Single Oil Cold Process Soap Lather Tests

CP Soapmakers:  As you know the most fundamental way that cold process soap can be customized is using various combinations of soap making oils and butters.  Each oil contributes something different to the final bar.  Using different combination of oils at different usage rates will greatly affect the finished product. If you want to learn more about how each soap lathers, The Soap Queen posted a very interesting article about Single Oil Cold Process Soap Lather Tests.  The post goes into detail how each individual oil stood up to the lather test. See how each oil did.  You will find out it to be very interesting.

Soapmaking Oil Properties + Free Download

In making your own soap, it is very important to learn and know the properties of oils once they saponified and how they effect your finished soap.  This chart from Lovin' Soap Studio will help you when you are ready to formulate your own recipes.  This free downloadable chart is available through the post titled Soapmaking Oil Properties and Free Download.

Blackberry Seed Oil

Awhile back I posted a link to Point of Interest's post on Raspberry Seed Oil.  Now there is a post on Blackberry Seed Oil. Did you know that Blackberry Seed Oil had some great levels of tocopherols (Vitamin E) which is why it might have a slightly longer shelf life than all the linoleic and linolenic acid might indicate. So are you wondering if you can use this oil in a lotion or soap recipe?  Read the information in the post and see if you can.

What is Raspberry Oil?

Raspberries are one of my favorite fruits.  When I saw this posting from Point of Interest titled Raspberry Oil, I could not believe that an oil was made from it. From reading the article, I can be an expensive oil to use but it maybe nice to try in a lotion recipe.  I will have to try this oil in the future.

Six ingredient lotion: Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter

Point of Interest has been posting quite a few postings on Meadowfoam Seed Oil.  According to Point of Interest, Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a light, slightly greasy oil that has a long shelf life and can boost the shelf life of other oils. In their lasted posting called Six Ingredient Lotion:  Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter has a recipe for a lotion that you may just want to try.  So read this informative post and see if you would like to try a lotion recipe.

Meadowfoam seed oil: Why is it so stable?

Point of Interest recently had a posting about Meadow Foam Seed Oil. Now they have a follow-up posting called Meadowfoam Seed Oil:  Why is it so Stable? So if you are interested in learning more about this particular carrier oil, then you should read these two postings.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

Have you ever heard of Meadow Foam Seed Oil?  Maybe you have but you are wondering what is all about and how do you use it in your body products.  In a recent post from Point of Interest called Meadow Seed Oil talks about that very subject.  SO take a moment and look at this informational and interesting post,

Plum Kernel Oil Profile

Recently, I taught a lotions and creams class at the Palo Alto Adult School and I mentioned some carrier oils that could be used in making facial creams and lotions.  As I browsed the internet, I found this one that could be added to the list - Plum Kernal Oil.  According to Mountain Rose Herb, Plum Kernal Oil is also referred to as Prune kernel oil as it comes from dried Plum pits. When Plums are dried they become Prunes. Plum Kernel oil is fluid at ambient temperature and is golden in color. Plum Kernel Oil is useful for both cosmetic and culinary applications including. Pressed from pits inside kernels of plums, Plum Kernel Oil has a pleasant scent and flavor that closely resembles almonds. Plum Kernel Oil is most often used in desserts, salad dressings, sauces, on fish, and is drizzled as a finishing accent. It is also naturally rich in Vitamin A, E, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and anti-oxidants. For this reason, it is beneficial for dry and mature skin types and is often used in lip balms, moisturizing creams, anti-wrinkle agents, cleansing lotions and massage creams. Its emollient properties bring nourishment and hydration to damaged skin and renew the complexion and maintain healthy cells. The feeling on the skin is very soft and plum oil penetrates the skin easily with no greasy residue.

So if you are interested in trying this type of carrier oil in your lotions, then try Mountain Rose Herb's Plum Kernal Oil. The Prune oil offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is manufactured for food and cosmetic use and it is a fairly stable oil with a nice, round, and sweet aroma.

Rice Bran Oil

by Allison B. Kontur from  Bath Body Supply.

Rice Bran Oil, which is obtained in the milling process, is the part of rice richest in fat. This natural oil, which is expeller pressed, has the presence of natural antioxidants making it an excellent ingredient for food grade products.

Rice Bran Oil is full of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, ferulic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and oryzanol. The oil acts as both a carrier and emollient.

In Japan, Rice Bran Oil is used as a skin and hair beauty enhancer. It is also used throughout the world in a variety of cosmetics, especially for those that treat dry and mature skin.

If you would like to purchase Rice Bran Oil from Bath Body Supply -http://www.bathbodysupply.com/product-p/bo1800.htm

Source: http://bathbodysupply.blogspot.com/2009/12/rice-bran-oil.html

Watermelon Seed Oil Properties

from Aroma Web

Botanical Name: Citrullus vulgaris

Aroma: Faint. Slightly Nutty.
Viscosity: Light.
Absorption/Feel: Penetrates Well.C
olor: Yellow.
Shelf Life: Indefinite/Highly Stable

Notes: Watermelon Seed Oil (WSO) is a very nourishing yet light oil with good absorption. It is a good choice for use with oily skin but can be effective with all skin types. Its viscosity, mild aroma and indefinite shelf life make it a good all-purpose carrier oil for use in aromatherapy. Other thicker oils and oils with shorter shelf lives can be blended with Watermelon Seed Oil to lighten their texture and aroma and extend their overall shelf life.

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/watermelon-seed-oil-properties/2009/08/26/

Benefits of Almond Oil

Are you wondering what the benefits and effects of almond oil are?  Then check out this article  on the benefits of almond oil by BlueGaia, eHow Contributing Writer.  Now there may be some confusion on what the difference between Sweet Almond Oil and Almond Oil.  I have seen labels with either and am not sure if there is really a difference between the two. If anyone knows, would you please share your knowledge on this subject.  I would definately like to know in case if someone asks.

Peach Kernel Oil (Expeller Pressed)

A light, penetrating oil containing Vitamin E, Peach Kernel Oil is similar in its properties to Apricot Kernel and Sweet Almond Oils.

Although not as commonly produced as its substitutes, Peach Kernel Oil is found in higher end cosmetics, fine lotions and creams and makes an excellent facial massage product. The kernel, which is expeller pressed, contains up to 42% fatty oils and can be used in the production of an essential oil which is similar to the oil of bitter almond.

Common Uses of Peach Kernel Oil
Facial oils
Creams and lotions
Massage oils
Cosmetics
Benefits of Peach Kernel Oil
Light
Easily absorbed by the skin
Relieves itching
Beneficial for sensitive and dry skin

PEACH KERNEL OIL TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
TRADE NAME: OBN 326 PS/R
CHEMICAL NAME: PEACH KERNEL OIL
INCI NAME: PRUNUS PERSICA
CAS NUMBER: 8002-78-6

IF you would like the EINECS NUMBER: N/A or Fatty acids composition % (GLC) for Peach Kernal Oil, visit http://www.oilsbynature.com/products/peach-kernel-oil.htm.

Source: http://www.oilsbynature.com/products/peach-kernel-oil.htm

Properties of Hazelnut Oil

From Aroma Web

Hazelnut Oil
Botanical Name: Corylus avellana
Aroma: Light. Nutty and Sweet.
Viscosity: Thin.
Absorption/Feel: Leaves a Slightly Oily Film on the Skin.
Color: Light Yellow.

Hazelnuts are sometimes mistakenly called Filberts. Although similar in appearance, Filberts are slightly longer in shape.

Source:http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/category/tips-tricks/soap/

What are carrier oils?

If you have ever made your own perfumes, colognes or experimented with aromatherapy you may have run across the term Carrier Oils. But what are they?

Carrier Oils “carry” or dilute essential oils (concentrated liquids derived from flowers and plants) so they can be applied to the skin. They are commonly made from vegetables or nuts and include peanut, olive, almond, coconut, sesame, and grapeseed oils. Carrier oils don’t contain a concentrated aroma like essential oils and they don’t evaporate like them either. They can go rancid however, so if you are making something with carrier oils, make sure that you store it in a cool, dark place and throw it away after six months.

People with nut allergies can use sunflower or grapeseed oils since they are extracted from seeds.

Here is a simple formula to create your own bath oil:

2 oz of your favorite carrier oil (sweet almond, olive, grapeseed, etc.)

15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil

Blend the oils together and store in a dark-colored ja.

To use, add 2 tablespoons to bath water. Soak and enjoy!

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/what-are-carrier-oils/2007/05/29/

Grapeseed Oil Profile

From Oils by Nature

Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera)

From the Latin words “vinifera” (wine bearing) and “vitis” (vine)…

The grapeseed plant is actually a deciduous climbing vine that ranges in length from 70 to 100 feet. There are more than 3,000 varieties, and none contain more than two seeds.

Grapeseed Oil is thought to have originated in Napoleonic France during times of hardship where it was used for lighting.

Grapeseed Oil is made from the seeds (by-products of the manufacture of wine) of grapes. It is believed that actual production of grapeseed oil began as early as the 16th century. Low in saturated fats and rich in vitamins and minerals, it is used in cosmetics, soaps and most recently has become a popular cooking oil.

Due to the high linoleic acid content, Grapeseed Oil has good moisturizing and nourishing properties. The light greenish oil contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, protein and GLA which promote healthy skin.

Grapeseed oil is a light, slightly astringent oil great for massage and leaves the skin with a smooth satin finish without feeling greasy.

COMMON USES FOR GRAPESEED OIL
* Creams and lotions for oily and acne prone skin
* Massage products

BENEFITS OF GRAPESEED OIL
* Slightly astringent
* Strengthens tissue cells
* Preserves natural moisture
* Non-greasy feeling

Source: http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/grapeseed-oil-profile/2009/05/08/