Teach Soap

I'm looking to create an insect repellent M&P. I have citronella, cedarwood, catnip, and lemongrass but don't know how much of each to put into 2 pounds of mixed (goatmilk,shea,oatmeal,white) bb m&p. Also, I'd like to add a bit of argan oil..but how much to not compromise the soap hardening. Am I being a bit too ambitious?

Try AM's blog and their fragrance calculator. It looks like you could add some wonderful Eo's for bug repellant suds!


Notes from Bramble Berry About Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil:
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil: The aroma has a strong camphoric bottom note with a refreshing lemony top note similar to citronella. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is an ingredient that's key to some of today's leading brand natural insect repellents. It's a wonderful alternative for those wanting to avoid insect repellent that uses the chemical DEET. The EPA has registered lemon eucalyptus essential oil to be safe and as effective as low concentrations of DEET. The EPA also states that this essential oil can repel those nasty little critters for up to 6 hours. Suggested usage rate is 30-40% in sprayable applications. It's also used in aroma therapy applications for it's relaxing qualities. It can be added to lotions, soaps, or facial cleansers. The aroma pairs well with wood or citrus essential oils.

You can add up to 1 TBS of a butter or oil per lb. of MP base. Anything more then that and you will start loosing bubbles and it can make the soap soft.
I haven't made this soap before as I couldn't sell it as a insect repellent soap due to US rules and regs. But feel free to make this soap for yourself.
I would research each essential oil separately as each has a different safety %.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I made a lotion last year with the EO's you mentioned except catnip, plus I added eucalyptus. I would have used catnip also but I have cats and I was afraid of the chaos it would bring. I still got some bites but maybe less than if I wasn't wearing anything. My friend used some and didn't get any mosquito bites. Good luck with your soap!

Irena, I think you already answered the question that popped into my head. Does claiming a soap is an insect repellent change labeling requirements? Does that fall under medical or cosmetic or something else?

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Jennifer
Doing my best to blow up my kitchen. In style!

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I figured as much, but it's even worse than I thought. Thanks Irena!

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Jennifer
Doing my best to blow up my kitchen. In style!

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.