Using Essential Oils in Soap

Short answer: essential oils work in soap, but they follow the same rules as fragrance oils. Check the IFRA limit for soap, since some essential oils have very low limits. Expect citrus oils to fade, and anchor them with deeper oils like patchouli or cedarwood.

Same rules as fragrance oils

IFRA limits. Essential oils have a maximum safe amount for soap (IFRA Category 9), just like fragrance oils. Some are very low.
Acceleration. Spicy and floral essential oils can speed up trace. See Why Did My Soap Seize or Thicken So Fast?
Discoloration. Some essential oils tint soap. Our lemongrass, for example, turns soap yellow.
Weigh them. Use the same rates as fragrance oils, within the IFRA limit. See How Much Fragrance Oil Should I Use in Soap?

Essential oils with low limits

Spicy essential oils like cinnamon leaf and clove are rich in eugenol, which has a low IFRA limit. Cinnamon leaf, for example, is often limited to well under 1% in soap. Always check the certificate for the exact oil you buy, because batches vary.

Citrus fades fast

Lemon and lime essential oils are bright top notes. They fade quickly in cold process soap.

Use a strong rate, within the IFRA limit.
Anchor them with a deeper oil. Lime with patchouli is a classic pairing.
For a citrus scent that lasts, try a citrus fragrance oil made for soap. See Why Did My Soap Lose Its Scent?

Our essential oils in soap

Each Nurture essential oil lists the soaps it's recommended for, plus its acceleration, discoloration and IFRA certificate, on the product page.

Good in cold process and melt and pour: Bulgarian Lavender, Lavender 40/42, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Cedarwood Virginia, Dark Patchouli, Bergamot, Lemon and Lime.
Melt and pour only: Rosemary.
Not for soap: our Lemongrass and Ylang Ylang III are recommended for candles and room scents only.

Browse them all in our essential oils collection.

Blending tips

Pair a top note with a base note: lavender with cedarwood, lime with patchouli, peppermint with eucalyptus.
Work out each oil's share of your total, then check that each one stays under its own IFRA limit.
Make a small test batch before a full one, especially with spicy oils.

Want us to take a look?

Thinking about an essential oil? Fragrance Check finds its IFRA limit and tells you how it behaves in soap. Already made the soap and something went wrong? Tell us in Fragrance Rescue.