Infusing herbs / spices for colour

[squeakycleanuk]

I am planning on infusing natural herbs / spices etc to use as a colourant in my soaps but I don't know how much I should use. Is there a rule of thumb with these things like so much per pound of soap or so much per ml of oil? Because things like cloves, cinnamon, paprika etc can be irritants to the skin, I don't want ruin my soaps by using too much. Any ideas? What do you do?

 

[Lotus]

This is a very good question. I want to know, too. I would imagine something like .1 ounces per 30 ounces of oils? Something like that. . . But I'm not someone I would listen to on this. I'm just guessing.

What are you infusing them in (out of curiosity)? Alcohol? Water?

Marking. I want to see what people say.

 

[Badger]

I believe it is one teaspoon of dried herb to 5 ounces of olive oil (that is what I did for mine anyways). I haven't used mine yet though, so I can't tell how it turned out.

 

[Candybee]

I bought my natural colorants; herbs, spices, etc., from the www.soapmakingresource.com. You can read on the site how much colorant to use for each one. It varies a lot from one to another. Also, some colorants need to be infused, or strained, while others can be added directly to the soap.

 

[100%Natural]

I use mostly OO infusions for colouring my soaps. My method is to use heat seal tea bags with about 3 Tbsps of herbs in them. I then use a 1 litre mason jar and fill it to the top with OO. After that I pop it in the microwave for about 90 seconds to warm it up and get the infusion started. On my way to the storage area, I shake, shake, shake the bottle!!

 

[AngelMomma]

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/search.php?searchid=175136

Here is a search that should yield loads of info on the subject. You really can infuse whatever amount you want of the herb/colorant/spice. I do plenty of the plant material so I get a decently strong infusion. Even if you do a strong infusion with lots of plant matter you can just let it settle out for a day or so before you pour off the infused/colored oil off the top. I like to let my infusions to sit for at least a week. 2 or more is even better.

 

[Trinity]

infusing lemon or oranges?

I have some lemons that are about to go bad and it started me thinking can you infuse lemons or oranges in say Olive Oil or some other Oil ? The answer might be here but I couldn't find it so forgive me if this was already ask and answered Maybe even include the zest in CP soap?

 

[three_little_fishes]

http://www.lovinsoap.com/2011/07/color-soap-naturally-infusing-oil-with-herbs-and-spices/

I like this article on infusing. I actually just did my first infusion today. I did paprika in coconut oil and just used a coffee filter tied up to hold the paprika. It turned out a gorgeous orange color!

 

[three_little_fishes]

I have some lemons that are about to go bad and it started me thinking can you infuse lemons or oranges in say Olive Oil or some other Oil ? The answer might be here but I couldn't find it so forgive me if this was already ask and answered Maybe even include the zest in CP soap?

Trinity, this thread had some uses for lemons in soap.

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/f11/citrus-soap-challenge-32089/

 

[Trinity]

http://www.lovinsoap.com/2011/07/color-soap-naturally-infusing-oil-with-herbs-and-spices/

I like this article on infusing. I actually just did my first infusion today. I did paprika in coconut oil and just used a coffee filter tied up to hold the paprika. It turned out a gorgeous orange color!

Thanks so much Tiffany I am infusing fresh rosemary from my garden and star anise .... not from my garden. I don't like the smell of licorice and am not even sure if the smell will make it thru SAP or but am looking for inexpensive ways to play with my new obsession Love the idea of infusing spices for coloring.

 

[Bann51]

I love the article on lovinsoap. What a great resource with color photos. Thanks!