using vanilla or almond extract in soap, lotion or lip balm. does it work?

by Anna
(Minneapolis Minnesota)

That pretty much sums it up, have you used Almond or Vanilla extract...the type you buy at the grocery store and have you had any success with either of them?
Thanks in advance :0)

Answer:
Anna,

Sorry but I haven't used any baking extract in soap making or any other bath and body applications.

I have no idea how good the results will be but I've done a quick search and found this site that uses extracts in their recipes.

Mission Peak Soap

I do know that baking extracts are alcohol based and that alcohol can cause premature siezing.

When I make a beer soap, I boil the beer to remove the alcohol and let it cool for a couple of days.

I'm also not certain that the extract would give your soap a nice strong scent since it is formulated for baking and not a harsh lye environment.

My recommendation would be to use a good quality essential or fragrance oil instead....there are lots of great soap making companies that sell them.

Good luck,
Cathy




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using vanilla or almond extract in soap, lotion or lip balm. does it work?

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Almond scent
by: Rita

I understand why Anna asked this question. I also looking for almond scent, but there is no almond essential oil...
Rating
starstarstar 		Lip balm
by: Anonymous

I had the same question regarding lip balms and since there wasn't an answer decided to try it anyway. The verdict seems to be no, extracts and lip balms do not play well together. The extract immediately seized in the melted mixture of other ingredients (EVOO, beeswax, and shea butter) and even after being left on the heat for almost an hour, the vanilla extract never blended. And it actually has made the balm look a little 'dirty' with gritty bits floating in it. Bummer.
If I can throw out a book recommendation: Making It: Radical Home-Ec For A Post-Consumer World. Check it on Amazon.

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