Melt & Pour Additive Guide
Guide for melt and pour additive
Reference guide for maximum recommended additive amounts in melt & pour soap bases. Exceeding these can cause sweating, softening, or poor lather.
Key rule: Total additives should not exceed 3-5% of base weight. Melt base to 140-150°F maximum to preserve clarity and lather.
Fragrance Oil
Min
2%
Max
3%
Add at 140-150°F. Stir gently to avoid bubbles. Too much causes sweating.
Essential Oil
Min
1%
Max
3%
Some EO accelerate trace. Add at cool temperatures. Check IFRA limits.
Mica Powder
Min
0.5 tsp
Max
1 tsp per lb
Mix with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or oil before adding. Gives shimmer.
Oxide Pigment
Min
0.25 tsp
Max
1 tsp per lb
Disperse in oil first. Provides opaque, solid color. Very concentrated.
Liquid Dye
Min
2-3 drops
Max
8-10 drops per lb
Water-soluble dyes can bleed. Use soap-safe dyes only. Very little needed.
Botanicals / Flowers
Min
0.5 tbsp
Max
1 tbsp per lb
Most botanicals turn brown in soap. Use on top or embed. Dried flowers work best.
Clay
Min
0.5 tsp
Max
1 tsp per lb
Bentonite, kaolin, or French green clay. Disperse in water first. Adds slip and detox.
Exfoliants
Min
0.5 tbsp
Max
1 tbsp per lb
Pumice, oatmeal, seeds, coffee grounds. Add just before pouring. Can sink if base is too hot.
Butters / Oils
Min
0.5 tbsp
Max
1 tbsp per lb
Shea, cocoa, or mango butter. Adds moisturizing. Too much softens the bar.
Aloe Vera
Min
0.5 tsp
Max
1 tsp per lb
Use aloe vera gel. Soothing and moisturizing. Too much reduces lather.
Honey
Min
0.5 tsp
Max
1 tbsp per lb
Adds humectant properties. May darken soap. Dissolve in small amount of warm water first.
Glitter
Min
Pinch
Max
0.5 tsp per lb
Use cosmetic-grade glitter only. Some countries restrict microplastic glitter in rinse-off.
General M&P Tips
- • Spray with rubbing alcohol after pouring to remove surface bubbles
- • Work quickly — M&P base sets faster than cold process
- • Store finished soaps in airtight wrapping to prevent sweating
- • Use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts to melt base
Melt And Pour Additive Guide — bila malipo, haraka, na inafanya kazi katika kivinjari chako. Hakuna usanidi unaohitajika, fungua tu na uanze kuitumia.
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