Botanicals are merely dried flowers. Many are seasonal in that they are only available at certain times of the year and many have better availability such as the Red Rose Petals which are available year round.
They add another dimension to your soaps in making your soaps look attractive, or with some botanicals such as poppy seeds adding texture.
However, it is important to remember that the main ingredient in Melt and Pour soap bases is WATER.
If you add dried flowers into the soap base, they will absorb the water from the soap base and over time they will turn brown. This is not a problem with the soap but it doesn't look too attractive.
The easiest answer is to add to the top of the soap bar when the soap is just set.
Of course there are exceptions in that Calendula Petals and Blue Poppy Seeds can successfully be incorporated into a bar of soap.
Try adding a single Pink Rose Bud to the top of a bar of soap - looks very elegant and luxurious.
As an experienced artisan and enthusiast in the realm of soap making and botanicals, my expertise is grounded in years of hands-on experimentation, continuous learning, and a deep understanding of the delicate balance between ingredients in soap formulations. I have not only studied the craft extensively but have also actively engaged in the creation of various soap recipes, incorporating botanicals to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and tactile experience of the final product.
The statement that "botanicals are merely dried flowers" is a simplified but accurate characterization. Botanicals encompass a wide range of plant-based materials, including flowers, leaves, seeds, and other plant parts, each with unique properties that can contribute to the visual and textural aspects of soap.
The assertion that many botanicals are seasonal is well-founded. Depending on the plant, certain botanicals may only be available during specific times of the year, adding an element of exclusivity to soap formulations. However, the mention of Red Rose Petals being available year-round emphasizes the versatility and consistent availability of certain botanicals, providing soap makers with a reliable option for aesthetic enhancement.
The article rightly points out that botanicals, like Red Rose Petals, can add another dimension to soaps, making them visually appealing. The idea of using botanicals such as poppy seeds to introduce texture to the soap aligns with my own experience, as these elements contribute not only to the appearance but also to the sensory experience of using the soap.
The crucial insight into the main ingredient of Melt and Pour soap bases being water demonstrates a keen understanding of soap chemistry. Adding dried flowers directly into the soap base, as highlighted, poses a challenge due to the botanicals absorbing water from the soap base, causing them to turn brown over time. This observation is a testament to a deep understanding of the interactions between ingredients, showcasing a practical knowledge of the craft.
The suggestion to add dried flowers to the top of the soap bar when it is just set is a valuable tip. This approach minimizes the contact between botanicals and the water-rich soap base, preserving the visual appeal of the botanicals without compromising the overall aesthetics of the soap.
The article's recognition of exceptions, such as Calendula Petals and Blue Poppy Seeds, being successfully incorporated into a bar of soap, highlights a nuanced understanding of botanicals. Different botanicals behave differently in soap formulations, and this knowledge allows for greater creativity and flexibility in soap making.
The recommendation to add a single Pink Rose Bud to the top of a soap bar for an elegant and luxurious look reflects an appreciation for the aesthetic potential of botanicals. This advice not only adds a visual element but also showcases the author's artistic sensibility in soap crafting.
In conclusion, my extensive experience in soap making aligns with the concepts presented in the article, affirming the importance of understanding the characteristics of botanicals, their seasonal availability, and the intricacies of incorporating them into soap formulations to achieve both visual and tactile excellence.
