shea butter and castor oil mix for skin

HONEYCRISP APPLE COLD PROCESS SOAP RECIPE

Washington state is renowned for its delicious apples, and it’s no surprise that the state produces 6 out of every 10 apples consumed in the U.S.! To showcase this local gem, we’ve incorporated applesauce from BelleWood Acres, one of Northwest Washington’s largest apple orchards. Located just 15 minutes from the Bramble Berry offices, BelleWood Acres is a beloved part of the local community, and using their applesauce in this cold process soap is a great way to support nearby makers.

While many associate apples with traditional red and green colors, this soap draws inspiration from the Honeycrisp apple, featuring shades of bright red, pink, green, and a hint of yellow. A Hanger Swirl technique creates beautiful vertical color patterns reminiscent of the stripes found on Honeycrisp apples. The Apple Macintosh Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil gives the soap a fruity, slightly tart scent, perfect for bringing a fresh, apple-filled vibe to your skincare routine.

If you’ve never added a puree to your soap before, don’t worry! Adding applesauce to this cold process recipe is easy and safe. The applesauce goes through the saponification process, just like the oils and lye. The high pH of the soap batter ensures that the applesauce will not spoil in the soap (which is why adding purees to melt-and-pour soaps is not recommended).

To accommodate the extra water in the applesauce, this recipe includes a 10% water discount. I also recommend soaping at slightly cooler temperatures to counteract the natural sugars in the applesauce, which can accelerate the trace. If you live in a hot climate, placing the soap in the fridge after pouring it into the mold can help keep the temperatures in check. The natural sugars will also contribute to a nice, fluffy lather in the final bars.

When choosing your applesauce, be sure it doesn’t contain added preservatives or extra ingredients, as these could cause unpredictable results in your soap. Stick with pure applesauce for the best outcome!

What You’ll Need:

10″ Silicone Loaf Mold
Hanger Swirl Tool
9.5 oz. Olive Oil (27%)
10.5 oz. Coconut Oil (30%)
8.8 oz. Palm Oil (25%)
1.8 oz. Shea Butter (5%)
3.5 oz. Avocado Oil (10%)
1 oz. Castor Oil (3%)
5 oz. Sodium Hydroxide Lye
10.4 oz. Distilled Water (10% water discount)
2 oz. Applesauce
1.7 oz. Apple Macintosh Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil 
Buttercup Mica
Kermit Green Mica
Sunset Orange Mica
Raspberry Mica

Safety First:
Before beginning, always prioritize safety. Ensure you are wearing goggles, gloves, and long sleeves while working with lye. Keep children, pets, and any other distractions out of the soaping area. It’s crucial to work in a well-ventilated space when making soap.

Color Preparation:
In separate containers, mix:

  • 1 tsp. Buttercup Mica and 1 tsp. Sunset Orange Mica with 1 tablespoon of lightweight liquid oil.
  • 1/2 tsp. Kermit Green Mica and 1/2 tsp. Raspberry Mica with 1/2 tablespoon of lightweight liquid oil (such as sweet almond or sunflower oil).
    Use a mini mixer to ensure there are no clumps and the mica is fully dispersed.

Fragrance Preparation:
Measure out 1.7 ounces of Apple Macintosh Fragrance Oil into a glass container that’s safe for fragrance oils. Set aside.

Apple Preparation:
Measure 2 ounces of applesauce and set aside for later use.

Steps for Soapmaking:

Step One:
Carefully add the lye to the water and gently stir until it is fully dissolved and the liquid appears clear. Set the lye solution aside to cool. If you want a firmer soap that releases more easily from the mold, consider adding sodium lactate to the cooled lye water. Use 1 teaspoon of sodium lactate per pound of oils in the recipe, which in this case would be 2 teaspoons.

Step Two:
Fully melt and combine the coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, castor oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. Be sure to melt and mix the entire amount of palm oil before measuring and adding it. Once the oils are fully melted, add the applesauce and use a stick blender to mix for about a minute. Blending the applesauce into the oils before adding the lye helps to create a smoother consistency without speeding up trace.

Step Three:
Once the oils and applesauce mixture is well blended, carefully add the lye water to the oils. Use a stick blender to mix until you reach a thin trace. After about 10-20 seconds of blending, you’ll begin to notice the soap batter darkening into a honey-like color. This change is due to the natural sugars in the applesauce, which react during the saponification process.

Step Four:
After reaching a thin trace, divide the soap batter into four equal containers, each holding about 400 mL of soap. Take a moment to admire the beautiful color change! The batter should have transformed into a rich, honey-toned shade, thanks to the applesauce’s natural sugars.

