Additives in melt and pour soap..

by Anonymous
(NZ)

I am planning on having a go at making melt and pour soap, but can't find the answers I'm looking for in regards to what I can and can't add to the mix.

I don't have any dyes to use in soap (and no one in this town seems to sell them or even know they exist..) or essential oils (though I can buy them).

I was wondering if I could use things from our extensive vege garden to colour the soaps.

I know many will discolour the soap, but could I use say, the water from boiled parsley to create a pale green colour, or add lemon juice/peel to scent/colour a white base, or honey. Or again, the water from boiled spinach?

We've got so many plants around here, it would seem a shame to add something artificial (which I will likely be allergic to..)

Answer:

Liquid colorants used in melt and pour soap are highly concentrated (ie. a few drops will produce a strong colour in a single bar). Too much liquid added to melt and pour soap will result in a very soft bar of soap.

From what I've heard, you can use some food dyes in melt and pour soap.

Dried and finely ground botanical matter works well in CP soap so I imagine it would be fine in m&p. Melt and pour isn't my specialty, I'm afraid.

Cocoa powder makes a wonderful brown, ground carrott a nice orange, oatmeal can be added ground or whole, ground calendula a nice lemony yellow, paprika makes a peachy colour but can be a little scratchy if too much is used.

As I said, I'm not an expert when it comes to M&P so it would be a good idea to get some more info.

Good luck,
Cathy