Benzoin as scent fixative

[not_ally]

I’ve been experimenting with benzoin powder as a scent fixative and think there might be something to it. I haven’t been doing it for long enough, or rigorously enough, to conclude anything with certainty, but the fragrance in the soaps in which I’ve used it seems to be stronger and hold better than the ones without. It’s only been a month, though.

The powder I’ve been using is one from etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/222029921/benzoin-gum-powder-soap-making-supplies?ref=yr_purchases

I came across the product first at WSP, where the reviews were uniformly positive, but I wanted a bigger amount so that I could test it in a bunch of different soaps, and the etsy product was also very well reviewed.

The biggest deficit is one noted in the WSP one, that it makes the soap very speckly, so you have to have a design theme that will work with that. Some of the WSP reviews also said it made the soap gritty, I did not experience that, maybe the etsy one is a finer grind. In addition, the etsy powder has a distinct, very pleasant smell of its own, a sweet woody smell that is similar to sandalwood, and lacks the camphorous notes that many woody Eos have. I’ll try to post pictures in a bit of soaps made with it and without (from the same batch batters) to show the specks.

 

[AliOop]

That's great to hear! I've only used the resin, which is not easy to work with because it is thick, and well, resinous/sticky. Mine smells vanilla-ish - warm and absolutely lovely. But I love sandalwood and may just have to try this powder.

 

[justsomeguy]

That's great to hear! I've only used the resin, which is not easy to work with because it is thick, and well, resinous/sticky. Mine smells vanilla-ish - warm and absolutely lovely. But I love sandalwood and may just have to try this powder.

Did the resin discolor the soap? It's next on my list of fixatives to try out...

 

[AliOop]

Did the resin discolor the soap? It's next on my list of fixatives to try out...

I didn't use much so it didn't discolor much at all.

 

[justsomeguy]

I didn't use much so it didn't discolor much at all.

Oh. Okay. I found the ZCS thread a little to late to save my oatmeal milk and honey scented soap from discoloration. But I've got it at the ready for the next batch of something

 

[AliOop]

We do have a great thread here on how to make your own vanilla stabilizer. I'm still working my way through the expensive premade stuff that I bought right before discovering this.

 

[justsomeguy]

We do have a great thread here on how to make your own vanilla stabilizer. I'm still working my way through the expensive premade stuff that I bought right before discovering this.

Yeah! That's the ZCS thread. At least that's the name I give it in my head

 

[AliOop]

Yeah! That's the ZCS thread. At least that's the name I give it in my head

That's the name that the inventor Todd Ziegler gave it. It doesn't look like he's a forum member any longer, which is too bad - he's an incredibly talented and smart guy.

 

[ackosel]

Did the resin discolor the soap? It's next on my list of fixatives to try out...

I used 1/2 oz Benzoin Resinoid in 16 oz of oils as the only scent/color in my batch of goat milk & vanilla soap. This is how it looked at cutting, and again 2 1/2 weeks into curing. The scent isn't strong, but very pleasant.

Edited to add the second picture that didn't stick the first time.

 

[justsomeguy]

That's the name that the inventor Todd Ziegler gave it. It doesn't look like he's a forum member any longer, which is too bad - he's an incredibly talented and smart guy.

Yeah, those qualities came through strongly in the thread. Someone who is only to happy to teach everyone who's willing to learn. There are so many here with this quality.

 

[Tammyfarms]

I used 1/2 oz Benzoin Resinoid in 16 oz of oils as the only scent/color in my batch of goat milk & vanilla soap. This is how it looked at cutting, and again 2 1/2 weeks into curing. The scent isn't strong, but very pleasant.

Edited to add the second picture that didn't stick the first time.

Was your benzoin resinoid in resin or powder form? If resin, did you dilute it in another oil?

 

[ackosel]

Was your benzoin resinoid in resin or powder form? If resin, did you dilute it in another oil?

It was resin, and all I did was warm the bottle in a warm water bath before adding it to the batter at trace.

 

[Tammyfarms]

It was resin, and all I did was warm the bottle in a warm water bath before adding it to the batter at trace.

Thank you! After my Oakmoss resin experiment I’m hesitant to try more resin. The Oakmoss was warmed as instructed in a SMF post and an attempt was made to incorporate it in jojoba oil but it never really blended and now the Oakmoss sits at the bottom of the container.

 

[Mobjack Bay]

Thank you! After my Oakmoss resin experiment I’m hesitant to try more resin. The Oakmoss was warmed as instructed in a SMF post and an attempt was made to incorporate it in jojoba oil but it never really blended and now the Oakmoss sits at the bottom of the container.

I've read that aromatic components of oakmoss and resins will infuse into oils over time. Maybe all is not lost.

 

[Tammyfarms]

I've read that aromatic components of oakmoss and resins will infuse into oils over time. Maybe all is not lost.

Thank you! I am hoping.

 

[Saponificarian]

@not_ally where did you get your benzoin? My benzoin from New Directions just smell smoky and leather-like instead of sweet.

Sorry, just saw that you link to the Benzoin powder.

 

[not_ally]

I got it from Etsy, let me know if you want the powder and I'll go find you the link. The powder smells really nice but I don't think that smell survives the lye. As I said, I do think it helps FO scents hang on better (so far).