EO vs Extract vs Powder form

[Tennysongrace]

I am new to this whole soap making process. I have a question for all your expert soapers...when using Chamomile in say a soap, what are differences between using Chamomile essentinal oil, chamomile extract and chamomile powder? I'm just wondering what is the best and second best thing to use as chamomile EO tends to be super pricey!

Thanks all!

 

[welovesoap]

Chamomile EO is the oil distilled by steam. It is an oil, and the purest essence of the plant. Chamomile extract is primarily alcohol. And, although I don't know for sure, chamomile powder is most likely ground up chamomile flowers.

For scenting, you definitely want to use the EO, the others wouldn't be potent enough. However, a little goes a long way (although EOs do sometimes fade quickly; I don't know about chamomile EO in particular, though).

Another option, if you want the scent but not the medicinal properties, is to use a chamomile FO.

 

[AZ Soaper]

I agree. EO will give you the smell, extracts don't give you smell but do add some properities depending on the extract, and powder also give some properities but not as much smell. FO are cheaper but some customers only want EO's in their soap. I sure this just muddied the water even more. Use the search function and search the pros and cons of each. And when it is appropriate to use each.