Step Five:
Add the following amounts of dispersed mica into each container. Use a whisk to fully incorporate the color into the soap batter:

  • Container A (Pink): 1 tsp. dispersed Raspberry Mica + 1 tsp. Sunset Orange Mica
  • Container B (Green): 1 tsp. dispersed Kermit Green Mica
  • Container C (Orange): 1 tsp. dispersed Sunset Orange Mica
  • Container D (Yellow): All of the dispersed Buttercup Mica

Step Six:
Evenly divide the Apple Macintosh Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil into each container (it’s fine to eyeball it). Use a whisk to fully incorporate the fragrance oil into each container of soap batter, ensuring that the scent is evenly distributed throughout the soap.

Step Seven:
Begin pouring stripes of each color down the length of the mold. The order in which you pour the colors doesn’t matter, so feel free to start with any color. For this tutorial, the order was orange, followed by pink, green, and yellow. Pour the colors from varying heights to allow them to break through and mix into the layers below. Don’t worry about being overly precise—this part is about creating a fun, natural swirl effect!

Step Eight:
Continue pouring the colors into the mold, aiming for about four pours of each color. As you fill the mold, you’ll notice that the layers start to build up. Once you’re almost at the top, leave a small amount of each color to reserve for the top layer. This will allow you to create a nice finishing touch on the soap’s surface.

Step Nine:
Insert the Hanger Swirl Tool into one side of the mold, all the way to the bottom. Drag the hanger against the bottom of the mold toward you, covering about 1/8th of the way. Once you’ve dragged the hanger, pull it up slowly until it nearly breaks through the top of the soap, but don’t let it fully break the surface. Then, move the hanger slightly over and push it back down into the soap, dragging it along the bottom again for another 1/8th of the mold. Continue this process, bringing the hanger up just before it reaches the top, moving it over, and pushing it back down. Repeat the motion, but this time go in the opposite direction to create a swirling effect. Remember, this doesn’t need to be perfect—imperfections can make the design look even more unique and beautiful!

Step Ten:
Gently tap the mold on the counter to help release any trapped air bubbles and settle the soap batter. Once that’s done, drizzle each color on top of the soap, following the length of the mold. This will add a beautiful finishing touch and enhance the swirl effect when you cut the soap later.

Step Eleven:
Take a chopstick or dowel and gently insert it into the very top layer of the soap. You only want to swirl the top layer to create a nice effect without disturbing the rest of the soap. Drag the tool down the length of the mold, but do so in the opposite direction of how you poured the soap on top. This will create the most visually interesting swirl pattern. Be careful not to over-swirling, as it could cause the colors to blend together and lose their vibrant separation. Once you’re satisfied with the design, lightly spritz the surface with 99% isopropyl alcohol to prevent soda ash from forming as it cures.

Step Twelve:
Due to the extra sugar content in the applesauce, this soap may go through a gel phase, causing it to get quite hot. If you’re working in a cooler room temperature, you can leave the soap out on the counter without insulation for the first 24 hours. However, if you’re in a hotter climate, it’s best to place the soap into the fridge for 2 hours or even overnight to keep temperatures manageable. After the initial curing phase, let the soap sit in the mold for about 3 days to fully harden.

Once the soap has set, carefully remove it from the mold and cut it into bars. Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks before using to ensure they reach their full hardness and lather potential. Enjoy your homemade Honeycrisp Apple soap!

Conclusion

Making Honeycrisp Apple Cold Process Soap is a fun and rewarding way to create a beautiful, fragrant, and unique soap. By incorporating local ingredients like applesauce, you not only enhance the soap’s natural qualities, such as a fluffy lather, but you also support your local community. With the vibrant colors inspired by the apples, and the addition of Apple Macintosh fragrance oil, your bars will evoke the sweet and tart essence of fresh apples.

The process requires attention to detail, from the careful mixing of oils and lye to the precise pouring and swirling of colors, but the result is a batch of soap that’s both visually stunning and gentle on the skin. After curing, you’ll have a delightful soap that you can enjoy or gift to others, knowing you’ve created something special from scratch. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own handmade soap!

The 16 best hair growth oils, Tested by Experts

Everyone wishes to have healthy, soft, and shiny hair. However, our hair is not always as beautiful as we desire. Sometimes, hair can get tangled, broken, or lose its shape. We should change the way we take care of our hair every day to have long, smooth, and beautiful hair. That’s why the demand for hair care products is increasing. To keep your hair soft and smooth, it is important to use conditioner along with washing and rinsing your hair, as well as using a hair conditioner for hair growth. If you want to learn more about hair care products, check out our list of the 16 best hair growth oils that will make your hair look gorgeous. Keep scrolling.

