What Ingredients Do I Need for Homemade Rose Petal Soap?
Ingredients for Melt and Pour Soap Base Method:
Soap Base: 1 lb (approximately 450g) of glycerin melt and pour soap base or goat’s milk soap base.
Rose Petals: A handful of dried or fresh rose petals. For dried petals, use about 1 tablespoon of crushed petals.
Essential Oils: 15-50 drops of rose geranium essential oil, or a blend such as Vanilla Rose or Citrus Rose.
Colorants: Optional – 1 tsp of rose clay or 1/8 tsp of pink mica.
Exfoliants: None needed, but rose petals serve as a decorative and mild exfoliant.
Other Additives: 1 tbsp high-proof alcohol, cornstarch (1 1/4 tsp) for stability.
Ingredients for Cold Process Soap Method:
Oils: 28 ounces coconut oil, 42 ounces olive oil, 12 ounces sunflower oil.
Lye: 11.73 ounces lye (ensure safety precautions are followed).
Distilled Water: 26 ounces strained rose petal water (infused with rose petals).
Essential Oils: 10 ml heartsong essential oil blend, 10 ml geranium essential oil.
Colorants: 1 tablespoon madder root powder for a rose-like color.
Additives: Dried rose petals and rose buds for decoration.
How Do I Make Homemade Rose Petal Soap?
Melt and Pour Method:
- Prepare the Soap Base: Cut the glycerin or goat’s milk melt and pour soap base into 1-inch pieces, place in a heat-safe bowl, and melt in the microwave.
- Add Colorants and Essential Oils: If using, add rose clay or pink mica and stir gently. Allow the soap base to cool slightly before adding the chosen essential oil blend.
- Prepare the Mold: Place a handful of dried or fresh rose petals into the soap molds, then pour the melted soap mixture slowly into the molds.
- Cool and Set: Lightly spray the surface with rubbing alcohol to prevent bubbles, and let the soap set for about 60 minutes before removing it from the mold.
Cold Process Method:
- Safety Precautions: Wear safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and long sleeves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Prepare the Lye and Oils: Mix lye and distilled water in a heat-proof container in an ice bath until it reaches 115°F. Heat the olive oil, lard (or plant-based alternative), and coconut oil in a double boiler until it reaches 115°F.
- Blend the Lye and Oils: Slowly pour the lye water into the oils and blend with an immersion blender until it reaches a light trace.
- Add Essential Oils and Colorants: Add the essential oils and blend again. Separate the soap batter into two bowls and add madder root powder to one bowl, then blend well.
- Pour into Mold: Pour the uncolored soap batter into the soap mold first, followed by the colored batter. Use a chopstick to swirl the colors together.
- Top with Rose Petals: Top the soap with dried rose petals and buds, then wrap the soap mold in a towel and let it sit in a warm place for 48 hours.
What Safety Precautions and Troubleshooting Tips Should I Know?
- Prevent Bubbles: Lightly spray the surface of the soap with rubbing alcohol after pouring it into the mold.
- Even Distribution of Petals: Ensure the rose petals are evenly distributed by gently pressing them into the soap after it has set slightly.
- Temperature Control: For melt and pour soap, ensure the soap base cools to the right temperature before adding essential oils to prevent scent dissipation.
- Lye Safety: When working with lye, always wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
How Can I Package Homemade Rose Petal Soap?
Materials and Dimensions:
- Soap Boxes: Use small, rectangular boxes that fit the dimensions of your soap bars (e.g., 3″ x 2″ x 1″).
- Wrapping Paper: Use decorative paper or tissue paper to wrap each soap bar individually.
- Twine or Ribbon: Add a touch of elegance with twine or ribbon around the wrapped soap.
Labeling Ideas:
- Include the ingredients, especially highlighting the use of rose petals and essential oils.
- Add a label with the name of the soap (e.g., “Rose Petal Bliss”) and any relevant instructions (e.g., “Moisturizing and Soothing”).
Estimated Costs:
- Soap Boxes: $5-$10 per pack of 20-50 boxes, depending on the size and quality.
- Wrapping Paper: $2-$5 per roll, depending on the quality and design.
- Twine or Ribbon: $1-$3 per spool, depending on the material and length.
References
- DIY Rose Soap – 3 Melt and Pour Soap Recipes – A Life Adjacent
https://alifeadjacent.com/diy-rose-soap/ - Gentle on the Skin Rose Soap Recipe – Garden Therapy
https://gardentherapy.ca/rose-soap/ - Easy DIY Rose Petal Soap – Busy Being Jennifer
https://busybeingjennifer.com/easy-diy-rose-petal-soap/ - How to Make Rose Petal Soap – The Spruce Crafts
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-make-rose-petal-soap-517153 - Rose Petal Soap Recipe – Soap Queen
https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/rose-petal-soap-recipe/
