Can you make soap with lavender oil, organically?

you can absolutely make soap with lavender oil organically. The key to making organic soap lies in sourcing certified organic ingredients, especially the oils/fats, the lavender essential oil, and any other botanicals or additives you include.

Here's what it means to make organic soap with lavender oil and how to approach it:

What Makes Soap "Organic"?

True organic soap, particularly when referring to USDA Organic certification in the United States, means that:

1. All agricultural ingredients (which include the base oils like olive, coconut, shea butter, etc., and the lavender essential oil or dried buds) must be certified organic.

2. Non-agricultural ingredients (like sodium hydroxide/lye, or natural clays) must be on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for organic processing, and cannot be genetically modified.

3. The entire production process (from sourcing to manufacturing) must follow strict organic handling and processing standards to prevent contamination.

For home soap makers, achieving certified organic status is usually not the goal, as it involves a rigorous and expensive certification process for the manufacturing facility. However, you can make soap organically in the sense that you use all certified organic ingredients and follow best practices.

How to Make Soap with Organic Lavender Oil (and other organic ingredients)

The soap-making process itself (cold process or melt and pour) doesn't change, but your ingredient sourcing is paramount.

1. Cold Process Organic Soap with Lavender Oil

This method gives you the most control over ingredients.

• Organic Base Oils/Fats: This is the most significant component. You'll need certified organic versions of oils like:

  • Organic Olive Oil

  • Organic Coconut Oil

  • Organic Shea Butter

  • Organic Cocoa Butter

  • Organic Castor Oil

  • Organic Sunflower Oil

  • And so on, depending on your recipe.

• Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): Lye is a chemical and is not certified "organic" itself. However, it is an allowed substance for organic processing as it's completely consumed during the saponification process and does not remain in the finished soap.

• Organic Lavender Essential Oil: This is crucial for your lavender scent. Ensure you purchase USDA Certified Organic Lavender Essential Oil. Look for reputable suppliers who can provide proof of certification. Common varieties are Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender) or Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin), both of which can be organic.

• Organic Dried Lavender Buds (Optional): If you want to add dried lavender for exfoliation or visual appeal, ensure they are also certified organic. Be aware that dried buds can turn brown in cold process soap.

• Organic Additives (Optional): If adding other ingredients like clays for color (e.g., Brazilian purple clay, which is a mineral and not "organic" but often naturally sourced) or oats for exfoliation, ensure they are also certified organic if that's your goal for the entire product.

• Process: Follow standard cold process soap-making safety and techniques. The organic nature comes solely from the ingredients.

2. Melt and Pour Organic Soap with Lavender Oil

This is simpler, as you're starting with a pre-made base.

• Organic Melt and Pour Soap Base: You must specifically purchase a certified organic melt and pour soap base. These bases are formulated with organic oils and follow organic processing guidelines. They are less common than conventional melt-and-pour bases but are available from specialty soap-making suppliers.

• Organic Lavender Essential Oil: Add certified organic lavender essential oil to your melted base.

• Organic Dried Lavender Buds (Optional): As with cold process, use organic buds if desired. They tend to retain color better in melt and pour.

• Organic Additives (Optional): Any other additives like organic exfoliants or natural colorants should also be organic if you want a fully organic finished product.

Where to Source Organic Ingredients:

• Specialty Soap Making Suppliers: Many online suppliers cater to soap makers and offer a range of certified organic oils, butters, and essential oils. Search for "organic soap making supplies" or "USDA organic essential oils for soap."

• Bulk Essential Oil Suppliers: Companies specializing in essential oils will often have certified organic options for lavender essential oil.

• Organic Farms: Some lavender farms that grow organically will also distill their own certified organic lavender essential oil or sell dried organic buds.

In summary, making soap with lavender oil organically is entirely possible by meticulously choosing certified organic versions of all your agricultural ingredients. While home soap will likely not be officially certified "USDA Organic," by using organic ingredients, you can create a soap that adheres to organic principles.