Vitamin E Beads Not Swelling in Oil-Based Soap

Based on the product information for Vitamin E beads, these beads are designed to absorb water and expand. This is why they did not swell when added to your oil-based soap formula, which does not contain water.

Vitamin E beads, especially the "Dry" type (like Red, Blue, and Yellow Vitamin E Beads 0.5-1mm), explicitly state that they will absorb water and expand. The "Wet" type beads (like Pearl Pink, White, and White Vitamin E Beads 4mm and 7-9mm) are pre-hydrated and ready to use, but they are still intended for formulas where water is present or where they can maintain their hydration.

Therefore, Vitamin E beads are generally not suitable for anhydrous (water-free) oil-based formulations like the soap you described. They require a water phase to swell and function as intended.

To use Vitamin E beads, you would need to incorporate them into a formula that contains water or a water-based phase.