It is important to me to know what is in my self-care products and to have the option to customize the ingredients to meet my family’s needs. I started making my own hair and skin care products many years ago. Eight years ago this evolved into making my soap. It has now become a ritual; an activity that I truly look forward to and I love doing with my friends and family. Over the years I have consistently used five ingredients and have made these ingredients my top five soap making ingredients.
Each year I make several batches of cold processed soap. I use organic cold processed ingredients when possible, and I combine my oils and butters with botanicals from my garden and the local farmers market. In addition, I also like to include essential oils such as lavender, sweet orange and ylang-ylang. Essential oils are a wonderful addition and provide their benefits.
Here are my top five soap making ingredients:
- Coconut Oil – I learned how to make coconut oil as a child, and I can not remember a time when I did not use coconut oil. The moisturizing benefits and amazing smell of fresh coconut oil are two reasons for this oil being on this list. A little bit of coconut oil can go a long way. It is almost 100% fat, moisturizes dry skin and has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.
- Grapeseed Oil – This oil is light and great to use for infusions. It is a wonderful carrier oil that combines perfectly with botanicals and essential oils. Grapeseed oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and is a good source of vitamin E. It penetrates your skin quickly and does not leave your skin feeling oily. Great for combination, sensitive and oily skin types.
- Avocado Oil – This oil is pressed from the pulp of an avocado and is high in fatty acids and antioxidants. Avocado oil promotes wound healing and overall skin health. It has a high amount of oleic acid and is a good source of vitamins A and E. The fatty acids in avocado oil can also help the skin retain its elasticity. It is a great oil for several skin types; such as, normal, dry, sensitive and mature.
- Olive Oil – This may be one of the most used oils on this list. Olive oil has many nutritional benefits when consumed, but can also be applied to the skin and hair. It acts as an antioxidant when applied to the skin. Antioxidants may prevent premature aging.
- Shea Butter – This butter requires no introduction. Shea butter is sourced from West Africa, it has been used for centuries as a self-care product and can be found in countless commercial products. Its benefits include moisturizing and healing properties. It has a high concentration of vitamins A, E, and F, and is rich in fatty acids. This amazing butter is light on the skin and is easily absorbed. It leaves the skin beautifully moisturized and is a key ingredient in virtually every self-care product I make; including soap, hair creams and body butters.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed learning more about my top five soap making ingredients. The overall benefits of these oils and butters make them ideal ingredients in self-care products. They have been a part of my self-care routine for many years and have made their way into our Soap Making Kit. When combined these oils create a wonderful moisturizing soap. The benefits to my skin and hair have been amazing and my entire family have also benefited.
What are your favourite oils and butters? Has any of my favourites made it onto your list?