Some people prefer simplicity but I enjoy exploring the possibilities of natural additives that have the potential to enhance the qualities of the soap bar. Other additives may be there primarily for aesthetic purposes only and that's also fine for me.

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Honey and Sugar

The addition of sugar in soap will not only boost the bubbles but it can also add visual interest by darkening the shade of the soap. Sugar can be a useful addition when your oil mix or other additives do not allow for an adequate lather.

There's something opulent and luxurious about the addition of honey to your skin care regime and, although it will bring similar qualities as sugar, the other qualities of the specific honey may also influence the final soap.

I choose to use only bio labelled raw sugar or honey in my soap.

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Salt

When I started soap making, I was so intrigued by the idea of adding salt to the bars that is was one of the first soaps that I made and I just loved it. Thankfully, the salt soaps are always popular with my market customers too!

Salt can be added as grains to the soap mix at the final stages of the process or it can be dissolved in the liquid portion to create a brine. Salt has purifying qualities while adding minerals that will leave your skin feeling great.

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Botanicals

Rose petals, calendula petals, camomile flowers and lavender buds all add to the beauty of a natural soap and can give an indication of the botanicals within the bar. Dried botanicals on the top of soap will generally be there for aesthetic purposes only and will soon wash away once the soap is in use.

The rose, calendula and lavender that I use are all from my garden and grown without chemicals and the camomile flowers are sourced as bio tea.

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Others

Some other occasional additions to my soap include

• echinacea extract

• oatmeal

• nettle tea

• orange peel powder

• cocoa powder