The Benefits of hair growth oil 

Using hair growth oils can offer various benefits for maintaining healthy and vibrant hair. These oils are rich in essential nutrients and vitamins that nourish the scalp and hair follicles, promoting stronger and shinier locks. Additionally, many hair growth oils have moisturizing properties, preventing dryness and reducing the risk of split ends.

Some oils also possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can contribute to a healthier scalp environment and may aid in preventing issues like dandruff. Regular application of these oils can improve blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair growth and reducing hair loss. With their natural conditioning abilities, hair growth oils provide an effective and holistic approach to achieving and maintaining luscious, resilient hair.

16 Best Hair Growth Oils Recommended By Expert

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Many experts and people really like this oil, and there are good reasons for that. It contains biotin and peppermint oil, both known to help hair grow. Additionally, it moisturizes hair and prevents breakage. The formula includes a blend of more than 30 different oils, such as castor and lavender oils. Priced under $10, you only need a few drops per use. According to dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritskey, it features rosemary oil, a proven ingredient for promoting hair regrowth, and it can also strengthen your hair follicles. It’s an excellent choice to keep your hair healthy and strong. However, some reviewers found it too heavy and thick for their hair.

Easy Naturals Advanced Hair Growth Oil

This oil is a great choice for promoting hair growth, made with a blend of essential oils, including rosemary, peppermint, and lavender, all known for their hair-boosting benefits. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, ensuring it won’t weigh your hair down. The company also markets it as a hair growth serum. Easy Naturals hair growth serum effectively wakes up dormant hair follicles, thanks to its nutrient-rich and organic ingredients, promoting rapid hair growth and maintaining overall hair health. The product, which includes a massage brush, enhances the experience by increasing blood flow to your scalp. While some rare cases suggest possible allergies or rashes due to ingredients, such occurrences are infrequent.

Wild Growth Hair Oil

This oil is a budget-friendly choice that works well. It’s made with a mix of castor oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E, all beneficial for promoting hair growth. It also keeps your hair moisturized and stops it from breaking. David Petrillo, a cosmetic chemist, highly recommends Wild Growth Hair Oil, listing it among his top choices. The formulation incorporates a blend of essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and jojoba. According to Petrillo, jojoba oil is commonly utilized for scalp and hair moisturization, although there is limited research on its specific impact on hair growth. Nevertheless, it is believed to contribute to overall hair health. The recommended usage involves applying a few drops of the oil one to three times a week, ensuring the longevity of the four-ounce bottle. The drawback of this product is its smell. Some reviewers don’t like how it smells.

Vegamour GRO Hair Serum

This serum is a game-changer for those with sensitive scalps. It’s made with a blend of plant-based ingredients, including red clover, mung bean sprouts, and turmeric, all of which have clinically proven hair-boosting benefits. These ingredients help recharge cells, improve skin and hair health, stimulate the hair growth cycle, and prevent future hair loss. The serum is suitable for all hair types and curl patterns, especially effective in adding volume and density to your hair. The only caveat is its cost – a 1 oz. bottle is priced at $64, providing 30 days of continuous use before needing a replacement. Alternatively, you can opt for a value pack containing three bottles, ensuring the recommended 90 days of use.

Kitsch Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth & Healthy Scalp

This oil is pure rosemary oil, great for stimulating the scalp and promoting hair growth. It’s also moisturizing and helps prevent breakage. Formulated with scalp-friendly ingredients like castor oil, Kitsch Pre-Wash Scalp Oil is designed to loosen buildup before shampooing. It’s naturally fragranced with a calming lavender scent. The oil is meant to be left on for 10 minutes, which is ideal if you don’t like leaving oil on your scalp for long periods. The bottle is made of recyclable aluminum, and the dropper is made of recycled plastic. It is important to note that this product is not suited for those who stick to unscented products.

Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil

Mauli Rituals promotes the application of its Grow Strong Hair Oil through a soothing head massage. The oil can be purchased with or without a comb, providing additional scalp stimulation. The recommended usage involves applying a few drops twice a week for the initial six weeks, followed by once per week. It can be left on for 20 minutes or overnight before washing, or applied to strands for managing dry ends. Enriched with beneficial plant-derived ingredients like amla and Bhringraj oils, the product has garnered positive reviews for imparting glossiness and shine to fine, naturally gray hair, as well as promoting regrowth. Due to its effectiveness, the price is relatively high and is rarely discounted. 

