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Additives
Did you know you can add objects into your soap? Some additives may serve a purpose like exfoliating skin and others are purely decorative.
Ideas include:
Silk Flower Petals
When you are ready to pour your clear soap into your mold (which can be scented already), spray the surface lightly with alcohol. Pour a little soap into the mold, then add your flower (make sure stems are cut short enough where they won’t stick out of the back of the bar). Slowly pour more soap over the flower until full. They may move, so you can use a toothpick to hold them in place while you pour the rest of your soap.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be added to your soap for homemade exfoliation. It also has a soothing effect on most skin types.
Wheat Bran can also be tried in your soap for exfoliating purposes. It also adds a splash of brown color.
Seasonings/Herbs
You can add spices to you soap for a decorative effect. Maybe add a splash of color with parsley? Poppy seeds? Anything you would be curious to see in your soap. Some herbs may float to the top of the mold, however, so experiment and see what you find out.
Here are some potential herbs for use and their benefits:
1. Almonds - ground: known to improve circulation
2.Cinnamom - ground or whole: adds color and spicy scenting- known to be an astringent and stimulating (stress reducing)
3. Citrus Peel - ground lemon, orange, or lime peel: astringent
4. Lavender- dried buds provide relaxation in your soap scent
5. Rosemary- dried and whole: stimulates your body and helps circulation
6. Seaweed- helps to smooth out rough skin (you can use the dried "Nori" used in the grocery store)
Suggestions of herbs and their uses taken from "Melt and Pour Soapmaking" by Marie Browning (2000)