Soap Bases & soap additives - Part II

As I mentioned in part I of this series, there are loads of additives on the market that can be added to soap bases. Additives are the ingredients that are used to really give a custom bar of soap that custom feel and flair. Some additives are best added to soap in liquid form or granulated power. But some people really want to see and feel the actual ingredient on their skin, and inside the soap bar as well. I personally have no preference...it really depends on the additive. Below are great additives for the soap bar:

Lavender flowers-lavender has been used for centuries for scent and truly adds a nice touch to soaps. Finely ground lavender leaves as well as lavender essential oil makes for a tryly lovely scent. Very relaxing.

Lemon peel-The oil in the peel is antibacterial in nature and contains high levels of vitamin C. Lemons are renowned as a food and cosmetic ingredient and some think are medicinal as well.

Oatmeal-has long been used to soothe sensitive or irritated skin. Works also as a great skin exfolliant to remove dry skin cells.

Pumice-we are all familiar with the traditional punice stone. But finely ground, pumice can be added to soap bars...but I would use it on hands and feet only, and not the body. Not recommended tor sensitive skin.

Rosemary-often used in cooking but can be used in a soap bar because it's very fragrant and can have a mildly astringent effect on the skin. I recommend using it in powder form.

Rose water-is an emollient (thick) liquid made from commercial rose oil; it lends to soap its gentle fragrance, softening properties and in some soap recipes...color.

Sage-is very pungent and has many antibacterial, astringent, and antibacterial qualities. Used in solid or oil form I like to mix it with palmarosa oil because the fragrance is fabulous.

Sweet Birch oil-has been used for years in Northern Europe to soothe skin afflictions such as eczema. In Scandinavia, people use birch twigs to flog their bodies after taking saunas. By jumping into icy water afterwards, they effectively trap the birch oil in their skin pores. I think it's easier to just include this oil into a soap bar.

Tea Tree oil-is definitely used for healing the skin. The aromas is very pungent, but when used in a soap bar, the smell becomes somewhat likea eucalyptus smell. Very strong scent. But has great medicinal properties when used in a steam shower.

Vitamin E oil-this oil is so powerful and great it can be used in undiluted form and has been used for centuries to soothe the skin and prevent wrinkles. People know about vitamin E...they just don't use it as often as they should. So if wrinkles are beginning to creep onto your face from sun or weather...use vitamin E!
more to come...