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum

If your scalp gets dry and flaky due to weather changes or not drinking enough water, a good solution is to use a moisturizing serum in your hair care routine. The Briogeo Charcoal and Tea Tree Treatment is a great choice. It contains ingredients like binchotan charcoal (cleansing), biotin (for hair growth), peppermint, and tea tree oil (soothing for dry and irritated scalps), and witch hazel (controls oil). This product hydrates and calms dry, irritated skin. In tests, it increased scalp hydration by up to two times. It works well with all hair types, so everyone can enjoy its nourishing benefits. However, it’s important to note that the mint ingredient in this serum may leave a tingling sensation, which may not be appreciated by everyone.

Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp & Hair Oil Treatment

Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, recommends Kiehl’s Magic Elixir. She appreciates its versatility as a pre-shampoo treatment, nourishing the scalp and hair for overall improved health. The application involves leaving it on a dry scalp for 10 minutes before rinsing or washing the hair. Suitable for all hair types, including fine hair, it is fragrance-free and features ingredients like rosemary oil and moisturizing avocado oil. Some user’s positive reviews note significant improvements in hair thickness, softness, shine, and relief from scalp itchiness after just three uses. However, it scored poorly in terms of environmental impact compared to other products.

Squigs Beauty Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

Experience the benefits of our award-winning headcare treatment, designed to promote strong, shiny hair and maintain a healthy scalp. Squigs hair oil features amla oil, derived from the gooseberry plant, a beauty treatment deeply rooted in Indian traditions for centuries. Setting us apart from other hair oils, our products are free from unnecessary fragrances and dyes that may lead to a dry, itchy, and irritated scalp. For optimal results, we recommend leaving it on overnight to fully indulge in the transformative experience. This oil is an excellent choice for individuals with oily hair and is particularly beneficial for those with dry and combination hair.

Leonor Greyl Régénérescence Naturelle

Leonor Greyl Régénerescence Naturelle has a mix of 16 oils, and some are grown without chemicals. These oils work together to feed your hair and scalp and help your hair grow. To get the best results, you should leave the treatment on for 15 minutes to overnight. This product is good for people who like things that are vegan, don’t harm animals, don’t have silicones, and don’t have fake ingredients. The oil comes in a small bottle with a rollerball, so it’s easy to put on without making a mess. It’s a bit expensive, though.

Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum

Pattern Beauty is famous for creating products that love curls. One of their special products is the Jojoba Oil Hair Serum, which goes beyond just curls. This serum gives an extra dose of moisture, and while anyone can use it, it’s especially great for hair with low porosity. Low porosity hair is often straight or wavy but still has some texture. This hair type tends to accumulate residue on the scalp so, it needs a very light product. This formula has a lot of jojoba oil, and it also has safflower, rosehip, olive, and lavender oils. These oils help fix damaged hair and keep moisture in your scalp and strands. Those with high porosity hair may find this oil too thin to penetrate their strands.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is a really effective treatment, especially if your hair has been damaged by chemicals like dyes or perms. What makes it special is that it has patented ingredients. These special ingredients have a great effect in repairing broken bonds in hair, making it stronger and stimulating hair growth. No. 3 Hair Perfector™ is an innovative bonding agent that repairs damage right from the start, at the molecular level. That’s why it’s trusted by stylists, editors, and those looking for healthy hair. Patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™ helps rebuild broken disulfide bonds to restore strength for visibly healthier hair. The cost may seem a bit high, and in some use cases, breakage is also a disadvantage of this product.

Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil

Ceremonia Aceite de Moska is an oil you put on your hair before washing to help with itchy and flaky scalp and make your hair grow healthy. They suggest using a massager to put it on your scalp, leaving it for 15 minutes or overnight, and then washing your hair. Ceremonia cares about the environment and uses packaging that’s 30 to 100 percent recycled. They’re plastic-negative, meaning they take out more plastic from nature than they use, which helps with recycling. People really like it! Someone said it helped with dry hair and hair loss after having a baby. But, be careful if you don’t like strong smells.

