Dry Propolis Extract in Soap Making
A Practical Guide for Artisans and Manufacturers
Propolis has long been recognised as one of the most powerful natural preservatives and antioxidants in cosmetics. More and more often, instead of the traditional resin form, makers are turning to dry propolis extract – in our case, a standardised powder composed of 40% propolis, 45% guar gum, and 15% silica.
In this article, we explain how to safely and effectively incorporate this extract into your soap recipes, and when it may work better than raw propolis.
What makes dry extract special?
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Clean and easy to dose – just sprinkle like a spice, no resin filtering needed.
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Consistent active content – 40% pure propolis in every batch.
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Lighter bar colour – a soft, honey-brown hue.
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Lower allergenic risk – the remaining 60% consists of inert carriers.
How to calculate the right amount
Would you like to achieve the typical 0.5% active propolis content in your finished product?
Simply add 1.25% of our extract based on the total weight of oils.
| Active propolis in soap | Extract percentage | Guar gum added | Silica added |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5% (commercial batch) | 1,25% | 0,56% | 0,19% |
| 1% (artisan batch) | 2,5% | 1,1% | 0,4% |
Guar gum naturally thickens the soap base, while silica adds a gentle exfoliating effect. For this reason, we do not recommend exceeding these concentrations – the bars may feel gritty.
How to add the powder – three popular methods
1. Cold Process (CP)
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Prepare an oil slurry: mix the measured powder with 3–4 times its weight in warmed base oil (approx. 50 °C).
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Work at lower temperatures (32–35 °C); guar gum accelerates trace.
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Add the slurry at very light trace and immediately pour into moulds.
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For powder levels ≥ 1.5%, increase your lye calculator water content by about 2 pp to compensate for moisture-binding.
2. Hot Process (HP)
Add the powder during the “fragrance phase”, just after the cook. Thickening won’t cause premature hardening at this stage.
3. Melt & Pour (M&P)
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Melt your soap base to around 60 °C.
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Sift 1–1.5% of the extract through a fine sieve and gently mix in.
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To prevent silica from settling, pour in smaller batches and stir every few minutes.
INCI labelling and safety
Make sure to list all powder components in your INCI declaration:
Sodium Olivate, Sodium Cocoate, Aqua, Glycerin, Propolis Extract, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Hydrated Silica, Parfum.
Propolis is a known contact allergen. Although EU law does not set a formal limit for rinse-off products like soap, industry best practice keeps active propolis content at or below 0.5%. We recommend carrying out patch tests and preparing a full CPSR safety assessment.
Dry extract vs. raw propolis – pros and cons
| Feature | 40% Extract | Raw Propolis |
|---|---|---|
| Dosage | quick, clean, no filtering | requires melting and straining |
| Effect on trace | accelerates (due to guar gum) | minimal effect |
| Colour | light honey-brown | dark brown/black |
| Equipment cleaning | rinses off easily | resin sticks to everything |
Frequently asked questions
Does guar gum kill the lather?
Quite the opposite – it stabilises the foam and gives a creamy feel.
Will silica scratch the skin?
At recommended levels (< 0.3% overall), the particles are barely noticeable – just a light exfoliating effect.
Can the extract be combined with essential oils?
Yes, but make sure the powder is fully dispersed first before adding fragrance.
Conclusion
Dry propolis extract is a convenient and safe alternative to traditional raw resin. It offers:
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A standardised 40% active propolis content,
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Easy incorporation without filtering,
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A lighter appearance and gentler allergenic profile.
Wishing you successful experiments – see you in our next post!