which the soap mix starts to thicken and will leave a line on the surface when you drizzle it with a spoon.

8. Add 2-3 drops of essential oil per pound (16 oz) of soap. For example, if you are using a 3 lb mold, add 6-9 drops of oil. If you find that your soap is not as fragrant as you would like, add more essential oil until you reach the desired scent.

9. Experiment and have fun!

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making essential oil recipes for soap. If you need some additional help, you can use this handy essential oil calculator.

You can get 20 more essential oil soap recipes here with good essential oil combinations for soap.

Fragrance Oil Blending Chart For Soap - essential oils for soap making chart

Essential Oils for Soap Making Chart

Essential Oil Properties Notes Chart

Fragrance Oil Blending/Essential Oil Mixing Chart - essential oils mixing chart

Discover The Great Fragrances of the Coconut Oil Natural Soap Collection from Soap.Club

Essential Oils for Fall Soaps

As the leaves change color and the air gets a little cooler, it's time to start thinking about fall soaps! Here are some great essential oils to use in your fall soaps to give them a warm, cozy, and inviting scent.

- Cinnamon: This warming spice is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere. Add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to your soap recipe to give it a wonderful fall scent.

- Clove is another warming spice with a strong, inviting scent. Add a few drops of clove essential oil to your fall soap recipe for a delightful fragrance.

- Nutmeg: Nutmeg is another spice with a warm, inviting scent that is perfect for fall. Add a few drops of nutmeg essential oil to your soap recipe to give it a wonderful fall scent.

- Orange: Orange is a great essential oil to use in fall soaps because it has a sweet, citrusy scent that is perfect for autumn. Add a few drops of orange essential oil to your soap recipe to give it a wonderful fall scent.

- Peppermint: Peppermint is a refreshing essential oil perfect for fall. It has a cooling effect that is perfect for chilly autumn days. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your soap recipe to give it a wonderful fall scent.

- Rosemary: Rosemary is a refreshing and invigorating essential oil that is perfect for fall. It has a stimulating effect that is perfect for chilly autumn days. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your soap recipe to give it a wonderful fall scent.

- Thyme: Thyme is an herbaceous essential oil that is perfect for fall. It has a woodsy, earthy scent that is perfect for autumn. Add a few drops of thyme essential oil to your soap recipe to give it a wonderful fall scent.

Hot Process Soap Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils used in hot process soaps should be specifically formulated for soap making. Generally, you can use up to 2 ounces of fragrance oil per pound of oil used in your recipe. Placing the fragrance oil directly into the lye solution will help it stay dispersed throughout the entire batch.

However, some fragrance oils may not hold well in the lye solution and may separate or discolor. To prevent this, add the fragrance oil after trace has been reached and mix until fully combined.

When adding essential oils to hot process soap, start with a small amount as they can quickly overpower a batch of soap.

Essential Oil for Liquid Soap

Adding essential oils to liquid soap is a great way to spruce up your homemade cleaning products. Essential oils bring an array of health benefits and can give your liquid soap a pleasant scent, while also adding some therapeutic benefits like using tea tree oil for antibacterial liquid soap.

Not only do these natural, aromatic compounds smell great, they are also naturally antibacterial and antiseptic – perfect for a personal care product like soap. As with any natural product, it is important to practice safety when using essential oils in liquid soap recipes.

Make sure to use a carrier oil that is safe for skin contact and be sparing with the amounts of essential oils used. Also, remember to check for any warnings about potential irritants or sensitivities before using the essential oil.

Essential Oils for Body Odors

Essential oils are a great way to counteract body odors. Not only do they provide a pleasant scent, but they also have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help reduce the intensity of body odor. Some of the most popular essential oils for body odor include tea tree oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil.

Tea tree essential oil is great for reducing body odors due to its powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It also has a pleasant, woody scent that acts as an effective deodorant when applied onto the skin or added to a lotion.
Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and relaxing scent, which can help reduce the intensity of body odor. It also contains antiseptic properties that help eliminate bacteria and fungi associated with body odor.
Peppermint essential oil has a cool and refreshing scent that helps combat body odors while providing a pleasant aroma. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that make it an effective weapon against body odor.
Finally, rosemary essential oil has a strong, herbaceous scent that is great for reducing body odors. Its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties also help to reduce the intensity of body odors.

Using essential oils for body odors is a great way to keep your skin smelling fresh and clean.

Soap-Making Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Put Too Much Essential Oil In Soap?

Yes, you can put too much essential oil in soap. If you add too much oil to your soap, it can be overpowering and even cause skin irritation.

It is important to find the right balance of essential oils so that your soap smells nice but is not overwhelming. If you're unsure about the amount of oil to add, use the essential oil calculator mentioned above.

What Is The Best Way To Store Essential Oils?

Plant oil should be stored in a cool, dark place. They can also be stored in the refrigerator. Ideally, they should be used within six months for the best results. After this time, the fragrance will start to fade.

Can I Add Essential Oils To Cold Process Soap?

Yes, you can make your own diy aromatherapy soap by adding oils to cold process soap. Simply add the essential oil to the soap batter at trace. Trace is the point at which the soap mix starts to thicken and will leave a line on the surface when you drizzle it with a spoon.

At What Temperature Should I Add The Oils To Soap?

Ideally, essential oils should be added to soap when the soap batter is between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will help to preserve the fragrance of the oils.

What Is The Difference Between Cold Process Soap And Melt And Pour Soap?

The main difference between cold process soap and melt and pour soap is that with cold process soap, you are starting with a raw soap base that you then add scent, color, and other additives to.

With melt and pour soap, you are starting with an already-scented and colored soap base. You then pour soap mix into molds to get the desired shape.

What Are The Best Essential Oils For Soap Bars?

There is a wide variety of plant oil that can be used in soap. Some of our favorites include lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, and mint. However, there are many other great options out there. Experiment and find the perfect blend for you!

What Essential Oils Are Good For Men's Soap?

Some great essential oils for men's soap include cedarwood, bergamot, and sandalwood. These oils give the soap a woodsy, masculine scent that is sure to please.

You can purchase natural, homemade soap for men here.

Can I Make Soap Without Essential Oils?

Yes, you can make soap without oil. However, the soap will not have any fragrance. If you would like your soap to be fragrant, you will need to add plant oils.

What Is The Best Oil For Soap Making?

There are many different types of oil that can be used for soap making. Some of our favorites include olive oil, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. However, there are many other great options out there. Experiment and find the perfect oil for your soap!

How Do I Make My Soap Last Longer?

There are a few things you can do to make your soap last longer.

First, store your soap in a cool, dark place. This will help to preserve the fragrance of the soap.
Second, cut your soap into smaller pieces. This will help the soap to last longer as you will not be using as much each time you use it.
Finally, consider using a soap saver. A soap saver is a small container that allows you to use up all of the soap in a bar without having to throw any away.
Use a draining soap dish. If your soap dish is draining properly, you won't have to worry about water sitting on top of your soap and making it soggy.

Where can I buy bulk essential oils for soap making?

The most common place to buy bulk essential oils for soap making is online. Many reputable suppliers sell a variety of different kinds of essential oils at wholesale prices.

You can also find great deals on essential oils at local health food stores or natural product stores. However, it is vital to ensure that you buy pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils to get the most benefits.

You can buy hot process soap making fragrance oils here.

A Final Word

Phew! That was a lot of information on soap making! Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making soap. So, experiment and have fun!

If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below, and don't forget to visit our online homemade soap store, Soap.Club, with lots of fragrances to select from - including pure coconut oil soap!

You can also find several cold process soap recipes on our site.

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