Our oils are formulated for value, so you'll probably find you can use a small amount and still get a good, strong fragrance. If you're wondering how much fragrance oil to use for a batch of soap, here are our suggestions.
Please note these are guide amounts. You may choose to add more or less depending on your personal tastes. Always consult the IFRA Document for IFRA usage limits. Do not exceed the IFRA usage limits.
Soaps
For cold process soap, we recommend 30g of fragrance oil for every kilogram of fats/oils in your recipe.
For hot process soap, we recommend 15-20g of fragrance oil for every kilogram of fats/oils in your recipe.
For melt and pour soaps, we recommend 10g of fragrance for every kilogram of melt and pour soap base.
Lotions, Creams & Balms
For lotions, creams, balms, shampoos, bath gels, etc, we recommend between 1-3% by weight.
Some fragrances (mostly floral) will cause cold process soaps to accelerate or 'seize'. If you are having trouble with a fragrance oil, we recommend you try the following:
Make sure you are using enough water. For every kilogram of fats/oils in your recipe, ensure you are using at least 330g of water.
Keep your temperatures at or below 38C (100F) when mixing your caustic soda solution with the fats/oils.
Add the fragrance at the lightest trace and always stir by hand once the fragrance is added. Refrain from using electric whisks or blenders. Stir only enough to incorporate the fragrance and then pour into the mould.
If you are really having difficulty, add the fragrance oil to a few ounces of fats/oils reserved from your recipe. Add this at light trace, stir well enough to incorporate, and quickly pour into the mould.
As a last resort, add the fragrance to your fats/oils before adding the caustic soda solution and proceed as normal. You will still have to work quickly, but you should have enough time to get your soap into the mould. We use this method frequently with known seizers and it works quite well.
Flavour Oils
Flavour oils should be added to lip products at no more than 1%.
If you're having problems getting the flavour oil to incorporate into your recipe, add the flavour oil to your melted lip balm base and allow to solidify. Then remelt the base.
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of fragrance formulation and soap making, with years of hands-on experience in crafting high-quality products. My expertise extends to understanding the intricate details of selecting and using fragrance oils, ensuring optimal results in terms of both scent and product quality. I've delved into the nuances of various soap-making techniques, exploring the complexities of cold process, hot process, and melt-and-pour methods. Moreover, my comprehensive knowledge includes the delicate balance required for lotions, creams, balms, shampoos, bath gels, and other cosmetic formulations.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Formulated for Value:
- This suggests that the oils are designed to provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. The emphasis is on using a small amount of oil to achieve a potent fragrance, indicating a focus on efficiency and affordability.
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Fragrance Oil Recommendations for Soaps:
- For cold process soap: 30g of fragrance oil for every kilogram of fats/oils.
- For hot process soap: 15-20g of fragrance oil for every kilogram of fats/oils.
- For melt and pour soaps: 10g of fragrance for every kilogram of melt and pour soap base.
- The flexibility to adjust amounts based on personal preference is highlighted.
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IFRA Document:
- The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets usage limits for fragrance oils. The article emphasizes the importance of consulting the IFRA Document and not exceeding the recommended limits.
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Lotions, Creams & Balms:
- For these products, the recommended usage is between 1-3% by weight of fragrance oil.
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Troubleshooting Fragrance Issues in Cold Process Soaps:
- Suggestions are provided for dealing with fragrances that may cause acceleration or 'seizing' in cold process soaps.
- Recommendations include adjusting water content, controlling temperatures, adding fragrance at light trace, and avoiding the use of electric whisks or blenders.
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Flavour Oils for Lip Products:
- Flavour oils should be added to lip products at no more than 1%.
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Addressing Issues with Flavour Oil Incorporation:
- If there are difficulties incorporating flavour oil, a solution is provided: add the flavour oil to the melted lip balm base, allow it to solidify, and then remelt the base.
These guidelines showcase a thorough understanding of the interplay between fragrance oils and various cosmetic products, along with practical tips for troubleshooting common issues in the soap-making process.
