how much scent?

[sipsyrose]

hi guys im still new really and still experimenting wif scents befode i move on to colours etc coz i want to get it right! i used 10mls gernium and 7mls rose 5%, the rose was overpowering at 1st but now 2.5 wks into curing i can barely smell anything! just a very slight wiff! will the smell ccome out once lathered? should i double amount of eo and put in 30mls? this is for 1 lb batches, im learning about top middle and base notes so wud it always b wise to blend eo wif a base note to make sure smell lasts longer? thanks for all help and advice

 

[innerdiva73]

EOs have a tendency to dissipate sometimes after a cure. The "general" rule for scenting is 1 OZ per pound of oil or 30mls per pound. Adding clays can help scent longevity and also Benzoin (Styrax) resin or oil. The problem with Benzoin is it can create skin sensitivity in some people and can overpower your scent if used too much. Adding an anchor scent like Patchouli, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Myrrh, Benzoin, Balsam Peru may help as well.

 

[judymoody]

Geranium and rose are pretty potent. What was your batch size? Did you use your fragrance at 5% of total oil weight or Was the rose a 5% EO solution? Or an FO? Or an uncut EO that you used at 5% (that would be one expensive soap!)

Sorry to bombard you with questions but if you scented at 5% with uncut EOs, your scent should be pretty strong.

This forum recommends as a general rule a maximum of 3% of EO with respect to oil weight. Fragrance oils can be up to 6% (around one ounce per pound), depending on the fragrance. Check your manufacturer's recommended safe usage guidelines.

 

[sipsyrose]

thanks so much for replies, its 1lb batch of soap using rose 5% essential oil solution, wat is uncut eo's? im thinking of doing a course to update my knowledge on eo's! im loving soapng! never knew there wud b so much to learn! but it def can be an expensive wee hobby!! thanks again

 

[judymoody]

OK, if you used 5% essential oil solution, that would be the equivalent of .35 g of Rose EO. To get a decent amount of scent, you'd want 3% of your oil weight which would be 13.5 grams of pure rose essential oil. If you used 5% solution (I assume it's in some sort of carrier oil) you'd need 270 grams of your 5% solution to scent 1 lb of soap adequately, if I've done the math right.

Therefore I'm not surprised you didn't get much scent out of the finished soap.

Uncut oils are simply 100% pure EOs, not diluted.

You can get good quality EOs through the mail at reasonable prices from New Directions Aromatics, Camden Grey, and Liberty Natural, among others. Much cheaper than your local health food store.

 

[sipsyrose]

thanks judymoody, my rose 5% eo was not in a carrier oil it was a 10ml bottle does that mean it was an uncut eo? so much to learn! aagghh! thanks again