Scents

[mx5inpenn]

Sorry in advance that this is long...

I am just starting out with making soap, will be doing my first batch this weekend hopefully. I plan to do 2 different recipes, one with co, oo, lard and castor, the other with palm instead of lard. Both of those will be unscented and uncolored to just get started. I will probably make a number of 1 to 2 pound batches with various combinations of those oils before I worry too much about making them pretty or smell like something other than soap.

But when I'm ready, I don't want to have to wait, so I would like to order some supplies. Unfortunately, my favorite scents seem to be the ones that are most problematic, citrus and vanilla. These are also scents that everyone in my immediate family will happily use, so I don't spend waaaay outside my budget on different things for all of us all at once.

I have read about benzoin essential oil having a somewhat similar scent to vanilla and lasting better. Was wondering if anyone has tried that in combination with the beans and oil infused with the pods added after gel in cphp?

Also, what does everyone consider the essential few oils you *have* to have? I know lavender is probably in the top 3 to 5 for most, but I get migraines from it.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[osso]

Are you looking to do EO only or fragrance oils also?

For EO lemongrass and litsea are nice and citrusy. You can also try folded citrus oils. I like rosemary and mint and they stick well also.

With fragrance oils you will have tons of possibilities.

 

[SplendorSoaps]

I really like to have some Orange 15X (15 fold) EO on hand. In my opinion, it blends well with a lot of different fragrances, and people seem to love it!

 

[mx5inpenn]

Are you looking to do EO only or fragrance oils also?

I am looking for eo only. Thanks! I should have clarified.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

I am looking for eo only. Thanks! I should have clarified.

Unless anyone in the family has a specific allergy to parfum in products, I would reconsider. Soap is a wash off product and the FO would make up a small % of that soap.

 

[mx5inpenn]

Unless anyone in the family has a specific allergy to parfum in products, I would reconsider. Soap is a wash off product and the FO would make up a small % of that soap.

Not allergies, but some sensitivities. I am also trying to make the soaps organic as possible. If I end up only being able to use a few scents, I will live with it, but of course I *want* to have pretty soap that smells good.

 

[Lbrown123]

I use patchouli in a lot of different soaps. I really did not like it by itself at first but I have learned to like it mixed in with other EO's. I use lemongrass, and lavender. I keep orange 10x from BB on hand at all times for soaps as well as a mixer for other things. Brambleberry also has a sampler box with 12 1/2 oz bottles in a box that's not too expensive. I ordered those for my first soaps along with the fragrance sampler box. Good luck with your first soaps!

 

[biarine]

I love patchouli with lavender and rose geranium

 

[shunt2011]

I recommend lemongrass, Orange 15X (WSP), Lavender, Patchouli, Litsea, Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Rosemary and Tea Tree. Those are pretty much the only ones I use. You will also want to keep in mind that Organic will likely cost more as well. But it can certainly be done.

 

[mx5inpenn]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll have to come up with my short list and get it ordered soon.

 

[dixiedragon]

Since you are learning, I'd go down the seller's list of EOs and pick ones that appeal to you and are affordable. For smaller quantities of EOs, Camden Grey has good prices. I would get a peppermint and spearment (or a mint blend). Peppermint EO by itself has a harsh, menthol edge, but if you soften it with spearmint it's much better. I love rose geranium, but it's pretty pricey. Lemongrass is very good.