Essential Oil vs Fragrance Oil...

[Pug Mom]

I just called a local EO and FO Supplier (Atlantic Spice Co - on Cape Cod MASS) to ask about their FO's... They all say not for use on skin on their website... I thought that was weird. I called to ask about this and she said no fragrance oil should be used in soap because it is part synthetic and people could have a reaction... Is this right? I have used FOs, and I think others here have too. I like some FOs because you have a bigger choice than just EOs...

 

[MikeInPdx]

I just called a local EO and FO Supplier (Atlantic Spice Co - on Cape Cod MASS) to ask about their FO's... They all say not for use on skin on their website... I thought that was weird. I called to ask about this and she said no fragrance oil should be used in soap because it is part synthetic and people could have a reaction... Is this right? I have used FOs, and I think others here have too. I like some FOs because you have a bigger choice than just EOs...

I would take what they say with a grain of salt and look for a skin safe fragrance oil such as one sold by Brambleberry or SOS.

Yes....you can have a reaction to a synthetic product, but you can also have a reaction to a natural product....I use fragrance oils all the time and no problems....I just make sure they're approved for soap and BB products.

 

[Cattleyabubbles]

It's personal preference, whether someone uses FO or EO; some ppl not all perceive essential oil being just another fragrance oil, but what you really need to be conscious about is what ingredients are in fragrance oils that you are using or origin and how essential oils are being process before they get to your supplier.

 

[Pug Mom]

I love this place, and I LOVE their peppermint essential oil, it's my favorite. Their prices aren't bad either...

 

[Tabitha]

There are several grades of fragrance oils. There are many threads here with more info, but here is the skinny.:

Basic Fragrance oil: not intended for soap, bath, body, etc, just potpouri, candles, etc.

Soap Fragrance Oil: Safe for wash off products like soap, shower gel, etc.

Skin Safe Fragrance oils: Safe for leave on applications like lotion, body mist, etc and all wash off products like above.

Lip Safe Fragrance/Flavor oils: Safe for use around lip area, for leave on & wash off applications like above.

With that being said skin safe fragrance oils should not be applied full strength directlyto the skin.

The company you called was either carrying non soap safe, non skin safe fragrance oils or are hyper sensitive to the natural vs synthetic debate :wink: . Either way, if they say *their* fos are not skin safe, don't use them for that purpose. Plenty of other companies do carry skin safe fos.

 

[Jaaret]

Lobbying for EO

I got into soapmaking for two reasons: as a delivery method for aromatherapy and to control what comes in contact with my skin. I have very tempermental skin that reacts to many synthetics. I've never had a problem with essential oils (used in proper dilution, of course.) I enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using soaps that are made with 100% vegetable, fruit and plant oils devoid of synthetics.

I do understand and respect that there is a place for fragrance oils in the soapmaking world and have occasionally purchased soaps made with synthetic Sandlewood fragrance oil (the EO is way too expensive), but I never use those soaps on my face.

 

[Cattleyabubbles]

@Jaaret: Yeah I know I was looking at Mountain Rose Herbs catalog (Winter) Sandalwood (Australian variety) is hella expensive. You might want to try Amyris essential oil it has a similar scent to Sandalwood.

 

[busymammaof3]

Moutain Rose Herbs can be a little higher in price than some competitors.
I guess it depends on your perferences. What is most important to you.
I try to buy from Mountain Rose exclusively...because I am super big on certified organic and unrefined ingredients.

 

[Pug Mom]

Either way, if they say *their* fos are not skin safe, don't use them for that purpose. Plenty of other companies do carry skin safe fos.

She actually said NO FRAGRANCE OILS are safe for soapmaking....not just what they have...

 

[carebear]

ha ha ha.

heck, if that's the case we shouldn't even be MAKING soap cause lye is synthetically produced, and most of the oils are solvent extracted.

sweeping statements can rarely be supported...

 

[Tabitha]

Tabitha wrote:
Either way, if they say *their* fos are not skin safe, don't use them for that purpose. Plenty of other companies do carry skin safe fos.

Pug Mom wrote:
She actually said NO FRAGRANCE OILS are safe for soapmaking....not just what they have...

Well, let's just say the FDA disagrees with her.

 

[MikeInPdx]

Either way, if they say *their* fos are not skin safe, don't use them for that purpose. Plenty of other companies do carry skin safe fos.

She actually said NO FRAGRANCE OILS are safe for soapmaking....not just what they have...

Like Tabitha said....the FDA disagrees with her.....and so do I. :roll:

 

[mandolyn]

Either way, if they say *their* fos are not skin safe, don't use them for that purpose. Plenty of other companies do carry skin safe fos.

She actually said NO FRAGRANCE OILS are safe for soapmaking....not just what they have...

That statement is just ridiculous & reactionary. :roll:

FO's denoted as skin safe are just that!!! That's why there are classifications for FO's.

Anything can be a sensitizer, but that doesn't mean that everything is.

 

[Cattleyabubbles]

It all boils down too personal preferences, on what customers like or don't like in their soaps, when they buy them! Hopefully we're reaching the public & convincing them that homemade soaps are better for them, one person at a time.

 

[Pug Mom]

To be on the safe side I will only buy essential oils from them...if they aren't smart enough to know what they are talking about, I will buy my FOs elsewhere....

 

[abigtroutt]

I use both FO's and EO's in my soaps and on my face with no problems. I purchase all my supplies from companies that sell their products for soap making. I guess I've been luckey and have had no reaction to any of my soaps.

 

[Tabitha]

Atlantic Spice is not abody care shop. I doubt they are *really* familiar with the cosmetic industry, it's not what they do. They are reselling items they have purchased so inturn they would have to ask their suppliers. They are no doubt purchasing fragrance oils that were not intended for soap/skin usage so that is the info they have, pertaining to their stock.

I would not buy fos from a company unfamiliar with the making of body care products, that is a wise move since you would be liable in the long run.

 

[MikeInPdx]

To be on the safe side I will only buy essential oils from them...if they aren't smart enough to know what they are talking about, I will buy my FOs elsewhere....

You certainly have a lot of good choices......Brambleberry....The Scent Works....WSP.....Shay & Company....SOS....Oregon Trail....Tony's.....those are just a few off the top of my head.

 

[Pug Mom]

I have shopped at Atlantic Spice for years...way before I began making soap. They are local, so I can go and smell and feel...that's what I like.... Like I said, their peppermint oil is my favorite!!! And as for liable, I don't sell my soap....so no worries there.