Making Your Own Products

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Blending and Filling Instructions
Things to remember
1. We only use cosmetic grade fragrances in our products.
2. The more fragrance you use in a product, the more irritating it may become to  the skin, so keep it fairly light.
3. You should use no more than 8 liquid ounces of fragrance oil per 5 gallon pail  of unscented product base.
4. Essential oils should also be used in moderation.
5. Fragrance oil will cause the liquid product bases to become thinner and may discolor the product or cause the bath gels to become cloudy. This can vary from one fragrance to the next, so you should always test a small batch first before moving on to your larger production batch.
6. When choosing your final package (bottle, jar, etc.), keep in mind that all of these products, when completed, can be light sensitive. This means that if you package into a clear container and the product is exposed to light, your colors may fade and/or your fragrance may cause the product to discolor or become thinner over time. If you want to use a clear container, it is best to test for color stability on a smaller sample prior to making a larger production batch. Allow your sample to sit on a window sill for about a week or two just to see if the product will change.
7. The best way to protect your product's color is to fill into a opaque container and then pack the bottles into boxes or some other type of container which will minimize light exposure.
8. Food grade colors can be used to dye the unscented product bases. Food coloring which is available from your local grocery store should work just fine.
9. Make sure that all equipment used in the blending and filling process is clean and dry. For added protection, wipe all equipment down with rubbing alcohol and then rinse with water prior to use.
10. Ingredient statements are provided within this web site and should be included on your package label.

Blending Liquids
To blend an entire 5 gallon pail
We have found that when mixing an entire pail of product base, it is best to use a paint mixing prop with a power drill. The prop can be purchased from a hardware or home improvement store.

Remove the pail's lid by cutting the slots in the side of the lid with a razor knife and then prying it off.

Using your paint prop and power drill (on low speed), blend your fragrance first and then gradually add your color. Be sure to mix thoroughly.

To blend smaller quantities
Your pail's lid is equipped with a spout which allows you to either pour a desired amount of product from the pail, or you can screw a pail pump into the lid. Dispensing pumps for 5 gallon pails are available for purchase from this web site.

Pour or pump the desired amount of product base into a container such as a mixing bowl. By hand, mix your fragrance first, and then gradually add your color into the base.

An electric mixer may also work well and can be used to make blending a little easier. Be sure to mix thoroughly.

Filling liquids
Filling liquids into their final retail package can be accomplished in one of two ways: 1). By using a funnel, or 2). By using a pump. If you have blended an entire pail with one fragrance, snap the lid back on and use a pump to fill the product into the bottles.

If you have blended a smaller quantity, it may be easier to fill using a funnel.

Blending and filling salts
Salts should be blended in smaller batches and require a good amount of agitation in order to blend the fragrance and color evenly throughout the batch.

Add your fragrance first and then your color. Mix by hand.

Package into glass or plastic jars which can be purchased through American Packaging Company. See our 'bottles, jars and caps' page within this web site.

Melt and pour glycerin soap base
Soap melts faster and more evenly if cut into chunks prior to melting.

Melt the soap (double boiler method)
A double boiler is a two pan system; one on top which will hold your soap and one on the bottom which holds water. This type of pan should be used because it is best not have the soap pan directly over the heating element. Doing so could cause the soap to overheat. Make certain to keep the soap pan covered during the melting process in order to prevent a layer of hardened soap from forming on top and causing moisture loss.

Microwave method
In a microwave-safe bowl (we suggest a 4-cup pyrex measuring cup), melt your soap by setting the microwave on high for 2 minutes. Check your soap, then let it set for another 2 minutes. Continue to do this until the soap has melted. Try to avoid boiling, however, if it does boil for a short time, this probably will not cause a problem.

Add your fragrance
When the soap has completely melted, remove from heat source and add your fragrance while stirring. Do not exceed 1 tablespoon of fragrance per 1 pound of soap base. Doing so may cause skin irritation.

Add your color
Immediately after adding your fragrance, you can add your color. Add the color in slowly while stirring.

Pour into molds
Professional soap molds work best and are usually available at larger craft stores. Plastic candy molds also work well for guest size soaps. Pour your melted soap into the mold and let the air bubbles rise to the top. Spraying the soap lightly after it has been poured into the mold with rubbing alcohol will help to remove air bubbles from the surface.

Place the mold into a freezer for about 20 minutes. When the time is up, remove the mold from the freezer and let it sit out for a few minutes. The soap will then pop out of the mold.

Package your soap
You should package your finished soap bars into some type of plastic bag or wrapping in order to preserve your soap's fragrance.

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