Essential oils in body products

“Do you use essential oils in your soaps and lotions?” That’s the most frequently asked question we hear. As soapmakers, we had to reach a decision about the use of essential oils as a fragrance source for our soaps and lotions.

I personally love essential oils, but we had to be objective about what was in the best interest of the majority of people who use our products. We gave it a great deal of thought while reading every bit of research, and in consultation with experts. Our concern heightened about what we discovered, so we made a decision that led us to fragrance oils instead of essential oils, and we’re confident we made the best choice for our customers.

I can't begin to count the number of people who initially believe essential oils are the only way to scent natural products. Then, we tell them our take on the use of essential oils for fragrancing:

NATURAL DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN SAFE.

Allergies. Essential oils are extracted from a variety of plants likely to cause allergic reactions in those who have plant based, pollen, or grass type allergies like hayfever. Generally the allergic reaction will present itself as an itchy rash or hives. That’s the immune system responding to one or more of the chemicals in the essential oil.

Sensitivity and Phototoxicity. The volatile organic compounds in essential oils can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and have been known to cause headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver and kidneys. It has been reported that exposure to natural sunlight or tanning bed radiation following essential oil application increases the risk of serious burns, and possibly, skin cancer.

Pregnancy and Children. Essential oils can cross the placental barrier and there is insufficient clinical research to justify the possible associated risks. There is also mounting concern about hormonal disruption from skin absorption of some oils. All evidence suggests that essential oils should not be applied on children who have yet to reach puberty.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL TRUTH.

Extraction Methods. Even with natural essential oils, the extraction process can sometimes be anything but natural. Did you know that chemical solvents are used in the extraction process for some oils? We were shocked to learn that manufacturers still list these oils as pure or natural.

Natural Resource Depletion. It can take hundreds of pounds of vegetation to extract an ounce of essential oil, and many non-renewable plants have been overharvested for the purpose of oil production. Now, they’re endangered.

Giant Carbon Footprint. The majority of essential oils sold in the United States and/or the materials to make them come from foreign countries. Just consider the fuels used to transport these and you’ll realize the enormous environmental impact.

This is not to say there isn’t a place for essential oils. There absolutely is, and has been throughout the ages, a use for essential oils as beneficial medicinal and topical treatment alternatives when used properly. And, we absolutely love, love most of the essential oils in aromatherapy (including, my favorite candles that come to mind.) But, we wanted as many people to enjoy our ACEQUIA bath and body products without anxiety about effects on their well-being. So, we chose to take a path that we felt was friendlier to people and the planet.