Newbie litsea question

[mommyray]

I got a free sample of grapefruit EO and can't wait to try it!! I read that citrus has to be anchored with litsea. Ok -- totally admit -- have no idea what this is. On a google search, the vitamin shop GNC came up. There is a GNC in my town, so would like to pop over and get some.

Here's my problem --- it seems there are different types of litsea. Which kind is good for soaps? Can't figure that out...

 

[PrairieCraft]

Litsea Cubeba is an essential oil also known as May Chang. It is super strong. Plan on it definitely overpowering your grapefruit and the grapefruit fading if it ever comes through at all. Citrus is so hard. Some members here have mentioned adding the EOs to a clay or some other powder before adding to the soap but that didn't help IME.

 

[Soapy Gurl]

If you buy it at any health food store it will cost a lot for a tiny bottle. It is a very cheap EO comparatively. It is commonly used in place of lemon EO because it lasts in soaps and gives a lemony fragrance. You can purchase it from any soap supplier that sells EOs. There are lots of good ones. Liberty Naturals sells EOs - http://www.libertynatural.com/

If you are using your grapefruit EO, I would recommend a full 1oz PPO. You should get some scent at that rate, but it will be light. If you make any other type of products, like lotions, balms, etc., you will do better with those products. The lye monster like to eat citrus oils!

 

[Dragonkaz]

I anchor citrus EO's with cornflour (cornstarch).

I use 1 tbsop cornflour per 500 gm of oils. I add a little oil to the cornflour ... will be a thick mix, then add the EO and stir that in. When my oils have cooled, after melting the solid oils, add the cornflour mix. Stickblend to make sure there's no lumps, then add the lye.

ZThen continue making soap as usual.

 

[DMCC]

How much litsea, per pound, would your recommend for CP soap if I want to have it as the only fragrance? Looking to achieve a very, fragrant soap.

 

[lsg]

If you are using litsea in combination with other oils, I suggest making it 10-15% of the blend. If you are using litsea alone, I suggest trying it at .5 oz per pound of oils.