Teach Soap

Hi all, I'm new at MP soapmaking, but I love it already! I would like to make some soap as a gift to a friend whose wife is pregnant (due in August) and my brother's wife who is due in July (can't wait to be an uncle!!!).

I have read that certain oils/fragrances are not good for pregnant women, so I was wondering if someone could provide some insight of ones to stay away from.

Also, I thought about making some soaps and donating them to a local retirement home through my church and wanted to know if there were ones to steer clear from regarding elderly people.

The scents I currently have are:

Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey FO
Coolwater FO
Dream Angels FO

Lavender EO
Tea Tree EO
Pine Needle EO
Organic Lemongrass EO
Grapeseed Oil EO
Peppermint Eucalyptus EO (I figured this one would probably be a no-no)

Also, any issues with soap bases or coloring?

Thanks!!!

Hi. I'm fairly new myself so I hope my advice seems worthy of thinking about. I'm making some soap designs for my kids fair to sell. One design in paticular I belive will go over well (see my French Flag post) - a friend of mine suggested I make one loaf with the same color design but no fragrance at all. I thought that was a good idea because there will be some folks who prefer that. I suppose too it's going to be a test for me to see if it sells. You might actually think about considering soaps that could be fragrance free even though you have a nice selection. Maybe it's worth a trip to this retirement home and get some input from them in terms of fragrance (which ones) or no fragrance. Then for sure you'll feel better about actually making them knowing that information. Especially with your generosity - you'd surely feel good if they were using them!!

Good Luck.

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

This may help:

Oils to avoid during pregnancy:
Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but they have many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labour.

The following list contains oils that should be avoided* during pregnancy:
Basil
Cedarwood
Cinnamon
Clary sage (OK during labour)
Clove
Cypress (OK after 5 months)
Fennel
Hyssop
Jasmine (OK during labour)
Juniper
Lemongrass
Myrrh
Parsley
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Rosemary
Sweet marjoram
Thyme

*Note: Since it would be highly unethical to test on pregnant women, the list of essential oils to avoid during pregnancy is based on knowledge of the general properties of each essential oil. For obvious reasons, during pregnancy it is recommended to avoid essential oils which are known to thin the blood or cause cramping or contractions. Used under proper dilution, most of these oils should not cause any problems during a healthy pregnancy, but it is always best to err on the side of caution.

Recommended oils for pregnancy:
Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:

Bergamot Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Chamomile Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and indigestion.
Cypress (OK after 5 months) Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.
Eucalyptus Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.
Frankincense Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming.
Geranium (OK after 3 months) Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.
Grapefruit Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with water retention.
Lavender Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.
Lemon Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in massage for varicose veins.
Mandarin Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.
Neroli Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell regeneration and for easing nervous tension.
Patchouli Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.
Petitgrain Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.
Rosewood Antiseptic, sedative.
Sandalwood Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Tangerine Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.
Tea Tree Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.
Ylang Ylang Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.

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