Vanilla pods and/or essence in soap

by Jax
(Languedoc Roussillon)

Thanks for such an informative site! I'd like to know if I can use ordinary food grade vanilla essence in soap making? I'd also love to use the ground up pods as exfoliant and wondered if anyone had tried this already? It seems a waste to throw out the pods once you've used the seeds if they're capable of imparting fragrance.


Answer:

Vanilla essence for baking contains alcohol and may cause adverse effects in the soap batter like seperation or siezing. It is best to use essential or fragrance oils that are specifically made for soap making.

It sounds like a good idea to give the vanilla pods a try. Perhaps blending them up in the water for the lye solution until they are finely chopped. I would imagine that the bits will bleed as the soap cures but this could look really neat. Think creamy/golden bar with small brown spots...it may come out looking like a cheetah! Of course the spots will probably all blend together eventually but I bet it will still look really cool.

Cathy

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starstarstarstarstar 		Vanilla Pods/Seeds in soap??
by: Jackie

I would love to know what the outcome was of the lady wanting to add the vanilla pods to her soap?? I'm considering putting the vanilla seeds??

Thanks!

Answer:

Vanilla seeds add a lovely speckled look to the soap when added to a light or white base. They do not add any scent unfortunately.

If you add a vanilla scent to the soap be sure it is one that is non-discolouring or you will not be able to see the seeds.

Cathy
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by: jax

You've intrigued me now Cathy!! I think I might just give it a go with the ground up pods - will let you know what happens. Thanks for the advice.

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