| About two weeks ago, I announced that Rosemary 2% and 5% both have saponification values. I must admit, I was rather startled how high those saponification values were. If you missed the post, read up on it here!
Today I wanted to make two soaps comparing the Rosemary Oleoresin 2% and Rosemary Oleoresin 5%. I wanted to know if the difference between the saponification values would make a noticeable difference in finished soap. Come join me to try these two soaps!
Batch 1:
Batch 2:
Weigh all of the oils of Batch 1 into a microwave safe container. Heat gently until liquid. Add the lye to the water to for a lye solution. Allow the oil and lye solutions to cool. This recipe has some material that can accelerate trace. Cooler temperatures are better. Mix the oils and lye solution and blend until a light trace is achieved. Pour into a molds and allow to sit for 24 hours. Repeat the process with Batch 2. After 24 hours cut the soap. Allow the soap to cure. Longer curing time will result in a harder bar. (If you aren’t sure if your soap is fully cured, check out this post. It helps make sense of a confusing topic.) Test your soaps and write down your notes. Which did you like more? Why? Would you ever make these again? Enjoy!
Notes: I washed each hand with each soap. My right hand used the 5% soap and my left hand used the 2% soap. After patting my hands dry, I was surprised that I could tell a difference between the soaps. The soap with the Rosemary Oleoresin 2% had a lighter feel. My left hand felt clean, smooth and normal. My right hand felt clean, velvety and like I had just rubbed in a tiny amount of Dimethicone into my skin. I definitely like the soap with the Rosemary Oleoresin 5% more. It left my skin soft and velvety without a heavy feeling residue. I will be sending out 27 samples containing both soaps for you to try. Request one in your next order! I want to hear which one you like best. |
 Rosemary Oleoresin Soaps  Weighing Batch 1  Weighing Batch 1  Weighing Batch 2  Weighing Batch 2  Adding Lye Solution to Batch 1  Ready to Mix Batch 1  Ready to Mix Batch 1  Mixing Batch 1  Mixing Batch 1  Pouring Batch 1 into mold  Batch 1 in the mold  Ready to mix Batch 2  Mixing Batch 2  Pouring Batch 2 into the mold  Watching Batch 2 change colors  Watching Batch 2 change colors |
What fragrance (if any) did the oleoresin give to the soap?
Barb,
The odor is not anything to really compete with a fragrance. Maybe the softest of vanillas that are available, which most people can’t smell anyway, may have some competition. If you want a rosemary scent I’m afraid you will need to use the essential oil as well.
Cheers!
Tina