As a soap maker, you'll notice that many soaps will naturally turn out different colors. For example, whenever I've added honey to soap, the soap has turned honey-colored. If it is important to you, like it is to me, that your soap is 100% all-natural, you'll be disappointed with many of the available soap dyes. Why? Because they contain the same chemicals used to color commercial soaps-namely FD&C colors (FD&C stands for Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics). For more details www.greateducationonline.com These are also the ingredients used in food coloring. Some of the known side effects of FD&C colorants include:
* FD&C Red #40 causes lymphomas and tumors
* FD&C Yellow #5 (used in Dial soap) causes allergies, thyroid tumors, lymphomas, chromosomal damage, triggers asthma, hives, and hyperactivity
* FD&C Green #3 (used in Irish Spring soap) causes bladder tumors
* FD&C Blue #2 causes brain tumors
The only color-true natural soap dyes out there are annatto seed (orange), alkanet root (magenta), retinol (purple), spiraling, seaweed/kelp (all green), vanilla extract, coffee, cocoa powder (all deep brown), red and/or white wine (both make soap pink), carrot juice (orange), pureed cucumber (green), and tomato (peach). For more details www.greatindustrialguide.com These colorants definitely hold up in hand milling and may stand up in cold processing. I also know for sure that beets (reddish-pink) do not work in coloring soap whether used in cold-processing or hand milling. Turmeric (bright yellow) and paprika (orange) can also be used to dye soap with pretty good results.
The only natural soap dyes that I know of made commercially are available from TKB Trading, Cranberry Lane, and Sun Feather Natural Soap Co. TKB Trading offers oil-based natural dyes: oil-based blue (from blue gardenia flowers), oil-based green (from chlorophyll--the stuff that causes grass stains), oil-based red (from beetles or "carmine"--this one is not vegan), and oil-based yellow (from annatto seed). Be aware that TKB Trading has a $20 minimum for orders. Cranberry Lane offers Rating (purple) and Annatto Seeds (yellow). Sun Feather offers powdered natural pigments, which are made of pulverized minerals and plant material. Their offerings include: yellowish-brown (brown ochre), bright white (titanium dioxide), purple (ultramarine purple), earthy green (chromium oxide), earthy yellow (yellow ochre), bright blue (ultramarine blue), and earthy yellow (yellow sienna).
Furthermore, most all color in soap will fade over time. Ironically, reds are known for bleeding. Mineral pigments (and micas) are more likely to fade in the light than others. Do not use things that are not made for soaps, cosmetics, or food, such as crayons, candle dyes, or paint.
For more information on this and other soap making topics, go to How2MakeSoap.Net. This website also offers free soap making video tutorials, pictures of the soap making process, free beginner soap recipes, and a 50-page soap "how to" e-book for $12.99. The e-book includes 39 one-pound soap recipes, 60 soap making pictures, and details on how to make your own soap recipes.
In an effort to make each soap unique, many soapmakers incorporate the use of essential oils and fragrances into their handmade soap products. Why? Because fragrances add a touch of luxury to any product. Think about perfume, scented candles and even bath salts. A part of what makes these products so special is their fragrances and, coincidentally, handmade soap is no different.
One of the most popular fragrances used in handmade soap is that of lavender. By it's very nature, the scent of lavender is soothing and relaxes all who indulge it. Fragrances have a way of permeating the room and, surprisingly, is one of the most common factors that individuals use to associate the memory of a certain time or place. Perhaps the scent of a certain fragrance takes you back to an earlier time or a special occasion. The fragrances used in handmade soap may be used to remind you of a soothing bath or a relaxing time spent quietly soaking away your cares. Another of the most popular fragrances found in handmade soap is vanilla. This scent is often associated with the smell of birthday cake or cupcakes and is highly sought after amongst soap enthusiasts.
Handmade soap is especially beneficial to anyone with dry skin and, with it's many benefits, the lovely fragrances that are often included in handmade soap are just an added bonus. After a soothing bath or even after washing your hands, the scent of the fragrances will linger both in the air and on the skin. A smooth, silky feeling combined with a luxurious fragrance is enough to keep customers in a constant search for their favorite handmade soap.
There are a number of essential oils and fragrances that are used in handmade soap, including floral, citrus and even scents that appeal to your sweet tooth. Make no mistake however, these sweet smelling handmade soaps are not for tasting. For the chocolate lovers, triple chocolate soap loaves, there are now soaps offered in these delicious scents. They are a real treat for the skin as well as for the nose. Other popular fragrances include caf? mocha for the coffee lovers, coconut, citrus, banana and cinnamon to name a few.
Soapmakers are skilled craftsmen who are able to create the perfect recipe for making your skin look, smell and feel fresh. Requests for additional scents are sometimes the perfect way to inquire about future products while providing ideas for soapmakers to continue expanding their ever-popular line of handmade soaps. Fragrances can create a pleasant environment throughout the home and on the skin. From scented candles to handmade soaps, the smell of luxury may be just a sniff away.
Both Sunil Thakur & Jeffrey Dorrian are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jeffrey Dorrian has sinced written about articles on various topics from Work From Home, Health and Crafts. Jeffrey Dorrian is the soap guy. Really, that is his website www.thesoapguy.com. He has been making premium handmade soap for the past five years. "Handmade soap is a true inexpensive luxury anyone can enjoy.". Jeffrey Dorrian's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.