Teach Soap

So I've been using Nature's Garden FOs exclusively thus far; for each batch, I always check the IFRA certification for the maximum amount that can be used.

Now I've got a couple of EO's and and FO from another vendor (Glory Bee) and I'm just not comfortable with general guidlines like ".7 oz ppo"* - that simply can't apply to all EO's and FOs, can it? I have used NG FOs with max amount from 3%, 5%, 25% all the way up to "no limit" - that's a considerable range.

Further, I wonder how vendors get away with not providing this info. Kicking myself for not asking when I bought them!!!!

* which is 4.3%, roughly...what if it should be more like 3%?

All but the strong Eo's are usable at .7 oz ppo. But those are really a different category than FO's and should be well studied before using, imho.
Yes, you should always ask the vendor if you don't see the max usage rates, as not every vendor carries the same formulation of FO's. However, generally speaking, .7 oz ppo is fine. Look at the calculations and you will see that at .7 oz ppo you will be under a 5% usage rate. I have been told by industry reps that the majority of fo's are safe at 5-6%. Of course there are ones lower and higher, which is why you need to check, but most will be in that range, which is why the .7 oz ppo is the "general" usage rate.

ETA: the site may have a general rule of "assume that all fo's are 5% unless otherwise noted". Just call or email them and ask what the deal is.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Thanks LL - the fact that the .7 ppo come from those in the industry does help; absent that info, it seem arbitrary.

With regards to "strong" EOs - are you referring to cinnamon, clove, etc...the "spicy" EOs?

yes April, the cinnamon/cassia, clove etc. are the strong EO's I was speaking of. However, each one needs checked before using. Still, those are generally used at .4 oz ppo and citrus at .9 oz ppo., while the regular EO's are mostly .7 oz ppo I am most familiar with EO's, having worked with them for a good number of years.
But, just to be clear, I did not say that the industry leaders said to use .7 oz ppo for FO's (many people use more, I usually use .8 to begin with, 1 oz ppo if I heard it was a bad sticker) I said, that if you look at the calculations, that amount fits under what they say the average safe usage amount is, the 5-6%. So "generally" speaking you will be safe using that amount. It is still important to check with the vendor for the information.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

With fragrance oils, since we don't know what the ingredients are, most of us go by the 0.7 oz. per lb. of soap. With experimentation, some can be used at a lower amount.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Genny

If I would have to use 1 oz. of an FO, I would look for another supplier. You should not have to use one full once per lb. of soap. That FO is weak then and should not be used in soap. It is a plus if the vendor has an IFRA.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.