Fragrance calc

[mastermute]

To kick this off I'd like to ask the soap gurus a question.

How do you calculate the amount of fragrance (EO/FO or other scent ingredient) to add to a batch? Since some EO:s can be harsher than others I'm afraid to OD.

Just wanted to know your approach to this issue.

[Scorpio]

From my experience I never go over 1oz per pound. This can also vary depending on the strengh of the FO/EO. Some scents are stronger so I use less about .5oz per pound. I have never been a fan of strong scented soaps. I like my soaps to smell nice without overpowering the senses. It can also vary depending on the combination of scents you might be using for a specific batch.

This is one of those subjects that you learn with experience and experimenting with different scents.

Raf

[Sejanus]

On the same vein as amount, is there any dangers in using too much? I know I have a few bottles I used for facial clays and they warnings about overuse.

[mastermute]

Thanks!

This is one of those subjects that you learn with experience and experimenting with different scents.

That was what I was gathering and thought to tap into some of yours :p

Would that include "compound" fragrances too? Like Eukalyptus/Menthol? Well.. that is actually another question, I gather; How to add Menthol? 1oz/pound too?

[Issy]

Thanks!



That was what I was gathering and thought to tap into some of yours :p

Would that include "compound" fragrances too? Like Eukalyptus/Menthol? Well.. that is actually another question, I gather; How to add Menthol? 1oz/pound too?
A safe rule of thumb is 2% of menthol per weight.....ya I push it at times..lol

Issy

[Scorpio]

Since I am not a fan of menthol I have never used it. I believe it comes in Crystal form. The 1oz measurement is in fluid oz. for FO/EO's.

Some fragrances already come in "compound form" for example Tropical Fruit, Almond vanilla, Coconut Lemon Verbena just to name a couple. Some folks like using the already "mixed" scents others do their own mixing. Also, Mike and I recently discovered that some FO's have to be at higher temps when added to the mix, when making CP soap, otherwise they will accelerate the rate of trace and you will end up with soap on a stick, FAST. We were lucky to recognize the impending doom and poured it into the mold at warp speed. It still got a little lumpy but it should be okay. We made a note to avoid the situation for the next batch.

Raf

[mastermute]

Also, Mike and I recently discovered that some FO's have to be at higher temps when added to the mix, when making CP soap, otherwise they will accelerate the rate of trace and you will end up with soap on a stick, FAST.

Can it be that that particular scent contains alcohol? As alcohol has exactly that effect! I had a batch once that I couldn't get to trace, I ran out of patience and poured a few drops of 93% ABV in there and I got my first try of making a milled soap :p

[Issy]

Since I am not a fan of menthol I have never used it. I believe it comes in Crystal form. The 1oz measurement is in fluid oz. for FO/EO's.

Some fragrances already come in "compound form" for example Tropical Fruit, Almond vanilla, Coconut Lemon Verbena just to name a couple. Some folks like using the already "mixed" scents others do their own mixing. Also, Mike and I recently discovered that some FO's have to be at higher temps when added to the mix, when making CP soap, otherwise they will accelerate the rate of trace and you will end up with soap on a stick, FAST. We were lucky to recognize the impending doom and poured it into the mold at warp speed. It still got a little lumpy but it should be okay. We made a note to avoid the situation for the next batch.

Raf
Room temp works for me...if its a FO I have not tried I just dont do a water discount

Issy

[Scorpio]

by "higher temps" I meant higher than room temp maybe around 80 deg. I had the FO at room temp(it was a cold day and it was cool inside my house). When I poured it it went into warp speed trace. Man I had never seen anything like that before. Some research revealed that I might have needed to have the oils at a lower temp for the FO(Rose). I guess it depends who you ask.

Issy has extensive experience so I draw from him also.

Raf

[Issy]

by "higher temps" I meant higher than room temp maybe around 80 deg. I had the FO at room temp(it was a cold day and it was cool inside my house). When I poured it it went into warp speed trace. Man I had never seen anything like that before. Some research revealed that I might have needed to have the oils at a lower temp for the FO(Rose). I guess it depends who you ask.

Issy has extensive experience so I draw from him also.

Raf
Any floral will trace faster, use a spoon and not a stick blender.....man....in a hr I could teach you soooo much

[msandoval858]

That Rose batch was a surprise for both of us. Perhaps we've just gotten lucky thusfar that we haven't used a fragrance that did that. Despite the challenge of trying to quickly pour cottage cheese consistency soap in to a mold, hopefully the batch will cure up ok and not be a loss.

Live and learn :rolleyes:

[Issy]

That Rose batch was a surprise for both of us. Perhaps we've just gotten lucky thusfar that we haven't used a fragrance that did that. Despite the challenge of trying to quickly pour cottage cheese consistency soap in to a mold, hopefully the batch will cure up ok and not be a loss.

Live and learn :rolleyes:
was it a EO or a FO?

Issy

[Issy]

Room temp works for me...if its a FO I have not tried I just dont do a water discount

Issy
I measure everything by weight

[Scorpio]

was it a EO or a FO?

Issy

FO...can't afford EO:D

[msandoval858]

I measure everything by weight

We do everything by weight as well.