however, a smaller amount is required (usually only a drop or two) and they retain
their scent better because they are undiluted. Research oils thoroughly before use;
some can be irritating to skin, or even toxic. Also, different amounts are required for
different oils, because some will overpower others if the same amount is used for all.
(See the Scenting Your Soap section for a more detailed explanation of scents.)
Avoid potpourri, candle scent oils and other strong, commercially-made
fragrances, as they often contain harsh chemicals that can be irritating to the skin as
well. Whole or crushed herbs can also be used, but they will not give their full
benefits in a first batch of soap; if you use herbs, the best thing to do is to rebatch the
soap later, to extract the full benefit from the herbs (see Rebatching, under Soap-
Making Processes).
COLORANTS
Colorants can be purchased at a soap-making supply store. There are also various
other natural ingredients that you can use to color soap. For example, powdered clay
can be used to color your soap pink, pastel green, or beige; it is also a great additive
for soap intended for oily or acne-prone skin, because it will absorb oil from the skin
without drying the skin excessively, or damaging it. Cocoa powder or tea can be used
to turn the soap a deep, rich brown (cocoa powder will, of course, make the soap
smell like chocolate). Paprika will give your soap a deep reddish color, and yellow can
be achieved by using saffron, annatto seeds, or turmeric. A deep, rich purple can be
achieved using ratanjot. (See Table 3 for a more complete list of natural soap
colorants.)
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