The Stillroom Ingredients Index
Additives
Activated Charcoal
Botanical name: Carbo activatus
INCI name: Charcoal Powder
Activated charcoal is a finely processed carbon powder valued for its ability to gently draw impurities and add visual depth to soap formulations. In the stillroom, it is used in small, intentional amounts to create contrast, structure, and a refined cleansing feel without overwhelming the skin. Carefully measured and thoughtfully incorporated, activated charcoal supports balanced formulations where clarity, texture, and elemental character are desired.
Calendula
Botanical name: Calendula officinalis
INCI name: Calendula officinalis Flower Powder
Calendula powder is finely ground from dried calendula petals and valued for its gentle, skin-supportive nature. In the stillroom, it is used sparingly to impart soft, botanical warmth and subtle color to select formulations. Thoughtfully incorporated, calendula powder complements infused oils by adding visual depth and a quiet herbal presence while remaining suitable for gentle, fragrance-free recipes designed with care and balance.
Cinnamon
Botanical name: Cinnamomum verum
INCI name: Cinnamomum Verum (Cinnamon) Bark Powder
Cinnamon is a finely ground botanical powder used in the stillroom for its warm tone and grounding character. Thoughtfully incorporated in small amounts, it contributes natural color and depth to select formulations while complementing other botanicals and clays. Its use is carefully balanced to support seasonal and spice-inspired blends without overpowering the finished bar.
Cocoa Powder
Botanical name: Theobroma cacao
INCI name: Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) Powder
Cocoa powder is derived from finely ground cacao beans and valued in the stillroom for its rich, natural color and earthy depth. Used thoughtfully in select formulations, it contributes warm brown tones and subtle visual contrast while complementing botanical infusions. Carefully measured and blended, cocoa powder supports soaps designed with a grounded, comforting character and an understated, nature-inspired finish.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Botanical name: Avena sativa
INCI name: Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Colloidal oatmeal is finely milled oat grain valued for its soothing and skin-supportive qualities. In the stillroom, it is incorporated to enhance creaminess and comfort in soap, contributing to a gentle, balanced feel on the skin. Carefully selected and used in small amounts, colloidal oatmeal supports formulations intended for softness and everyday use.
French Green Clay
INCI name: Illite
French green clay is a naturally occurring mineral clay valued for its absorbent properties and earthy character. In the stillroom, it is used to gently draw impurities while adding structure and a smooth, balanced feel to soap. Carefully measured and thoughtfully incorporated, French green clay supports formulations that benefit from light cleansing and a refined, mineral-rich finish.
Indigo Powder
Botanical name: Indigofera tinctoria
INCI name: Indigofera tinctoria Leaf Powder
Indigo powder is a finely milled botanical derived from the leaves of the indigo plant and valued in the stillroom for its deep, natural blue tones. Used sparingly in select formulations, it contributes rich, earthy color without synthetic dyes, allowing subtle variations that reflect the natural character of the plant. Carefully incorporated, indigo powder supports the visual depth of soap while aligning with a slow, intentional approach to botanical formulation
Nettle Leaf Powder
Botanical name: Urtica dioica
INCI name: Urtica dioica Leaf Powder
Nettle powder is made from finely milled stinging nettle leaves and is valued for its mineral-rich composition and gentle botanical character. In the stillroom, it is used in small, thoughtful amounts to lend a soft, natural green hue while complementing botanical-infused oils. Carefully incorporated, nettle powder supports balanced formulations and adds an earthy depth that reflects the quiet strength of the plant itself.
Paprika
Botanical name: Urtica dioica
INCI name: Urtica dioica Leaf Powder
Nettle powder is made from finely milled stinging nettle leaves and is valued for its mineral-rich composition and gentle botanical character. In the stillroom, it is used in small, thoughtful amounts to lend a soft, natural green hue while complementing botanical-infused oils. Carefully incorporated, nettle powder supports balanced formulations and adds an earthy depth that reflects the quiet strength of the plant itself.
Purple Brazilian Clay
INCI name: Kaolin (Purple Brazilian Clay)
(Sometimes listed as Kaolin with naturally occurring iron oxides)
Purple Brazilian clay is a naturally occurring mineral clay valued for its smooth texture and subtle, earthy hue. In the stillroom, it is used sparingly to add gentle color and a refined feel to soap, contributing to a soft, balanced bar without harshness. Thoughtfully incorporated, purple Brazilian clay supports formulations that favor elegance, mineral richness, and a calm, understated finish.
Rose Kaolin Clay
INCI name: Kaolin (and) Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Rose kaolin clay is a naturally occurring mineral clay prized for its soft pink hue and gentle, skin-friendly nature. In the stillroom, it is used to add a subtle blush of color while contributing a smooth, refined feel to soap. Carefully incorporated in small amounts, rose kaolin clay supports balanced formulations that benefit from mild cleansing, visual warmth, and a delicate, mineral-rich finish without overwhelming the botanicals infused within.
Spirulina
Botanical name: Arthrospira platensis
INCI name: Spirulina Platensis Powder
Spirulina is a deep green-blue botanical powder derived from nutrient-rich freshwater algae, valued in the stillroom for its natural color and mineral content. Used in small, intentional amounts, spirulina lends earthy tones and visual depth to select formulations while supporting a balanced, botanical-forward aesthetic. Carefully incorporated, it contributes character and color without overpowering the surrounding ingredients.
White Kaolin Clay
INCI name: Kaolin
White kaolin clay is a naturally occurring mineral clay valued for its fine texture and gentle nature. In the stillroom, it is used to enhance slip and silkiness in soap while contributing to a smooth, refined feel on the skin. Chosen for its mild cleansing properties, white kaolin clay supports balance and comfort without adding weight or abrasiveness to the finished bar.