The Soap Box

Every soap maker knows that one of the most important steps in the process of soap creation is the selection of the oils and scents to fully customize the experience. As with any decision when choosing elements of creation, there are benefits  to each individual ingredient that today we can hope to shed some light on, and each selection has its own special use. Almond oil can be used in soaps as a great mellow, soothing, non-irritating oil for great use on skin.  Apricot kernel oil is particularly light, extremely nourishing to the skin and excellent around the eyes and neck. According to the AMA’s committee on Cutaneous Health it does help make the skin feel softer and smoother, reduces roughness, cracking and irritation, and may possibly withhold the fine wrinkles of aging.

Avocado oil has qualities that are good for the reduction of dryness and itchy skin from psoriasis, eczema, while being rich in  vitamins A, C, D, and E. This oil would be well used in soap for the reduction of  age spots, healing scars, and healing the top layers of the skin. Castor oil is best used in the production of a good hard bar of soap, where it will create a protective barrier once applied upon the skin. For soaps producing high levels of lather that give the hair and scalp a brilliant shine, use coconut oil, which is also very soothing and nourishing on dry skin. Grapeseed oil is valued for its use in hyperallergenic products because of its lack of triggers in the highly allergic. Additionally, grapeseed oil is non greasy and works wonders around the eyes and neck areas. Jojoba oil is an amazing substance, resembing the chemical composition of whale oil, and the natural coating that covers the human skin to keep it supple. The jojoba oil is perfect for any skin type, and due to its low fragrence level it is a good use as a perfume base, and has been proven to increase skin softness by 37% , with a decrease of 25% in skin wrinkles and is hypoallergenic.

Olive oil is highly nutritive and stable. Contains protein, minerals and vitamins, superior penetrating power, and has acidic and antioxidant values. Olive oil is high in unsaponifiables, which is a large group of compounds called plant steroids or sterolins. They soften and moisturize the skin, have superior moisturizing effect on the upper layer of the skin and reduces scars. Peanut oil creates a soft conditioning bar soap with a long lasting lather. It is highly unsaturated though, so it is prone to going rancid. Make sure you don’t use more than 20% of peanut oil in a batch of soap. Peanut oil is also regarded as a non-drying, conditioning oil, similar to olive and castor oil. It has a good amount of vitamin E. Some people are allergic to peanut oil, so please mark you labels accordingly.  Shea butter is often used as a base  oil in many soaps, because it is  an excellent ointment base releasing medications faster than other well known bases. Shea Butter is used in many different applications such as lip care, hand cream,sun care, soaps, body lotions, baby care products and others, and has very valuable qualities.  The oil from soybeans if prized for its high levels of vitamin C, A, E, and K. Soybean oil is a versatile carrier which is suitable for general massage and is increasingly popular among massage therapists as an alternative to sweet almond oil. Use it on its own or blend it with other carrier oils.

The fragrance choice is one of the most distinguishing factors about homemade soaps, and there are many decisions to make when doing so. First of all, the decision for either essential scents, or fragrance oils can determine what the finished product will represent to the consumer. If you are wanting to create a full organic soap, then it is suggested to use essential scents in line with organic oils due to their lack of chemical additives, and natural flavor. Fragrance oils are better to be used when creating non naturally-occuring scents, such as hybrids (ie; almond biscotti).

We here at Cibaria  Soap Supply hope that this has been helpful for you, and encourage you to get creative and think about what new kinds of soap you can make! Have a great day soapers! =)