I frequently get asked what my favourite oils are for scenting soap so I thought I would put together my top 5 essential oil blends for using in cold pressed soap (hand-made natural soap):
But first ... What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are 100% natural and are concentrated extracts derived from plants, flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, and fruits. These oils contain the natural fragrance and therapeutic properties of the plant they originated from.
Benefits of Essential Oils in Soap Making
Essential oils not only enhance the scent of your soap but also provide a variety of benefits for the skin. These include soothing, uplifting and healing effects, along with antibacterial, or anti-inflammatory properties. But most importantly they make the soap smell fabulous and a joy to use :-)
1, Relaxation Blend
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
This combination is perfect for winding down or sensitive skin. Lavender and Chamomile are both soothing and together produce a blend that is relaxing for the body and mind, it's kind enough to be used for infants, or irritated skin and can help reduce that stressed-out feeling. German Chamomile is strong and has a musky aroma when used in high amounts therefore I would use a blend ratio of 90% Lavender & 10% Chamomile, in this ratio the oils enhance each other both aromatically and therapeutically.
2, Energising Citrus Blend
- May Chang (Litsea cubeba)
- Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
This bright, zesty blend is perfect for an uplifting start to the day, with each citrus oil contributing to a refreshing and energizing aroma. May Chang has a beautiful complex lemony aroma and tends to be a more stable smell in soap than other citrus oils (which can disappear very quickly). Bergamot also has a complex aroma; bright citrus orange notes with a floral undertone, the rind of the fruit is used to flavour Earl Grey tea so you may be familiar with the scent! I would use a blend ratio of 50/50 for this combination.
3, Invigorating Blend
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
A revitalizing combination that’s great for deep cleansing and invigoration. Peppermint adds a cooling, refreshing burst, eucalyptus offer clarifying properties, I like to add an exfoliating ingredient like ground pumice stone or poppy seeds, and some green clay to the soap for colour and a softer lather. I would use these oils in a ratio blend of 50/50.
4, Calming Floral Blend
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Rose Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens)
Rose Geranium essential oil is lovely on it's own, however by adding a little Lavender it softens the blend and adds a calming touch. The floral notes of Rose Geranium are balanced beautifully by Lavender. A bright, gentle, floral blend that calms the senses, nurtures the skin and smells wonderfully luxurious. I would use the blend ratio of 80% Rose Geranium and 20% Lavender.
5, Spa-Style Aromatherapy Blend
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
This fresh, clean blend offers a spa-like experience, with Lemongrass has a lemony, fresh invigorating scent which blends well with the bright citrus of Lime and the warming spicy aroma of Ginger. I love this blend with a ratio of 70% Lemongrass, 20% Lime and 10% Ginger and if you like you can add coconut milk to the soap recipe to elevate it further.
I'd love to know if you try any of these blends and what you think of them? Find me on instagram