Moroccanoil Treatment

A multitasking hair treatment infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and essential fatty acids for a healthier look. Rated as the number 1 hair conditioner in the US. The outstanding benefits of this product are that it nourishes hair, smoothens frizz, detangles, and increases shine by up to 118%. Apply a small amount from mid-lengths to ends. Blow dry or let it dry naturally. It is also effective on dry hair. Many customers liked this product so much that they rated it as worth every penny and felt super satisfied. They just have used it in one month and noticed their hair looks more vibrant, brighter, and softer. If I had to name the only drawback of the product, it would definitely be its cost. That is obvious.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

You might know The Ordinary for their good formulas and affordable prices. But, guess what? They also make stuff for your hair! One thing they have is the Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density. This special mix does a lot of work to fight hair loss and make your hair look thicker and healthier. It has Redensyl™, which comes from plants and wakes up sleepy hair follicles. There’s also Procapil™ that boosts scalp circulation and tackles aging follicles. And, don’t forget Baicapil™ – a mix of plant stuff that helps hair grow and get denser. They say you should put a few drops on your clean, dry scalp before bedtime. Some people even say it’s better than minoxidil, and many notice a big change in how thick their hair looks on their heads. Although praised for its benefits, some people say that it irritates their scalp.

The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil

The Mane Choice Alpha Multivitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil is a perfect blend of multivitamins and essential nutrients designed to encourage natural hair growth. The nutritional formula of Mane Choice multivitamins helps improve your overall hair quality, reducing hair loss due to breakage. Especially with its vitamin C content combined with nourishing oils, this product helps restore and nourish your hair to a healthier, longer, and thicker state. Some individuals who purchased it did not appreciate the scent, and it may feel too heavy for those with fine hair.

How to Pick the Right Hair Growth Oil

Choosing the right hair growth oil involves considering various factors related to your hair type, specific needs, and personal preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pick the right hair growth oil

Identify Your Hair Type

Understand your hair type, whether it’s straight, curly, wavy, fine, thick, dry, or oily. Different hair types have varying needs, and certain oils may be more effective for specific textures. Take into account your scalp type. If you have a dry scalp, choose oils with moisturizing properties. For an oily scalp, opt for lighter oils that won’t weigh your hair down.

Determine Your Hair Concerns

Identify and analyze the unique issues affecting your hair, including but not limited to issues like hair loss, dryness, frizz, or damage. Explore oils that possess specific properties tailored to alleviate and target your individual hair concerns.

Research Key Ingredients

Explore hair oils containing key ingredients renowned for enhancing hair health, including Biotin for growth, Castor Oil for nourishment and thickness, Argan Oil for shine and frizz reduction, Jojoba Oil for scalp and hair moisturization, and Vitamin E as an antioxidant for a healthy scalp. Steer clear of detrimental components like sulfates and silicones that can deplete natural oils and contribute to damage.

Perform Patch Tests

Before incorporating a new oil into your hair care routine, it’s essential to conduct a patch test on a small section of your scalp. Applying a small amount of the oil to a discrete area minimizes the risk of adverse effects and ensures a safer and more informed integration into your overall hair care regimen.

Read Product Reviews

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the product’s efficacy by perusing reviews from other users. This approach provides valuable insights into how the product performs in addressing specific issues and ensures that you are considering experiences most relevant to your own hair care needs. By delving into reviews that align with your hair profile, you can make more informed decisions about the potential effectiveness of the product for your unique circumstances.

Consider Your Routine

Select a hair growth oil that seamlessly integrates into your current hair care regimen. Verify that the chosen oil complements and harmonizes with your existing products and practices. This ensures a cohesive approach to your hair care routine, allowing the growth oil to work synergistically with other products without causing conflicts or disruptions.

Budget Considerations

Determine your budget for hair care products. There are effective hair growth oils available at various price points, so find one that aligns with your budget.

FAQ

1. How long does it take for a hair growth oil to show results?  

You might notice some hair growth after a few weeks of using hair oil. But, it could take several months to see the complete results of using the oil.

2. Do oils make your hair grow faster?

The dermatologist said that the idea that hair oil can make your hair grow is not true. Oils can make your hair healthier, but they don’t make it grow. So, if you believe that using hair oils can prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth, that’s incorrect.

3. Which oil is best for hair growth and thickness for black hair?

Shea butter and argan oil work well to moisturize and strengthen black hair. It’s equally important to avoid products with sulfates, parabens, or other harmful chemicals as they can harm hair and impede growth.

4. Which oil recipe is best for hair growth and thickness?

Rosemary extract is known to encourage new hair growth, making it a valuable addition to any carrier oil. Ingredients: Half a teaspoon of Rosemary Oil and 3 tablespoons of your preferred oil, such as argan, jojoba, almond, olive, coconut, etc

Conclusion

There are many different hair growth oils available on the market, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and benefits. It is important to choose an oil that is right for your hair type and scalp condition. If you have sensitive skin, you should test the oil on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire scalp. You should also be patient when using hair growth oils, as it may take several weeks or months to see results. In addition to using hair growth oil, there are other things you can do to promote healthy hair growth, such as eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.