Glossary of Terms to Know for Making Soaps, Candles and Lotions

Common Candle Making Terms

Wax:

The main ingredient in candle making, which can be derived from various sources such as beeswax, paraffin wax, soy wax, etc.

Wicking:

A braided cotton or linen string that is used to provide a flame to the candle.

Melt pool:

The liquified wax that forms around the wick when the candle is burning.

Fragrance oil:

A scented oil that is added to the melted wax to give the candle its scent.

Pour temperature:

The temperature at which the melted wax is poured into the container or mold.

Burn time:

The length of time that a candle will burn before it runs out of wax.

Candle dye:

A coloring agent that is added to the melted wax to give the candle its color.

Candle mold:

A container or shape in which the wax is poured to create a candle.

Double boiler:

A heating method used to melt the wax by placing a container of wax inside a larger container filled with water.

Candle making kit:

A set of tools and supplies designed for making candles at home, which may include wax, wicks, fragrance oils, molds, etc.

Soap Making Terms to Know

Saponification:

The chemical process by which fats or oils are combined with an alkali (such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) to form soap and glycerin.

Base oils:

The primary oils used in soap making, which form the bulk of the soap and provide the primary moisturizing and cleansing properties.

Lye:

A strong alkaline solution used in soap making to convert oils or fats into soap through the process of saponification.

Superfatting or Lye Discounting:

Superfatting is the practice of intentionally leaving a small percentage of unsaponified oils or fats in the finished soap to add extra moisturizing properties.

Fragrance oil:

An oil-based scent that is added to soap for fragrance.

Essential oil:

A concentrated, volatile liquid extracted from plants that is used to scent soap naturally.

Melt and pour soap:

A pre-made soap base that has been melted and can be poured into molds to create custom soaps.

Cold process soap:

The traditional method of making soap by combining oils and lye and allowing the mixture to saponify over a period of several weeks.

Hot process soap:

A method of making soap in which the saponification process is accelerated by heating the mixture of oils and lye.

Soap molds:

Containers used to shape and hold the soap mixture as it hardens and cures.

Terms to Know for Making Bath Bombs

Bath bomb:

A small, spherical or cylindrical shaped ball made of dry ingredients that dissolves when placed in water, releasing fragrance, moisturizing oils, and other beneficial substances.

Citric acid:

A weak organic acid used in bath bombs to create a fizzy reaction when combined with baking soda.

Baking soda:

A sodium bicarbonate used in bath bombs to create a fizzing effect when combined with citric acid.

Epsom salt:

A type of magnesium sulfate used in bath bombs to soothe sore muscles and relieve stress.

Cornstarch:

A fine white powder used in bath bombs to help bind ingredients together and create a smooth texture.

Essential oil:

A highly concentrated plant extract used in bath bombs to provide fragrance and aromatherapy benefits.

Witch hazel:

A natural astringent used in bath bombs to help ingredients stick together and harden.

Food coloring:

A water-based coloring agent used in bath bombs to add color and enhance their appearance.

Molds:

Various shapes, sizes, and designs that are used to form bath bombs into different shapes.

Moisturizing oil:

A type of oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil, used in bath bombs to provide skin-nourishing benefits.

Definitions for Making Homemade Lotion

Emollient:

A substance that softens and soothes the skin.

Humectant:

A substance that attracts moisture to the skin and helps to keep it hydrated.

Surfactant:

A substance that helps to emulsify and stabilize the lotion.

Preservative:

A substance that helps to prevent microbial growth and prolong the shelf life of the lotion.

Thickener:

A substance that adds viscosity and texture to the lotion.

Carrier Oil:

A base oil that helps to deliver the active ingredients of the lotion to the skin.

Essential Oil:

A highly concentrated oil that provides fragrance and additional skin benefits to the lotion.

Water:

A solvent that helps to dissolve and disperse the other ingredients in the lotion.

Wax:

A substance that helps to give the lotion a creamy texture and stabilizes the emulsion.

Antioxidant:

A substance that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.