From now until July 25th, transport yourself to the romantic and cultured city of Rome, with the Roman Holiday series. Why Rome? Other than the amazing art, impressive history and stunning architecture, Rome is famous for its Roman Baths and the popular myth of Mount Sapo is said to have originated in Rome. Keep your eyes on the blog, Tumblr and our Facebook page for a collection of tutorials and sales inspired by the Mediterranean and the fragrance sample of the month, Neroli & Shea Blossom.
The first project in the Roman Holiday series is an easy to make sea salt scrub! Using Pure Olive Oil and Fine Grained Dead Sea Salt, this scrub is perfect for the legs and body. Scented with the warm, citrusy Neroli & Shea Blossom, the scrub leaves a wonderful light scent that’s perfect for summer. (Note: Because this scrub is made of oil, do take caution exiting the tub and shower as it will make the bottom of your shower slippery – after all, it’s pure, nourishing Olive Oil which is great for nourishing skin but not so great for walking on.)
What You Need:
16 oz. Fine Grained Dead Sea Salt
6 oz. Pure Olive Oil
5 ml Neroli & Shea Blossom Fragrance Oil
6.5 mL Phenonip
Tall 8 oz. Plastic Bail Jars (2 jars)
Droppers
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!
A note about preservatives: Any scrub or lotion or beauty product that has water added to it has the potential to grow mold and bacteria. So, should you use a preservative in this salt scrub? After all, water may be inadvertently introduced into it during normal bathing. While this is a completely personal choice, I added the oil-soluble preservative Phenonip to err on the side of caution.
Some soapers do not add preservatives to anhydrous salt scrubs, because salt is a natural microbial inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of water available for bacteria and microbes to grow in. Salt is also popular for curing meats but just because it helps to retard mold and bacteria growth in one formula does not mean it will work in a water-based formula. Any scrubs that are emulsified or contain water must use a synthetic preservative.
ONE: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil and fine grained dead sea salt until combined.
TWO: Add Neroli & Shea Blossom Fragrance Oil and Phenonip and stir to thoroughly combine.
THREE: Transfer scrub into bail jars, and seal jars to close.
When you think of a “Roman Holiday,” what comes to mind?
- 16 oz. Fine Grained Dead Sea Salt
- 6 oz. Pure Olive Oil
- 5 ml Neroli & Shea Blossom Fragrance Oil
- 6.5 mL Phenonip
- Tall 8 oz. Plastic Bail Jars (2 jars)
- Droppers
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil and fine grained dead sea salt until combined.
- Add Neroli & Shea Blossom Fragrance Oil and Phenonip and stir to thoroughly combine.
- Transfer scrub into bail jars, and seal jars to close.
Hi – would swapping sugar for the salt change the ingredient amounts in any way? Also, I have optiphen plus, can this preservative be used instead? Thank you! 🙂
Hi Elaine!
Sugar has smaller grains than the sea salt, meaning it will be a little bit less scrubby. I would recommend using the same amounts and testing some on your hand. If you want it a bit more exfoliating, you can add more sugar. 🙂
Also, Optiphen Plus is best used with water-based recipes like toner or cleaning spray. Optiphen would work great though! You can add that at .5-1.5% of your recipe. Read more in the Talk It Out Tuesday: Preservatives post: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/talk-it-out-tuesday-preservatives/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi,
I absolutely love seeing these tutorials and getting more ideas for my own projects! 🙂
I have a funny question to ask though, I’m looking for mini spoon/scoops to put in my scrub jars to make them easier to use and that mini metal spoon in the scrub shown in the last photo looks just perfect! Can I ask where they were bought from??
Hi Chloe!
So glad you like the tutorials! We found those cute little spoons at a local craft store. You should be able to find them at a local craft or kitchen store, or online. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
We were just in Rome in June. Rome is FULL of so much ancient history. The ruins, the cobblestone streets – walking in places that the ancients walked – WOW! Just fabulous.
Hi Paula!
That sounds like a great vacation! I’d love to go. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Could I use Optiphen instead of Phenonip for this? Thanks!
Hi Katie!
While we didn’t test the recipe with Phenonip, it is very multi-purpose so I believe it would work just fine. 🙂
Phenonip: https://www.brambleberry.com/Phenonip-P4038.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
When I think Roman Holiday I think of misty cool air, grand buildings, and great food. My husband and I went to Rome on our honeymoon in December, so a Roman Holiday will forever be drizzly and romantic to me.
I look forward to reading these tutorials, and I applaud your constant reminders about which items really need preservatives.
Hi Margaret!
I’m so glad you liked this post! Also, I’m glad it can bring back fond memories for you. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry