Most people know that fragrance oil is used to scent soap, but few know how much fragrance oil per pound of soap is needed. In this article, we will explore the amount of fragrance oil needed per pound of soap and why it matters.
Use approximately 0.8 ounces of fragrance oil per pound of soap. This amount can be adjusted to meet your own specific preferences. In addition, the type of fragrance oil can also impact the amount of oil used.
While fragrance oil is not required to make soap, it can add a nice touch. It can also help to cover up any unwanted scents that may be present in the soap-making process. Fragrance oil can also add to the longevity of the soap, making it last longer.
Choosing Fragrance Oil Quantity
When it comes to retaining the scent of fragrance oil in soap, the exact rates have a major role to play. In short, the right amount of fragrance oil that you put in the soap can help retain the scent for some time. Moreover, the amount depends on what type of scent you intend to put in the soap.
In general, around 0.8 ounces of fragrance oil is added to each pound of the soap if you are looking for a strong scent. In terms of teaspoons, it should be around two tsp. of the oil for every pound of soap.
However, it is imperative to find out the right proportion of the oil that you want to add.
And it should fall in line with your preferences and the intensity of the scent that the oil is producing. It is wise to choose fragrance oil that is labeled soap-free.
Furthermore, the number might vary depending on the intensity of the oil that you are choosing. Cherry Almond, for example, is considered a strong scent. That way, you should never use more than 0.2 ounces per pound of soap base.
Fragrance Oil In Soap Percentages
The first time you experience something unique about a fragrance makes the moment a memorable one. And, they can inspire additives, colors, and designs that you need for your upcoming recipe on the soap.
However, if you don’t calculate the scent in the right way, it can lead to changes in the soap or fade the scent.
And, it can be disappointing. That’s why calculating fragrance oil, in terms of percentage, for soaps is crucial.
Apart from that, the concerned authority has laid out their recommendations for the same as well. Besides, the recommendations depend on the safety guidelines.
So, what is the right percentage of the oil that you should add to your soap? Typically, about 5 to 6 % of the oil should be used on the soap. Also, you can use this percentage if you are sure enough that the oil has a higher IFRA rate in terms of safety.
Keep in mind that every fragrance oil has a limitation when it is about using the same on the soaps. And, this is what makes the scents safe for soaps.
Hence, ensure that you always choose a fragrance oil that’s marked safe and below 5%. As such, you don’t have to deal with a messy soap later or avoid various types of issues relating to the skin.
However, there is another great way to determine the percentage of fragrance oil you need in your soap.
You can test the oil in small quantities on the soap. And, if everything goes right, you can always work on a larger number of soaps.
Quantity Of Fragrance Oil According To Per Ounce
You need a different system for measuring the right amount of oil when working with smaller quantities of soap. And, you can do that effectively by using a simple dropper that will help you add the right proportion of fragrance oil.
So, how much fragrance oil do you need to add per ounce of soap base?
Around ten drops of fragrance oil against one ounce of soap should be the best option. Keep in mind never to use more than ten drops. However, it is good to start at this number and you can reduce the same according to your preference.
If you exceed the recommended fragrance oil load percentage, there could be issues with your soap. As long as you adhere to these guidelines and apply the same, there won’t be issues.
However, everything depends on the choice of your customers and your preference as well.
Quantity Of Fragrance Oil For Hot Process Soap
When it is about the hot process for making soap, you have the conventional hot process and melt and pour. Besides, each one of them has its measurements and percentages. So, how much oil do you need to pour in the soap?
You can add about 15 to 20 grams of fragrance oil against one kilogram of soap base when it is about hot process soap. However, it could be anywhere between 0.50 and 0.70 ounces per two pounds of soap base.
It is unwise to add fragrance oil when the soap is too hot. The soap tends to lose its scent after the fragrance gets evaporated.
When it comes to the melt and pour soap process, there are certain measurements you need to care about. Around ten grams of fragrance oil against one kilogram of soap base is the recommended measurement.
Also, you can add about 0.50 ounces of oil per pound when it comes to the melt and pour process.
While it isn’t recommended at all to exceed the said amount, it can vary depending on the specific scent that you choose. When the soap base is very hot, the oil might vaporize significantly in larger amounts.
So, allow the soap to cool if you don’t want the fragrance to fade away.
In general, fragrances are likely to stay for a long time in hot process soaps. That’s because the scent is added to the mix after saponification takes place.
However, the chemical reaction that occurs between the lye and the oils might bring a slight difference in the intensity of fragrance that you are using.
Quantity Of Fragrance Oil For Cold Process Soap
It is always good to check the specific usage of the fragrance oil when it is about adding the same in cold process soap making.
The usage rates make sure that the product is safe to use. That’s because overusing the ingredients might impact the behavior of the scent.
For cold process soap making, around 30 grams of fragrance oil against one kilogram or one ounce per two pounds of soap is recommended.
Moreover, you are looking for a stronger scent, try not to add over 0.80 ounces of oil per pound of soap during the cold process. Furthermore, run tests to find out whether or not the fragrance separates from the soap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about adding fragrance oil to soap.
There isn’t a set limit on how much fragrance oil you can add to a pound of soap. However, adding too much fragrance oil can lead to your soap losing its scent, or the fragrance oil itself could vaporize. It’s always best to start with a small amount and increase it if needed.
Adding fragrance oil to hot process soap is possible, but it’s not recommended. The fragrance oil will evaporate faster when added to hot soap, and the scent may not be as strong as you want it to be. If you do choose to add fragrance oil to hot process soap, make sure it’s not too hot or the fragrance oil will vaporize.
Adding fragrance oil to melt and pour soap is easy and recommended. You can add between 10-20 grams of fragrance oil per kilogram of soap, or .5-.7 ounces per pound of soap. Adding more fragrance oil than recommended will not necessarily make the scent stronger, but it could cause the fragrance to separate from the soap.
Hot process and cold process soaps are two different ways of making soap. Hot process soap is made by adding the lye to the oils while they’re still hot, which speeds up the saponification process. Cold process soap is made by mixing the lye and oils together and then letting them react, which takes longer. Both processes have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s up to you to decide which one is right for you.
The best way to add fragrance oil to your soap depends on the type of soap you’re making. For hot process soap, add the fragrance oil after the saponification process is complete. For cold process soap, add the fragrance oil before the saponification process begins. You can also add fragrance oil to melt and pour soap during the melting process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fragrance oil can be added to soap in various ways depending on the type of soap being made.
Adding fragrance oil to hot process soap is possible but not recommended, while adding fragrance oil to cold process soap is recommended. You can also add fragrance oil to melt and pour soap.
When adding fragrance oil to any type of soap, start with a small amount and increase it if needed.
