The benefits of soap additives range from exfoliating dead skin cells to replenishing the oil lost after showering. Before choosing your soap making supplies, determine the type of product you want to create and the additives it requires. You can make medicinal soaps with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties or add texture with botanicals. Here’s what to know about the benefits of different soap additives:
Moisturizing Oils
Dry skin is a condition some people experience after taking a bath or exfoliating their skin. The condition occurs because soap strips away the oils, leaving the skin without its natural protection. Human skin restocks the oils, but this may take time, which is why people apply oil and moisturizers.
Soap making supplies with moisturizing properties reduce the dehydrating effect of cleansing. They feature natural oils that replenish the lost oil, preventing the skin from drying and becoming irritated. Look for apothecary shops that stock glycerin and natural oils, including coconut oil, sunflower oil, shea butter, tea tree oil, and aloe vera. These oils offer deep moisturizing properties and complement the lotions and oils people use after showering.
Exfoliating Additives
Bathing removes some of the dead skin cells, especially if you use a wash cloth with a coarse texture. Certain exfoliation products are harsh as they’re designed to strip the skin of all its oils, and they should only be used once in a while. Daily use requires something gentler, and soap additives can deliver this benefit. Exfoliating additives include ground coffee and kelp granules, which are more aggressive than tapioca starch. Cornsilk and oat milk are gentler and more suited to removing daily oil buildup and dead skin cells. Dry botanicals and herbs also enhance the soap’s texture, resulting in exfoliation benefits.
Aromatherapy Additives
Aromatherapy is the practice of using scents to enhance relaxation or stimulate the skin, scalp, and senses. Adding essential oils, such as lavender, rosemary, and peppermint, to your soaps contributes to aromatherapy. Select high-quality oils and utilize the correct loads and mixing techniques to craft your soaps. Aromatherapy additives result in soaps that are refreshing, invigorating, calming, or energizing. Peppermint stimulates the senses, while lavender is relaxing. Eucalyptus has a cooling, relaxing effect, while oat milk and honey have sweet, refreshing aromas. Other options you can use include tobacco vanilla, bay rum, gardenia, and frankincense.
Medicinal Additives
If you’re creating medicinal soaps, there are many additives to choose from, including essential oils, herbs, and botanicals. Essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree oil have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These additives soothe the skin and help fight bacterial infections and acne outbreaks. Tea tree also has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radicals, UV, and other elements. Eucalyptus can clear the sinuses and help users recover from congestion. Peppermint, chamomile, and turmeric all have medicinal properties. Honey is a natural humectant that fights bacteria. Use deep moisturizing additives like natural oils to soothe and heal dry skin, and clays and charcoals for detox. Clays absorb impurities and excess oil that block skin pores, preventing acne outbreaks.
Coloring Additives
Another benefit of additives is giving your soaps vibrant, attractive colors and textures. You can use mica powders and botanicals to enhance how the soap looks and feels on the skin. Use lavender leaves and rose buds to incorporate exfoliation and aromatherapy. Cocoa powder is also a natural option for brown soaps and provides exfoliation benefits. Olive and lemon verbena leaves add a unique texture, while mica powders provide shimmering colors to complement these products.
Find Quality Soap Making Supplies Today
Additives allow you to enhance the quality and benefits of your soap. Instead of providing cleansing soaps only, incorporate additives for moisturizing, exfoliating, and calming effects. Reputable apothecary stores offer wholesale additives with high-quality ingredients. Contact an apothecary shop today to get your soap making supplies.