Vanilla Test Project

[Soapmaker145]

Jules, PM me your address. I plan to put the package in the mail on Saturday.

I thought I posted earlier today but it looks like my message is lost.

 

[jules92207]

Done!

Let me know if I can share anything in return.

 

[jules92207]

Well between the generosity of soapmaker145 and the fact that I placed an order with Sweet Cakes today ordering all their "vanilla" fragrances, except warm vanilla sugar as the review was less than appealing for cp, we should have another round of fragrances in the next few weeks.

In the mean time I'm gonna work on writing up the review sheet for all these...

 

[Soapmaker145]

I'm looking forward to seeing the results. It would be nice to have a decent vanilla for cp. I'm going to try to do an HP test in parallel.
Here is a picture of my testers. None of them discolored dark brown.

 

[jules92207]

I'm looking forward to seeing the results. It would be nice to have a decent vanilla for cp. I'm going to try to do an HP test in parallel.
Here is a picture of my testers. None of them discolored dark brown.

That's a great idea! Yeah all those are a nice creamy beige, they look much nicer than all my poop colors going on here.

That being said, a few did not get super dark I'm excited to report. I'll be including that factor in reviewing, of course.

 

[dixiedragon]

So excited!!!

 

[Soapmaker145]

Jules, I added NDA Benzoin to the list of vanillas I sent you. It is supposed to have a vanilla-like scent in soap. I don't have any experience with it. I remember reading something about it a long time ago. I was wondering if a mix of vanilla FOs and Benzoin might work a bit better than straight vanilla FOs. I hope to make some testers this week.

 

[jules92207]

Oh wow, thank you! I was thinking about picking that and the Vanilla 10 fold up to throw in the test. I'm so excited to test them out. I'll have to send you some test bars.

 

[Soapmaker145]

Where did you find the 10 fold vanilla? Is this the NDA one? I was afraid of it since it is only soluble in ethanol (no water or oil).

I'll gladly accept a small bar of your favorite vanilla.

 

[jules92207]

Where did you find the 10 fold vanilla? Is this the NDA one? I was afraid of it since it is only soluble in ethanol (no water or oil).

I'll gladly accept a small bar of your favorite vanilla.

Yes, the NDA one was the one I was eyeing. I did see it wasn't soluble in oil, but a few reviews said it worked for them in soap so I might go for it. I will have to wait a little bit to order, it's hard with the $100 minimum.

Once I settle on the top scents I'm happy to send you a bar.

 

[Wildcraft_Garden]

I haven't had much luck with benzoin myself. I tried a London Fog scent (bergamot, benzoin and a hint of litsea cubea and all I can smell is lemon now.

 

[jules92207]

I haven't had much luck with benzoin myself. I tried a London Fog scent (bergamot, benzoin and a hint of litsea cubea and all I can smell is lemon now.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[Soapmaker145]

The post office won't let me ship fragrances. I don't understand why since all the fragrance shipments I get go through USPS. They come in standard priority boxes. Any advice on shipping fragrances within the US?

If all else fails, I'll have to ship my testers out to you or make new ones.

 

[jules92207]

That's strange. I've shipped fragrances through usps before without an issue. I will look into it.

 

[Soapmaker145]

I had the tubes carefully packaged in a plastic bag with absorbent paper. I put them in a small box with more absorbent paper. I asked to have them shipped surface-only. The woman insisted that USPS doesn't allow fragrances. My last order from FB added up to several liters and it came in a large priority box without absorbent material. I have to check the main PO branch. Maybe, I'll have better luck.

I checked the flash point of the vanilla fragrances on the NDA site. I noticed that they are mostly benzoic acid and derivatives with some vanillin. Adding more benzoin may not help much.

 

[KristaY]

I wonder if you should talk to a different person at USPS, Soapmaker. I've sent FO's in a swap with another soap maker and they had no problem once I explained how I had the bottles taped, wrapped and packed. Very odd too since some of my orders come USPS. Try a different branch maybe?

 

[Soapmaker145]

Our USPS got rid of their senior staff (forced retirement) and replaced them with younger people. They don't have a clue and can't be bothered. There was nobody at that branch who knew how to look things up. The woman at the counter refused to do anything. I'll try the main branch.

 

[Soap Techniques]

The post office won't let me ship fragrances. I don't understand why since all the fragrance shipments I get go through USPS. They come in standard priority boxes. Any advice on shipping fragrances within the US?

You call them fragrances, maybe that's the problem? "The woman insisted that USPS doesn't allow fragrances" - maybe she thinks they are perfumes containing alcohol?

 

[dixiedragon]

Some fragrances are unable to be shipped USPS. For example, the cart at BB will tell you that. For example, the Chocolate Orange Truffle Flavor Oil won't ship USPS.
http://www.brambleberry.com/Chocola...r-Oil-P3852.aspx?ItemId=40820932&Options=8196

So maybe private individuals can't be expected to know what is allowed to ship and what isn't? So they only ship that sort of thing from businesses who have MSDS info, etc?

 

[Soapmaker145]

The package is on its way. I opened the box at the main post office and showed them what is inside. They accepted it without any problems.

I told the first woman that there was no alcohol. She freaked out about anything liquid. I did a bit of research. It looks like anything with an FP above 200 ships without any problem as long as it is under a quart. Below 200, there are different rules for packaging. Below 140, FOs need to be packaged in metal boxes with absorbent paper. Above 140, absorbent paper is enough. All FOs with FP<200 need to be shipped surface-only (no air).

Thanks for the advice.