Homemade soap is one of life’s small joys. Choosing the scent yourself increases the joy immensely! Think of nearly any scent, and chances are you will be able to make a batch of soap to enjoy and share in exactly that fragrance. Toiletry safe fragrance is available in hundreds of individual scents, and combinations of these provide even more choices.
SUPPLIES:
Melt and pour glycerin soap is a favorite choice of many delving into soap making for the first time. This is also a great choice for experimenting with scented soaps. Supplies needed are easily gathered.
Glycerin; melt and pour ¼ lb. blocks in clear, white, or pre-colored.
Large microwave safe glass or plastic container. Keep in mind that a square container works best for pouring. Also, take note that if you use plastic, you will not be able to reuse the container for anything outside of soap making, as the plastic will retain a scent.
Toiletry safe color if desired
Toiletry safe fragrance
Soap safe molds; Candy molds and those made for soap work best as they can withstand the heat of melted glycerin. Cut off round plastic juice and potato chip containers work good also. Keep in mind if you make a long tube of soap to be cut into individual slices later, let sit for an extended time so that the soap center has enough time to ‘set’.
Spoon for mixing, preferably wood.
MELTING GLYCERIN BASE:
Place one block in glass or plastic container and place in microwave for approximately 45 seconds. You do not want to bring the glycerin to a boil, only melt, and so constantly monitor while in microwave. Boiling will not ruin the soap base, but it does seem to lessen the soap’s ‘bubble’ factor. Preferably, remove soap base when there are still a few small solid pieces. Stirring upon removal from microwave will melt these final slivers, and will help prevent you from over-cooking soap base.
ADDING COLOR & FRAGRANCE:
Remove from microwave and stir in your choice of fragrance. For ¼ lb. of glycerin soap base, add approximately ½ tablespoon. This measurement is an initial guide. By starting with ½ tablespoon, you can easily add more or mix two or more fragrances to personalize the scent. If colorant is desired, it should be added after the fragrance. Remember that adding fragrance after the color will usually alter the color, so it is best to always define your scent first.
CHOOSING SCENTS:
Jasmine, Pumpkin, Almond, Vanilla, Rose, Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender, Patchouli, Apple, Musk, Coffee, Vanilla Bean, Coconut, Honey, Nectarine, Blackberry, Black Forest, Pine, Cedar, Orange, Lemon, Bayberry, Clove, Spice, Citrus, Plum, Lemon Grass, Geranium, Cypress, Sage, Mimosa.
This is only a very small, partial list of scents available to consider when making soap. Also, combinations of these and other scents multiply the list into many more options. How does one decide what fragrances to use? When choosing a scent, considering where, when, what for, or who would use the soap can be a great help. For example, if the soap is intended for the kitchen and it’s fall, try pumpkin, or pumpkin spice. Almond, Orange, Coffee, and Vanilla are also excellent choices for the kitchen. Looking for a scent that is guy-friendly? Blackberry, Black Forest (a blend of pine and cherry), Cedar, or Musk would all be excellent choices. Patchouli, Rose, and Jasmine are all good end-of-the-day choices, as they are all believed to be relaxing.
AROMATHERAPY BLENDS:
Aromatherapy blends are believed to offer special benefits. Some common blends and their believed benefits include:
Peppermint with Eucalyptus for headaches.
Lavender with Vanilla to aid sleep.
Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Orange, and Peppermint for soothing your muscles.
Geranium, Patchouli, and Lavender to wake yourself up.
Lemongrass, Sandalwood, and Ginger to sharpen your thoughts.
Rosemary, Peppermint, Rose Geranium, and Lavender with Almond for those aching feet.
Tea Tree, Lemon, and Eucalyptus as an all around feel better soap, that many believe will actually boost your immune system if used on a regular basis.
Don’t be afraid to try a new scent or blend, as experimentation with fragrance is a great way to find your own personal style!
