Updated May 2025
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you know how tricky it can be to find the right ingredients that actually work without causing irritation. That’s where plant-based powerhouses like Yarrow come in! This botanical gem has been around for thousands of years, and it’s no surprise why so many people swear by its benefits in skincare—and of course, in handmade soaps.
Using natural ingredients sounds amazing, right? But have you ever stopped to wonder what’s actually in the products you’re putting on your skin? You’re definitely not alone! With so many choices out there, it’s important to know what your skincare is made of; but wait…what’s in the soap your’re using?!
So, let’s talk about Yarrow—why it’s been a staple in herbal remedies for centuries and why it deserves a place in handcrafted soaps.
What Is Yarrow?
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Fun fact: It’s named after Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior, who supposedly used it to treat his soldiers’ wounds. And he was onto something—this plant has been used in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Native American healing traditions for centuries.
Why Use Yarrow in Soap?
Yarrow isn’t just another pretty plant; it’s packed with over a hundred naturally active compounds that offer incredible benefits for the skin. Here’s why it’s a fantastic addition to your soap recipes:
Antiseptic properties – Fights off bacteria that can lead to infections, making it great for acne-prone skin.
Natural astringent – Tightens skin, reduces the appearance of pores, and helps with oil control.
Soothes inflammation – Ideal for calming irritated or sensitive skin.
Mild pain relief – Acts as an analgesic, which can help with minor irritations and skin discomfort.
Supports circulation – Helps heal broken capillaries, promoting healthier-looking skin.
Balances pH – Keeps skin in harmony, which is especially useful in gentle, nourishing soap formulas.
Deeply moisturizing – Great for combating dryness and soothing eczema-prone skin.
Promotes healing – Speeds up recovery for cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds while reducing scarring.
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why Yarrow has stood the test of time—and why it’s a fantastic powder to add to soap formulations. It not only makes a great sensitive-skin, herbal-healing soap, but it also adds a bit of history to each batch we make!
Soapmaker Tips:
Yarrow is a wonderful herb to use in soapmaking due to its skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. Here are some tips and tricks for incorporating yarrow into your soaps effectively:
1. Using Yarrow Infusions
Oil Infusion:
- Infuse dried yarrow flowers in a carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil) for 4-6 weeks.
- Strain the oil and use it as part of your soap’s base oils.
- This method extracts yarrow’s beneficial compounds without adding plant material to the soap.
Tea/Water Infusion:
- Steep dried or fresh yarrow in hot distilled water, then cool and strain before using it in place of some or all of your lye water.
- Be mindful that herbal infusions in lye water can change color over time.
2. Adding Yarrow Powder
- Grind dried yarrow into a fine powder and add it at trace (about 1 tsp per pound of oils).
- Provides mild exfoliation and a light greenish or beige tint, depending on the soap’s pH.
- Works well in both hot and cold process soap.
3. Yarrow Essential Oil
- Has a deep blue color due to chamazulene, which can give soap a soft bluish-green tint.
- Strong herbal scent—pairs well with lavender, rosemary, clary sage, and chamomile.
- Use at a safe usage rate (typically up to 1% of the total oil weight).
4. Using Fresh or Dried Yarrow in Soap
- Dried yarrow flowers can be sprinkled on top for decoration, but they may turn brown over time.
- Incorporating whole flowers in the soap may cause discoloration or texture changes.
5. Pairing Yarrow with Other Ingredients
Try combining with clays like kaolin or bentonite for an extra cleansing effect.
Blends well with chamomile, calendula, or comfrey for an herbal healing soap.
Works beautifully in goat milk soap or oatmeal soap for extra soothing properties.