Would you do it? Use more of a particular EO than is recommended? Any other recommendations?
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Wow. Truly scary.
Is that by ingestion or skin exposure? Did you apply it neat?
I get irritation & flushing from some spice fo's in cosmetics, but never heart or blood pressure issues.
That is from skin exposure to properly diluted EOs. All of the "hot" EOs affect me this way (clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, basil, thyme, anise, etc.), plus a few others that are considered "mild," such a tea tree, peppermint, and manuka.
I wouldn't. Essential oils are pretty powerful and can cause a reaction if you use to much. I noticed that someone else mentioned infusing an oil. Personally, I think that is a better option. Some of the benefits of herbs may not actually come through in an essential oil. Frankincense is a good example. I believe the boswallic acid (what makes frankincense so good) doesn't even come through in the EO.
You could try infusing an oil, and doing a hot process soap. You would add the infused oils after the cook. The lye is used up by this point, saponification is complete, and you won't have the heat that could potentially destroy any beneficial aspects. This would also add to the super fat and allow you to control what oil is left over.
...Not to be lazy but, I think I'll just ask all of you who have read it, what it says ....
I really do understand your point of view, although I'm of the opinion that it's better to "learn how to fish for myself, rather than expect others to give me fish" as the old story goes.
If Tisserand's book is beyond your means, then there are free resources such as EOcalc.com and the IFRA info provided by fragrance suppliers like Nature's Garden. But if those sources don't answer your questions, then I agree it's smart to ask for help.
The people that really bug me are the ones who complain about IFRA but also won't do their own homework. IFRA isn't perfect, but it's better than just guessing.
Bee balm, monarda, is a flower. Awesome blooms in early July that look like fireworks.
This reaction to properly diluted eo is a reminder to all of us that complying with IFRA by itself, eo or fo, is not sufficient to avoid all problems, and why labeling is so important.
curlycoat2
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You know you will always learn more from mistakes - plant colorants I will tell you are the best teachers, just when you thought you had it nailed, nope it says, forget it. They teach you great patience but they also give the best reward when they go from red, to blue to grey and finally purple (looking at alkanet, gromwell and ratanjot) all in the space of about 24 hours. I have the most fun in my soap journey, I can only wish you the exact same path! Enjoy, at the end of the day I wing it a lot hahaha thats how I know what happens
just have fun
akseattle
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@Zing , ahh , got it. So much to learn...
@Jarrett Clay, thank you for your response. If I ever get a handle on cold process soap, maybe I'll try my hand at hot process soap and infusions. For the moment, I've cooled my attachment to basil
@DeeAnna , I was being a little flip. I actually spend a fair amount of time researching on the internet and reading about soaping issues to inform myself. I’m sure Tisserand’s is an invaluable resource- for health care professionals and serious soapers. For me, it’s like getting an encyclopedia on cooking to make some fruit pies. It would be good to know all the important vitamins and minerals in the flour, the fruit, etc. But, I really just want to make a reasonably healthy pie that tastes good during my spare time.
And actually, I AM teaching myself how to fish, but in my journey, I’m getting help from all the generous soapers on this forum ! I'm giving the fish to my family and friends!
Just popping back in to say that if it was for me only, I would go over the recommended amount. But I’m naughty like that. And I rarely react to things. And I always think that the recommended amounts are always erring on the side of caution anyway, so there’s wiggle room. But, yeah, as I say, I’m naughty 
As the song says, “that’s what I like, what I like about you…”But, yeah, as I say, I’m naughty
AliensrReal
Well-Known Member
If I were to use essential oils in my soap I would follow IFRA guidelines because for some reason pure essential oils actually bother me but not fragrance oils.
I do go over the IFRA for fragrance oils, but I’m not selling and my friends and family have been fine with my soap. I have only gone over by half an ounce and I doubt that is enough to cause anything to happen. I haven’t used anything with an IFRA lower than 3%.
I do go over the IFRA for fragrance oils, but I’m not selling and my friends and family have been fine with my soap. I have only gone over by half an ounce and I doubt that is enough to cause anything to happen. I haven’t used anything with an IFRA lower than 3%.
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Naughty, and perhaps, dirty? You know, in need of soap.Just popping back in to say that if it was for me only, I would go over the recommended amount. But I’m naughty like that. And I rarely react to things. And I always think that the recommended amounts are always erring on the side of caution anyway, so there’s wiggle room. But, yeah, as I say, I’m naughty
If it was something only for oneself, that you had used enough before to know it didn't irritate -- if that was the reason for the limit-- I don't see a problem. It's not like it's suddenly morphed into a different, more irritating substance. Eo or fo.
But irritation isn't the only reason for those limits; if the fine print was "carcinogenic", that's a whole nother kettle of fish.
And sensitization is too, though less troublesome. That would mean one could suddenly one day have a problem after months or years of no trouble.
So read those allergen & IFRA standards.
But irritation isn't the only reason for those limits; if the fine print was "carcinogenic", that's a whole nother kettle of fish.
And sensitization is too, though less troublesome. That would mean one could suddenly one day have a problem after months or years of no trouble.
So read those allergen & IFRA standards.
akseattle
Well-Known Member
Since I posted my question, I've been following IFRA guidelines, although I don't sell my soap, I give it away. But I might have to make a soap "just for me!" What a treat that would be! So far, I've only used my rejects ....Just popping back in to say that if it was for me only, I would go over the recommended amount. But I’m naughty like that. And I rarely react to things. And I always think that the recommended amounts are always erring on the side of caution anyway, so there’s wiggle room. But, yeah, as I say, I’m naughty
Do it!
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