Preventing Oil Separation in Glycerin Soap with Tea Tree Oil

Okay, I understand the issue. When you mix oil-soluble tea tree oil into a glycerin soap base, which is primarily water-based, the oil and water phases separate because they are not naturally miscible. This is why the oil floats on top after the soap cools.

To solve this problem and get the oil to mix evenly into the soap base, you have two main options:

1. Use Water Soluble Tea Tree Oil: Instead of the oil-soluble version, you can use Tea Tree Oil (Water Soluble). This type is specifically designed to dissolve directly in water-based formulas like your glycerin soap base. You can add it directly to your melted soap base and stir to combine.

2. Use a Solubilizer: If you want to use your oil-soluble tea tree oil, you need to use a solubilizer to help it mix with the water-based soap. A product like Flora Solve™ Clear is designed for this purpose.

   • First, mix the oil-soluble tea tree oil with Flora Solve™ Clear. The recommended ratio is typically 2-5 parts Flora Solve™ Clear to 1 part tea tree oil. Start with a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio and increase the amount of Flora Solve™ Clear if needed to get a clear mixture. Stir or blend them well.
   • Then, add this mixture of tea tree oil and solubilizer to your melted glycerin soap base and stir until everything is evenly combined before pouring into your mold.

Using either the water-soluble tea tree oil or the oil-soluble version with a solubilizer will help prevent the oil from separating and ensure it is dispersed throughout your soap.