Bursting with so much inspiration from my Botanical Skin Care and Art Retreat early this year, combined with the motivation to extend the use of the beautiful flowers and plants in my lovely garden, I’ve decided to try my hand at making Cold Processed Soap, making use of plants and flowers that are in bloom in my small garden.
First, I dried out the flowers and plants that I harvested (Bougainvillea flowers, Laurel leaves, Calendula, Plantain, Lemon Balm), and infuse some cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil with these dried plants. For my Hydrosol, I used freshly harvested Peonies and Jasmine flowers. These plants are known to have very healthy effects on the skin. Hydrosol is just distilled water mixed with essential oil from boiled plants, for those who are not familiar with it.
I got my oils — Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, and the rest of my ingredients from reputable suppliers in Spain, making organic and vegan cosmetics and skin care supplies. I did not use any synthetic perfumes. I only used Essential oils and aromas from organic sources, very sparingly because they are not very gentle on sensitive skin. The pigments that I used are also from vegan sources.
I managed to make three batches of soap. The first one was Olive oil infused with Bougainvillea and Laurel leaves. It also had coconut oil and Hydrosol from my peony flowers. I did not put any essential oil or aroma in it. It had its natural scent, which was still lovely. I used pink clay, which made it turn brown because of the olive’s green color. Pink + Green = Brown, of course. But it was a beautiful brown. I thought the pink clay would be enough to make the soap pink. But I thought wrong. But it was still a lovely soap, despite being brown.
My second batch also had Bougainvillea and Laurel leaves infused in Olive oil. It also had coconut oil. But I had lots of Jasmine flowers this time, so I used it for the Hydrosol to mix with the Lye, instead of plain distilled water. I also used real coloring powder for this one. I experimented with a combination of Pink and Green pigments. I was successful with the colors this time. I also added some Laurel essential oil, but just a hint of it.
The last batch of soap I made was with Calendula, Melisse (lemon balm) and Plantain. These are wonderful plants that have a lot of healing properties for the skin. I infused them in the olive oil as well. I also added some coconut oil and Jasmine Hydrosol. I used a beautiful yellow pigment this time and made it two-toned. I also added a Dulce de leche aroma, which smelled delicious!
The process of making my own soap was very calming and extremely satisfying. Especially when the finished product comes out of the mould, you try it for the first time, and it feels so natural and so much better than all the other soaps I have ever tried, not just because it had all the expectations — hardness, lather, and so gentle on the skin, but also because it reminds me so much of the time I spent taking care of my plants and appreciating the fact that they not only served to beautify my garden, but also served an extended purpose long after their beauty has faded. And I most especially find comfort and happiness in the fact that the flowers in my garden did not fade away for nothing. 💖
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