Soap Additives Chart

Ingredient Characteristics Usage Rate Note

agave nectar mild lather boost 1.5 tsp/ppo a vegan alternative to honey, adds label appeal,
1.5 tsp = 7.5 ml
aloe liquid extra bubbles replaces water replace all or part of the water in a recipe with aloe
moisturizing
avocado nourishing replaces portion use to replace about ¼ to 1/3 of the water in your recipe
adds essential fatty acids of water blend into oils before adding lye solution, keep cool
babassu oil adds hardness 10 to 25% often used to replace coconut oil
adds lather
beer extra bubbles replaces water boil off alcohol and cool before using; watch for overheating
darkens soap can replace part or all of the water in a recipe
beeswax hardens soap 0.5 to 3% melt beeswax with oils and soap at higher temperatures
reduces soda ash
bentonite clay adds “slip” to soap 1 tsp/ppo add to lye solution or dilute with water and blend in at
trace; 1 tsp = 3 g
carrot, juice or puree adds color replaces water for juice - replace part or all of the water in a recipe
high in nutrients for puree - replace about ¼ to 1/3 of the water in a recipe
castor oil boosts lather 3 to 15% Use the higher amount for shampoo bars for great lather

charcoal adds color & contrast 1 tsp/ppo use for contrasting swirls, popular in facial or “detox” soaps

cocoa powder adds color & contrast 1 tsp/ppo use for colored swirls, or to make a thin pencil line
between soap layers
coconut milk (liquid) boosts lather replaces water replace all or part of the water with coconut milk

coconut milk (powder) boosts lather ½ tbsp/ppo blend into warmed oils before adding lye solution;
1 tbsp = 8 g
coconut oil adds hardness 10 to 30% if using at 100% in salt & brine bars, increase superfat to
adds lather 20% to prevent dryness
PPO = Per Pound of Oil in your recipe. 1 pound = 16 oz = 454 g
Soap Additives Chart [Link] 1
 Soap Additives Chart
Ingredient Affect On Soap Usage Rate Note
coffee, grounds exfoliation 1 tsp/ppo used grounds are less likely to bleed color into soap;
1 tsp = 1.5 g
coffee, liquid darkens soap replaces water replace all or part of the water with cold coffee

cornmeal exfoliation ½ tsp/ppo use sparingly in hand soaps for gardeners & mechanics;
½ tsp = 1.5 g
goat or cow milk boosts lather replaces water freeze milk, add lye slowly, soap at cooler temperatures
(liquid) adds creaminess
goat or cow milk boosts lather ½ tbsp/ppo blend into warmed oils before adding lye solution;
(powder) 1 tbsp = 8 g
honey boosts lather up to 1 tsp/ppo heats up soap, affects color (more tan/golden); 1 tsp = 5 ml
nourishes skin
kaolin clay, white cleans & softens skin 1 tsp/ppo sometimes used to lighten or whiten soaps,
depending on whiteness of clay
molasses nourishing 1 tsp/ppo sometimes used in shampoo bars to strengthen
and soften hair
oats exfoliation 1 tsp/ppo grind in a coffee grinder to a fine powder; 1 tsp = 2.5 g
soothes itchy skin
poppy seeds exfoliation ½ tsp/ppo gives an attractive speckled look to soap; ½ tsp = 1.5 g

pumpkin puree nutritious 0.5 to 1 oz/ppo blend into oils before adding lye solution or blend in at trace
adds color reduce water amount in recipe by the amount of pumpkin
rhassol clay cleans & softens skin 1 tsp/ppo add to lye solution or dilute with water and blend in at trace
nourishes hair
salt hardens soap ½ tsp/ppo stir into hot lye solution; salt & brine bars require much more

sand exfoliation ¼ tsp/ppo use very sparingly as too much will be harsh on skin

PPO = Per Pound of Oil in your recipe. 1 pound = 16 oz = 454 g

Soap Additives Chart [Link] 2
 Soap Additives Chart
Ingredient Affect On Soap Usage Rate Note
silk silky feel tiny pinch adds luxury and a wonderful feel to soaps

sodium lactate hardens soap 1 tsp/ppo add to cooled lye solution

sugar boosts lather 1 tsp/ppo dissolve in 1 tbsp water/ppo and blend in at light trace

apple cider vinegar (ACV) enriches soap replaces water replace a portion of the water in a recipe with ACV
increases superfat let lye solution cool before adding
wine extra bubbles replaces water boil off alcohol and cool before using; watch for overheating
darkens soap can replace part or all of the water in a recipe
yogurt adds creaminess 0.5 oz/ppo stick blend into oils before adding cooled lye solution
reduce water amount by amount of yogurt used

PPO = Per Pound of Oil in your recipe. 1 pound = 16 oz = 454 g

Soap Additives Chart [Link] 3