Making chamomile infused soap

[ShelleyW]

I steeped some chamomile in water today for soaping tomorrow but I forgot to use distilled water and just used tap by accident. Do I need to throw it out and start over?
Thanks!

 

[CaraBou]

Don't throw it out, it will be fine. Depending on what minerals and additives are in your local water supply, it might be less than ideal, but you'll still get good soap out the other end.

Another option with chamomile is to infuse oil with it. I am curious to know how different the final products would be between these two methods. It sure would be quicker to steep in hot water rather than infuse room temp oil over a period of time!

 

[judymoody]

I do both. I make a strong tea and use infused oils. You can hurry the oil along by heating it on a low setting in a crockpot for an hour or two. Cold-infusion is better but if you're in a hurry, the warming method is acceptable.

 

[soapylondon]

Would it be ok to empty a couple of camomile tea bags into the lye water while is hot? I heard here some people do that worth green tea.

 

[kazmi]

Would it be ok to empty a couple of camomile tea bags into the lye water while is hot? I heard here some people do that worth green tea.

I tried that once and it came out nice but the tea made a nice exfoliant (ie scratchy soap). So I infuse mine in oil (my preference is over several weeks) and love it this way. Left one batch unscented and use it as a facial bar which is perfect for my combination skin.

 

[ShelleyW]

Thank you CaraBou. I have done the oil method as well. I wanted to try the tea to see if it minimizes the chamomile smell which I don't care for. Just an experiment.

Thank you for the replies!

 

[robnbill]

I made a very strong tea of Chamomile and mint and used that as my water to mix with lye. Be warned, when you add the lye to the tea it will stink not in a good way either. The soap turned out great, but you have to hold your nose with the lye water.