Soap Making with Glycerin

Introduction

• Making quick and easy glycerin soap with natural botanicals.
• No use of lye, avoiding caustic burns.
• Glycerin is a humectant, hypoallergenic, and good for the skin.

Materials Needed

• Cutting board
• Mixing jar
• Rubbing alcohol
• Crystal clear glycerin soap base (e.g., Crafters Choice)
• Silicone molds (various shapes including flower patterns and succulents)
• Food grade coloring
• Dried flower petals (e.g., star anise, black-eyed susans, bee balm)

Process Overview

1. Preparation
   • Harvest and dehydrate flower petals.
   • Gather all necessary materials.
2. Melting Glycerin
   • Cut glycerin into small cubes for easier melting.
   • Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
3. Adding Colors and Essential Oils
   • Add essential oils if desired.
   • Add food coloring sparingly for desired color intensity.
4. Pouring Into Molds
   • Pour melted glycerin into molds.
   • Use alcohol spray to prevent air bubbles.
5. Experimentation
   • Try mixing colors and swirling techniques for varied designs.

Soap Variations

• Flower Molds: Used clear glycerin with dried petals for aesthetic appeal.
• Succulent Molds: Experimented with green food coloring to mimic real plant colors.
• Layering and Patterns: Created tie-dye effects by layering and swirling colors.

Key Tips

• Use dry flower petals to avoid discoloration.
• Experiment with color mixing; adjustments can be made if outcomes are undesirable.
• Spraying molds with alcohol helps eliminate surface bubbles.
• Allow soaps to set for 1.5-2 hours.

Observations

• Bee balm petals acted as a natural acid-base indicator, changing color in glycerin.
• Star anise seeds contributed to speckling, adding visual texture.

Final Thoughts and Storage

• Favorite outcomes: soaps with natural flower petals for color.
• Storage: Wrap soaps in plastic or parchment paper and keep in a cool, dry place.
• Unwanted outcomes can be remelted and reformed.

Conclusion

• Soap making is fun and allows for creativity.
• Soaps make great gifts, and experimentation is encouraged.

Note

• Always ensure materials used are safe for skin application.