Grapefruit Seed Extract as a Preservative

Grapefruit seed extract is only one soap preservative option to use when you want to prolong the shelf life of your soaps. Below I have listed a few of the choices available and how I use them. You can use each on it's own or use a combination as I do.

As well as using a soap preservative, there are other things you can do to prolong the life of your soaps.

1. Using fresh fats and oils and distilled or purified water greatly reduces the risk of your soaps containing substances that will result in them going 'off'.

2. Always store your soaps in a cool, dry and dark location. Plastic containers or wrap isn't a good idea since it holds the moisture evaporating from the soap in. The moisture settles on the bars and will lead to the bars going bad.

Grapefruit Seed Extract	- said to have anti-microbal, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties. - aids in speeding up the saponification process. - I use up to 1 tsp. per pound of base oils. - add to the liquid base oils. - there is some debate as to whether or not the grapefruit seed extract actually prolongs the life of soap but my soaps rarely go 'off' so I keep using it.
Rosemary Extract	- acts as a natural anti-oxident. - I use 1/8 tsp. per pound of base oils. - add at a light trace. - you can use more but be aware that the rosemary scent my come through in your finished bars.
Vitamin E	- is an anti-oxident. - I use a blended oil that is 80% Sweet Almond Oil and 20% Vitamin E Oil and add up to 1 tsp. per pound of base oils. - add to your base oils or to superfat your soap.
Liquid Germall Plus	- said to be very effective against bacteria, mold and yeast. - reported to be safe to use in soap and skin care products. - I haven't used it personally so follow the manufacturers instructions.

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