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So, how do you scent your liquid African black soap? Because African black soap has a strong, earthy aroma, adding a fragrance will alter it mildly or dramatically. As I’ve tried different types of this soap, I could detect some have a stronger aroma than others. If you like the natural smell then don’t add anything. If you want your soap or shampoo to have more beneficial properties, then please read about essential oils.
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Fragrance Oil Versus Essential Oil
What do those initials mean? F.O. = Fragrance Oil. E.O. = Essential Oil. What’s the difference?
Fragrance oils may contain up to 200 components to make it smell like a freshly baked chocolate cupcake, a luscious ripe raspberry, or a just-picked jasmine flower. Fragrances may contain natural ingredients, but many synthetic ones. They’re created in a lab, and are less costly than essential oils. They are also more plentiful. Another advantage is that you can obtain your favorite perfume or cologne for just a few dollars an ounce!
Fragrance oils are sometimes referred to as “nature identical.” If you want an inexpensive scent, then fragrance oils fit the bill. However, fragrance oils are not therapeutic grade essential oils and never will be.
Always buy fragrance oil that is labeled as SKIN SAFE. Some fragrances are made exclusively for candles and/or potpourri—you don’t want to use those.
Need help finding fragrance oils? Check out his helpful link: http://www.fragranceoilfinder.com/catalog/index.php
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Essential Oils
Essential oils derive their substance directly from nature. Orange oil comes from the expressed rinds of the fruit, rose essential oil is from the petals of this lovely flower, and sandalwood or cedarwood comes from the bark of the tree. Essential oils can be reasonably priced at only a few dollars per ounce [citrus scents], to more than $300 for Bulgarian rose otto from the Valley of the Roses!
1. They are generally considered to balancing and are safe for most people to use. Although any citrus oil can be considered photo toxic in the sunlight, because this is a wash-off product, that rule doesn’t apply.
2. Of the six essential oils listed, sweet orange is generally the least pricy. All of them are useful in a variety of ways, so whether you currently have them on hand or you have to buy them, you will find them to be wonderful additives to cleaning products and as first aid remedies.
3. As with any essential oil, care must be taken when storing the bottles. Keep in a cool, dark place, and they must be in tightly sealed glass bottles. In addition, essential oils are for EXTERNAL USE ONLY!
4. Finally, if you use a folded sweet orange essential oil, which can be referred to as 5X or even 10X, it will be extra strong in color and scent because it’s been further concentrated. Any orange or citrus oil that’s folded has a longer shelf life, too.
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Determining Quality of Essential Oils:
Read the label. If purchasing rosemary oil, for example, you would expect to see that name on the label. However, here are the four facts that you will find on any bottle of essential oil from a reputable supplier/company.
1. Botanical/Latin name. In this case it would be Rosemarinus officinalis.
2. Part. What part of the plant has the essential oil been extracted from? For rosemary, that is the leaf.
3. Method of extraction. Is it an absolute, enfleurage, carbon dioxide [CO2], or has it been steam distilled? In this case it has been steam distilled.
4. Country of Origin. Rosemary comes from many different countries, such as Corsica, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, and France. Location may make a sizable difference for many reasons such as climate, type of soil, high/low altitude, etc.
Aromatherapy isn’t government regulated. Products can claim to be “natural” when in fact distilled water is the only untainted ingredient. Any reputable retailer of essential oils will be very knowledgeable about their product and capable of proving its purity. They will and should be happy to answer your questions.
Top 6 Essential Oils for Skin and Hair
Cedarwood Atlas [Cedrus atlantica], Cedarwood or Virginia [Juniperus virginiana] - The Virginian type is native to America and costs less than the Atlas, which is from Morocco. The Himalayan cedarwood [Cedrus deodora] hails from India. A more expensive American cedarwood is from Texas, and the aroma is somewhat sweeter and balsamic woodsy. Cedarwood is a wonderful aroma and a lot less expensive than sandalwood essential oil. Nor is it endangered like rosewood essential oil. For those seeking a nice, woodsy and unisex aroma you’ll be pleased with cedarwood. Due to its mild astringent properties, cedarwood may help reduce acne and oily skin. Part of plant used: bark.
Lavender [Lavandula angustifolia] – This multipurpose essential oil can be found in first aid kits and high-end perfumes. It ranges in aroma from floral to camphorous. I’ve personally used Bulgarian lavender that hit its peak at 5 years of age! It was stored in a glass bottle in a dark closet, so that helped it age gracefully. Newer lavender often has a harsher aroma. One of the reasons is that each crop yields slightly different results due to weather conditions, so the market rate changes as does the aroma and efficacy of the plant. True lavender grows at higher altitudes in many countries around the world. Spike lavender is not for those with very sensitive skin and the aroma is more camphor-like than the true floral lavender. However, it costs less money and blends well with many other essential oils. Part of plant used: flowers.
Orange, Sweet [citrus sinensis] – can substitute mandarin, bergamot, blood orange or tangerine. As sweet orange essential oil evaporates quickly, consider buying a 5X [it’s five times stronger] version as you’ll use less. Orange essential oil is safe for all skin types and the aroma is notably warm and uplifting. Part of plant used: peel.
Patchouli [Pogostemon cablin] – This is one lovely, earthy aroma that actually improves with age! It’s also recommended for mature skin as it’s said to be cell rejuvenating. It may help with relaxation, which explains why it was and is as popular as an incense ingredient, and blends wonderfully with orange essential oil. Part of plant used: leaves.
Rosemary [Rosmarinus officinalis] – Rosemary has a lively, uplifting and somewhat camphorous aroma. It can be found in Western Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. This lovely essential oil is good for your skin and hair. If used in a Nilotica shea butter mousse or whipped butter, a couple of drops of rosemary may help naturally enhance your hair’s shine and growth. Another chemotype, Rosmarinus Officinalis Verbenone, is less camphorous and is recommended in skincare products due to regenerative qualities via stimulation of metabolic functions and circulation. Part of plant used: leaves.
Tea Tree [Melaleuca alternifolia] – While more beneficial for oily skin, Australian tea tree is as vital to a first aid kit as lavender. The therapeutic properties of tea tree are what make this essential oil a perennial favorite on people’s lists of preferred oils. It’s an ‘anti’ oil, which means it combats a lot of things you don’t want on your skin, hair, or in your home. It’s anti-viral, which means it may get rid of colds and cold sores. It’s anti-fungal, able to clear up painful and unsightly toe or fingernail infections. Tea tree is also commonly used for cuts, scrapes, and burns. And it’s anti-inflammatory, which means it reduces swelling, tired muscles. You might also be interested in Lemon Tea Tree [Leptospermum petersonii] essential oil, especially if you who want a brighter and crisper aroma. It’s also known as an insect repellent. Recommended for those with oily complexions and not for those who are photosensitive. Part of plant used: leaves.
For more information about essential oils, please visit this website: http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/howtobuyessentialoils.asp