Anyone make soap??? Need help!

[SalandJeff]

My dd and I are going to attempt to make some homemade soaps. Is there anything you can use to scent the soaps other than the oils/scents that they sell at the craft stores? Can you use candle scents or food (like peppermint oil)?

They did not have a large selection and I don't have time to order from online. Any help would be appreciated!

I tried posting on the Arts/Crafts board, but there's not much traffic over there.

 

[Cruise]

I wouldn't recommend using substitutes other than natural, pure essential oils. Scents and additives for soap are made specifically to be skin safe in standard 3% concentrations that go into soaps. Straight cooking peppermint oil might cause a burning sensation on the skin and I know I wouldn't want to get it into my eyes. I wouldn't use candle scents for the same reason. I have used pure lavender and rosemary essential oils before.. but again, they were natural, not the "scent" type oils sold for candle warmers and such.

Sorry for the bad news, but that's just what I'd do.

 

[simonsmom]

can't you use the ones for making candy? sometimes sold in pharmacies?

 

[Mom2Ben02]

Some candle scents are pull double duty, and can be used for B&B products, as well. It will say it on the oil. Nothing cinnamon based, etc.

Try whole foods or another health food store for essential oils - will be more expensive, however.

 

[disneymama83]

Trader Joes sells tea tree oil and maybe another kind. You can also call any of your local beauty stores such as Sally's or Ulta and see if they sell any oils. I've seen them there before a while back.

Have fun making soap!

 

[SalandJeff]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. We have Whole Foods and Trader Joes nearby, so I will check them out.

 

[webprinter]

I order my fragrance oil from Brambleberry.com but have also used essential oils from stores. The only problem with essential oils is that they dont retain their scent very long if they are citrus oils.