Collection: Exfoliants

Thinking of whipping up a handmade salt body scrub? You’re in luck! Most cosmetic grade salts make an excellent addition to this product type, lending their natural exfoliating properties and coarse grain to the smooth removal of dead skin cells across the body. 

Most scrubs of this nature work best when applied in small circular motions and rinsed off with warm water.

Before you start crafting, be sure to double-check your recipe to make sure that your chosen salt and other ingredients are well suited to this project!

Oatmeal is a commonly used ingredient in bath, body, and skincare products. Although it may not be the first ingredient to come to mind for exfoliation, its fine, grainy texture is perfect for the gentle removal of dead skin cells. Why not try using it in your latest soap or scrub recipe? 

Besides its excellent exfoliating capabilities, oatmeal is often heralded for its ability to calm and soothe irritated skin. In addition, it’s rich in polysaccharides, giving it the power to create a natural protective barrier on the skin perfect for moisture retention.

Exfoliants are one of the world's leading skincare ingredients for good reason! Their main benefits lie in their ability to detach dead skin cells from the healthy skin underneath - whether by means of gentle friction thanks to their natural texture, or loosening enzyme action. In short, they’re able to safely remove old layers of dry, dull skin with relative ease.

Depending on the exact ingredient you choose, you’ll be able to unlock even more benefits including detoxifying and pore unclogging and even tone.

Are you ready to bid farewell to rough, uneven skin? Exfoliating soaps could be the way to go! In terms of formulation, there are two main ways to grant your handmade soaps the powers of buffing and scrubbing; mixing an exfoliating agent into the base itself, or adding one as a tactful topping. 

The exfoliant you choose, of course, depends on your recipe - so be sure to do your research. For example, our experts find that fine ground options work best for more sensitive areas such as the face, whilst coarser ingredients are brilliant for tougher spots like the feet and elbows. 

Some of our favourite exfoliant options for soap include Himalayan pink salt, cosmetic clay, oats, and seeds! 

When working with sensitive skin, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone has different thresholds and reactions to ingredients - meaning nothing is guaranteed! That’s why patch testing is so important. 

With this being said, our experts tend to recommend mild, fine-ground exfoliants for those working on sensitive skin formulas, with popular natural options including cosmetic clay, light botanicals and herbs including lavender and chamomile (for added soothing properties), and even oatmeal.

Remember - safety is a top skincare priority. If you’re creating sensitive skin exfoliators to sell or gift to others, be sure to label them with full ingredient lists and instructions for use. Our technical documents, found above, can assist you with this! 

If you're dealing with oily skin, you'll want to look for exfoliants that can gently slough off excess oil and debris without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Natural exfoliants make for a great option in most cases! 

Cosmetic clays are a particularly good exfoliating option for most oily skin types thanks to their natural absorption abilities. Whilst their exfoliating abilities are relatively mild, their natural properties help them pull impurities and excess oil from the skin, leaving a silky smooth finish with minimal irritation. Salt is a great alternative if you want a more intense scrub, as it can really help to clear out clogged pores.

Exfoliation gently washes away dead skin cells and unclogs pores, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. In most contexts, it's the perfect way to refresh dull-looking skin - whether on the face, lips, feet, or elbows. With this being said, too much exfoliation can damage the skin. 

For example, a product with too coarse of an exfoliating ingredient for its target area could cause irritation. It’s for this reason that our experts suggest using fine-grain exfoliants like sugar and clay in products intended for use on the face and lips.

Application can also play a huge role in avoiding irritation. Ensure exfoliants are applied with the appropriate amount of pressure in small circular motions.

Salt is a great natural exfoliant perfect for smoothing the skin into a perfect finish. Not only does it gently buff away dead skin cells, but it also helps to stimulate circulation, improving skin appearance all around. Plus, it's a natural ingredient that you can feel good about using. Our making specialists love fine Himalayan salt in particular for its gentle exfoliating properties! 

Why not try incorporating salt into your next project and see for yourself just how amazing it can be? From sea salt scrubs to mineral-rich bath salts, there's a world of exfoliating possibilities waiting to be explored.

When crafting your own soap, you'll want to add just the right amount of exfoliant for the perfect skin-smoothing results - but don't go overboard, or you'll end up with a rough, scratchy bar. The right amount varies significantly based on the type of exfoliant you’re looking to use, and the desired end product. For instance, in some specific recipes like our pink Himalayan salt soap, as much as 50% exfoliant in relation to the soap's total weight is needed. On the other hand, in milder formulations such as our honey and oat soap, 1-2% exfoliant can provide gentle exfoliation without being too abrasive. It's crucial to consider the nature and coarseness of the exfoliant, the desired outcome, and the specific recipe you're working with.

Be sure to double-check the exact requirements of your recipe for the best results, after all, no two soap recipes are exactly the same. For a more gentle result, you may be required to add less - whilst some creations only require a post-pour sprinkle for functional decoration!