Is Natural Always Best?
Not at all. Hear me out, though. Probably the most frequently asked question I get in regard to our soap is, “Is this made with essential oils or synthetic oils?” A bit ago I decided to write up a response to this question that went a little more in depth than, “both,” which is the quick answer. We use natural fragrance oils but not synthetic fragrance oil. There is a very big reason I sometimes choose what’s deemed as “synthetic” over essential oils, let me explain.
Essential oils and other substances deemed 'natural health products' “are not regulated in the United States. This means there is no oversight of these products to ensure quality and we do not know exactly what is in each bottle, the concentration or contaminants. These highly concentrated and potent essential oils can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The inhalation of VOCs commonly has negative effects on the respiratory system. Individuals can have different reactions to essential oils, just like they might to other medicines, products, allergens or irritant triggers.” (American Lung Association)
Fragrance oils are developed and made in laboratories, but there are two types of fragrance oils: Synthetic fragrance oils and natural fragrance oils and the main difference between the two are their components. Both synthetic and natural fragrance oils are made in laboratories and undergo chemical processes. But synthetic fragrance oils use materials and compounds which are also laboratory-made, in short artificial. Natural fragrance oils, on the other hand, use compounds that can come from nature but are processed and modified in the laboratory; so, they take natural ingredients, testing and modifying them to make sure they’re safe for humans and in what amount.
I do mainly use essential oils in my bath products, but I always tell people to be cautious with essential oils. They have become somewhat trendy in the last few years and there are some misunderstandings in their safety & effectiveness. They are definitely not a cure-all and can even cause serious problems if not used responsibly. Words and phrases like "all-natural" and "therapeutic" make it easy to gravitate toward using essential oils for a lot of different things/issues. People often assume "natural" means safe, but even natural compounds can be harmful. I say that even while using them, but I try to keep up with the science and medical industries and do my research on the fragrances, oils and companies used.
For instance, in making soap, the skin safe amount is drastically lower for essential oils than fragrance oils. Some essentials can cause rashes, be an endocrine disruptor, cause hormonal issues & even seizures. Just a few examples. Research has shown lavender oil to be associated with puberty issues in girls and both lavender and tea tree oil are also thought to lead to a condition called prepubertal gynecomastia in boys. This includes both topically as well as by diffusion. Some essential oils can cause serious issues for people with diabetes if applied topically or ingested. Chamomile can help you unwind, but people with allergies to ragweed, daisies and other plants can have severe reactions. Myrrh has been found to cause dermatitis & possible serious side effects include heart irregularities and lower blood pressure. It can also increase the risk of miscarriage if taken when pregnant. Essential oils can also cause issues for pets and the ASPCA has recommended never to have an animal in the same room as a diffuser in use. Aspirating an essential oil can cause pneumonia in humans, as well. Those are just a few examples of the possible negative effects of essential oils.
All of that said, I get our fragrances and oils from sources where the quality is tested and I can be certain what goes into our products. To me, it is important that our oils undergo testing in labs before using them to make sure they are safe and I’m not just relying on something that just says it’s “natural.”
I am personally more concerned that all our fragrances are phthalate free. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in products like toys, detergents, and all sorts of cosmetics. They’re used to make products more sturdy. They’re added to a lot of fragrance oils for a few reasons. Certain aroma chemicals come in powder form, so a phthalate like diethylphthalate (DEP) is used to convert them into a liquid. That helps the fragrance blend better and burn more easily in candles. DEP is also a fixative, which makes scent last longer in perfume, soap, and lotion. Most add these in fragrances & soap, we do not.
Thanks for reading along and your interest in our products!!
-Jes
Below are a few of my sources…
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/know-science/natural-doesnt-mean-better
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31393563/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17267908/
https://www.poison.org/articles/essential-oils
https://www.verywellfamily.com/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-around-my-baby-5649645
https://www.lung.org/blog/essential-oils-harmful-or-helpful
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780443062414/essential-oil-safety