To clove or not to clove

[LadyM]

Have any of you tried swirling with clove powder for a brown?
I know most people use cocoa but I'm thinking of trying clove.
Anyone have pros/cons about it before I go for it?

Thanks!!

 

[adoptapitbull]

Hmmm...I've never heard of it! Give it a try and let us know if the scent remains. I bet it will smell fantastic if it holds up!

 

[JackiK]

I have not. Try mixing some with oil and rubbing a little bit between your thumb and forefinger to see if it feels too grainy.

What I did try was infusing OO with clove and it turned out wonderful.

Keep us posted!

 

[LadyM]

Good idea! What was your infused oil like?
How did come out in the soap?

 

[judymoody]

I would have concerns that it might be irritating to the skin. Especially sensitive areas.

I've swirled with cinnamon - it was scratchy.

 

[nattynoo]

Just make a small batch and try it. What do you have to lose. A kg of oil??
Might b your favourite soap ever.

 

[busymakinsoap!]

I would have concerns that it might be irritating to the skin. Especially sensitive areas.

thats what I was thinking

 

[LadyM]

I've only ever made the batch size which I've made for many years, which is 20 bars. I've never cut the size down cause I want to make sure it comes out the way it's tested. But then, experimentation becomes expensive!
I should really figure out how to do a smaller batch your right!

 

[LadyM]

I would have concerns that it might be irritating to the skin. Especially sensitive areas.

Do you say this because of the scratchy quality or irritating in the way that cinnamon oil would be?

 

[JackiK]

Good idea! What was your infused oil like?
How did come out in the soap?

The infused oil had only the faintest amount of color. The aroma held up well in soap and holds the smell very well. I keep a jar going at all times now.

To the OP, try using cinnamon for your swirl instead of clove. They're almost the same color, but cinnamon is not scratchy.

 

[judymoody]

I would have concerns that it might be irritating to the skin. Especially sensitive areas.

Do you say this because of the scratchy quality or irritating in the way that cinnamon oil would be?

The latter. But the only way to know for sure is to give it a try.

Summerbee Meadows has a recipe resizer if you want to experiment with a smaller batch size.

 

[LadyM]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much!!!

 

[Happy Lass]

I haven't tried it, but I've read that clove oil (escental oil) can cause your soap to seize. I suspect you won't have a problem with inflused oil, but I'd take precautions just incase. (Soap at room temp, use full water, don't try fancy swirls, etc.)

 

[LadyM]

Oh interesting! I did make one batch with cassia and clove essential oils and didn't have any problem with seizing so that was good. Now I just want to add something for a more interesting look which is why I was thinking of clove powder swirl.