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 Anyone used Benzoin in CP soap before?
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Author Herbal Wisdom: Previous Topic Anyone used Benzoin in CP soap before? Next Topic  

lamarguerite farm
True Blue Farmgirl

649 Posts

missy
Battle Ground Wa
USA
649 Posts

Posted - May 11 2007 :  4:52:14 PM  Show Profile
I have read a couple of soap making books recently and never new that benzoin exhisted. It has a wonderful mild vanilla smell, but what I ordered was an absolute and I was expecting a liquied. It came in the form of powder and some larger crystals. I'm not quite sure what to do with it?! Will it dissolve with the heat of the soap or do I need to dissolve ahead of time? Help!! I don't want to end of with little granules or chunks in my soap.

Blessings,

Missy

If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen
http://18happyhens.blogspot.com
www.LaMargueriteFarm.com

Alee
True Blue Farmgirl

22941 Posts

Alee
Worland Wy
USA
22941 Posts

Posted - May 11 2007 :  9:48:09 PM  Show Profile  Send Alee a Yahoo! Message
I would probably try dissolving it in your liquid first. Just a guess though since I have never heard of it before.

Alee
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl

1014 Posts

Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts

Posted - May 12 2007 :  08:20:47 AM  Show Profile
I dont know, but I can try to make a couple calls for you. I know peeps use it in perfume making, but I have no idea if it is strong enough to survive the saponification of soap.... basically I dont know anyone who uses it in their soap, not that they havent tried.

E-
BotanicalBath@peoplepc.com
www.Botanical-Bath.com
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl

1014 Posts

Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts

Posted - May 12 2007 :  08:59:11 AM  Show Profile
Ok here is the scoop on benzoin in soap. It will not scent soap enough to make a nice vanilla soap. Although it can be added, it is an skin irritant, so it should be used with some caution. I have no idea what the optimal % would be to get scent and be non irritating. Vanilla absolute really is cost prohibitive to add to soap, Vanilla extract and vanilla beans will not smell like vanilla when your soap is finished. Best saved for cookies. Vanilla Fragrance will turn your soap dark brown, and most will have a distinct play doh note in your finished soap. :x If you have to have a vanilla scented soap, http://www.soapdishforum.com/soapsaver/auctiondetails.php?itemname=IFT-and-LN-Rose-Absolute-CoOp&id=118637 is having a co-op on Vanilla Fragrance oil. It is strong and no play doh smell at all BUT it will turn Dark Brown, Med brown with TD added. I know, I am actually the one who tested these.

E-
BotanicalBath@peoplepc.com
www.Botanical-Bath.com
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lamarguerite farm
True Blue Farmgirl

649 Posts

missy
Battle Ground Wa
USA
649 Posts

Posted - May 12 2007 :  09:00:19 AM  Show Profile
The last three books I've gotten have recipes with benzoin. It smells wonderful but not a strong scent.One book uses a 1/2 tsp powdered or tincture of benzoin in a 2lb batch. I have a Sandy Maine book that uses 1 oz. in a 5lb batch, but doesn't specify it it's powder or liquid. this will be a great substitute for real vanilla or the fragrances that turn your soap dark brown it it truly holds up. I may try warming my carrier oil and see if it will dissolve in that.

Blessings,

Missy

If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen
http://18happyhens.blogspot.com
www.LaMargueriteFarm.com
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lamarguerite farm
True Blue Farmgirl

649 Posts

missy
Battle Ground Wa
USA
649 Posts

Posted - May 12 2007 :  09:04:17 AM  Show Profile
oops, we must have been typing at the same time!! haha

Thanks so much for checking that out for me. I'm glad I only bought an ounce. Darn, I was so hopeful!!

Thanks!! ((hugs))

Missy

If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen
http://18happyhens.blogspot.com
www.LaMargueriteFarm.com
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl

1014 Posts

Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts

Posted - May 12 2007 :  09:17:59 AM  Show Profile
I would love to hear the results of your soap with benzoin. Other than Cravitch's how to's in her books, I think there is much better soap recipes on Kathy Millers site, and on any soap forum off the net, there are 100's of recipes posted to share. Some are better than other If you read though the threads, peeps are not shy about what works or doesnt. Reading and learning from others mistakes will save you a lot of time trouble and money. If you post this question on the dish, I am sure you will get replies from soapers who have tried it. I just happened to call someone who has a clinical chemistry background and happens to be a soaper too.

E-
BotanicalBath@peoplepc.com
www.Botanical-Bath.com
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lamarguerite farm
True Blue Farmgirl

649 Posts

missy
Battle Ground Wa
USA
649 Posts

Posted - May 12 2007 :  09:22:22 AM  Show Profile
Thanks Beth!

If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen
http://18happyhens.blogspot.com
www.LaMargueriteFarm.com
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl

1014 Posts

Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts

Posted - May 12 2007 :  09:55:26 AM  Show Profile
No problemo! Anytime. I have been in the soap biz for a long time... So I also have a lot of soaper friends. Since we all have different strengths, it is nice that I can get good info with a phone call. It is also nice if I need something in a flash, one of them usually has some on hand.

E-
BotanicalBath@peoplepc.com
www.Botanical-Bath.com
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