Did you know that there are over 300 species of cedar trees? And did you know that many of those species make for excellent soap? If not, then you’re in the right place. We’ll take you through all the ins and outs of making cedarwood soap. The process is easier than you might think, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to branch out from the usual DIY projects. Cedarwood soap has a variety of uses. It’s been shown to have antibacterial properties, which makes it great for people with acne or oily skin. It also has a pleasant aroma that can help freshen up your day and leave you feeling more awake.
What You’ll Need To Make Cedarwood Soap
The first thing you’ll need is a cedarwood essential oil. There are several different types of cedarwood essential oils available. Some of the most commonly grown botanical sources for cedarwood essential oils include Atlas cedarwood, Australian sandalwood, and Virginian cedarwood. The type you use will have an effect on the scent of the final product, so choose wisely. Next up is water. You don’t want to use a special type of water for soapmaking, as it won’t make a difference. Tap water is perfectly fine. To create a lather, you’ll also need a surfactant. This is a chemical that breaks the surface tension of water and allows bubbles to form. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common surfactant in commercial soaps. It’s also a great choice for homemade soaps.
The Process For Making Cedarwood Soap
The first step for making cedarwood soap is to create a lye solution. This is a crucial step that many soapmakers overlook or get wrong. This solution will be used for saponification, a chemical reaction between your lye solution, the oils, and the water. It’s what turns your oils and water into unctuous soap. First, measure out the water. Add the sodium hydroxide (lye) to the water, and stir until the solution is clear. Be careful while handling sodium hydroxide as the fumes can be dangerous if inhaled. The amount of lye you use will depend on the oils used in your soap. The ratio is typically between 0.9 and 1.8 ounces of lye per pound of oils. Next, add the oils to your lye solution. Make sure they’re completely stirred in. Once that’s done, you can add the essential oil. Carefully pour the cedarwood essential oil into the lye solution. Stir the solution to get it mixed in. For the next few minutes, you’ll need to constantly stir the solution. If the solution stops foaming or bubbling, you need to stir it again. Finally, add the water. You’ll want to add the water to the lye solution, not the other way around. Stir the solution as you pour in the water.
How To Use Cedarwood Oil In Soap
Now that you’ve made the soap, it’s time to turn it into cedarwood soap. You can do this by adding a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to your soap. Simply cut open the cedarwood essential oil bottle, and squeeze the oil onto your soap. Make sure you don’t add too much cedarwood essential oil. Once you’ve added the cedarwood essential oil, let the soap sit in a cool, dry place. This will speed up the saponification process. After a few days, your cedarwood soap is ready to use. You can store your cedarwood soap in a dry place and use it for up to 6 months.
Conclusion
Cedarwood soap is an excellent choice for people with oily skin or acne. It’s also great for people who want to add a pleasant aroma to their day. Making cedarwood soap is simple and straightforward. You just need to follow a few basic steps, and you can turn your favorite essential oil into soap. Cedarwood soap is a great gift for loved ones, or you can use it as a daily cleanser for yourself. Whether you’re gifting it or using it for yourself, cedarwood soap is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your daily routine.