Teach Soap

HI Joey,

I went through the same thing trying to figure out how much to use and of what. I asked a lot of questions, on several forums, tried my best to research, but most of the answers I got were along the lines of" you just have to experiment"

I understand their point, but experimenting with expensive EOs and FOs - there is only so much of that my wallet can stand!

So I use a chart that just gives the percentages per how much base, (just saves me the math!) and I generally use 2% fragrance.
That being said - some are way stronger than others, so I use less, some are weaker, so I go to 3%.

My personal observations on EOs I have tried (hopefully others will chime in with theirs) Keep in mind, EOs from different source could be different strengths.
Very Strong: Spearmint, Tea Tree, German Blue Chamomile, anything pine or fir
Medium: 5x Orange, Ylang Ylang, grapefruit, helichrysum
Weak - all other citrus, lemongrass

But that is just my experience - your milegae may vary

For strong Eo's I generally use at .4 ppo, for average strength ones I use .7 ppo, and for citrus .8 ppo along with some clay or another anchor. If the citrus EO is in a blend, then I use according to the other EO's, not the citrus one. This is for CP soaps. For m & p I use drops.
Everyone is different in their opinion of what constitutes a good strength of scent, for instance I would never consider lemongrass a weak scent, in fact I find it pretty potent and never add more than .5 of it. Since it is not a citrus you do not need to use an anchor with it either. At any rate, generally speaking, we dont need to use more than a 2.5% concentration of EO's in products, and some are great with just 1%. In your other products add by the drop until you get the strength you desire. For soap, you will have to experiment, but hopefully the various opinions here will give you an idea for a starting place.

As for proper usage instructions, use in well ventilated areas and wear gloves when handling. You do need to study the ones you wish to use and heed any warnings, but you dont have to fear EO's, just have a healthy respect for them. The majority of warnings are for internal consumption and/or more concentrated amounts than you will get in most products. If you do not have medical ailments, are not hypertensive or prone to seizures, then you should have no issues. Still, you should always perform a patch test with any new EO, EO blend, or new product containing Eo's.

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

Tammy

This is one of those "no right or wrong" answer. I live in a "green" area...so many people here like the "more natural' the better route, and use EO's. For me personally, I cannot stand the scent of most EO's...I've been a user of very high end perfumes most of my life...so I'm just inclined that way (just personal preference)

I think the bigger question is who is your market? My market is mostly like me: older, likes upscale or spa/clean kinds of scents, avoids anything that smells like weeds...

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Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PureBlissEssentials
website: www.pureblissessentials

Thanks for all of the responses.

My market is ME I just buy SO much soap, I wanted to start making my own and also for friends. I think they make perfect gifts.

I do have sensitive skin and a ton of allergies. I'm not sure what the safest way is to properly do a skin test for EO. Do you use it raw or do you have to mix it with a buffer?

I have a few more questions, but it's bed time. I'll be back

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Joey

JoeyA, I would not use undilluted aka neat essential oil on your skin. Mix it with a little carrier first. When my kids were little, I used neat Lavender on their bo boos and now my daughter is allergic to Lavender. So be very careful. Test any potential oil on the inside of your elbow or the inside of your wrist. Have some alcohol handy and soap and water just in case you need to wipe it, then wash it off.

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

Thanks Irena. Okay, silly question...what is usually used as a carrier for EOs?

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Joey

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

Just a quick note to add that you should let the 2-3 drops of eo mixed in a carrier oil set on your skin (assuming there is no immediate reaction) for 24 hours, covered with a band-aide. Just because there is not an initial reaction does not mean that you are okay to use it.
If after 24 hours there is no itching, redness or other irritation, then you can use that eo in products. If there is any irritation, wash it with soap and water and do not use that eo in any product, ever again. Repeated exposure to a known allergen can and usually will increase the severity of a reaction.

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

Tammy

/\ THANKS! Oh, how much of the carrier should be used for the 2 - 3 drops of EO?

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Joey

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

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

Tammy

Perfect! Thanks so much for the info.
Wish me luck

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Joey