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THE DEBATE
Why should I spend time on this?
What should I do?
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Fragrance vs. Essential Oils for Skin Care
The debate about the use of fragrance oils vs. plant-based essential oils in skincare products has been going on since 1868, when the first synthetic fragrance was produced. As with all debates - especially those involving personal care and health - there are very strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
Because what we put on our skin affects our health - whether personally or related to products we purchase for family members. Information is a significant asset for us as consumers - it's the foundation of good choices.
•Read this summary and other resources, to achieve a basic understanding of the issues. This is especially important if you're dealing with skin reaction or allergy. Here's a great website with many skin care ingredient resources.
•Read product labels: synthetic fragrances will be listed as "fragrance" or "fragrance oil" (explained below). Essential oils will be (should be) listed separately. If that isn't the case, don't buy the product.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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The majority of scented products offered at Soaps by Nature are formulated with natural essential oils. Some products are formulated with synthetic fragrance oils, especially in those cases where a popular scent cannot be extracted from actual plant material. Examples are (non-citrus) fruit and berry scents; "dessert" scents such as chocolate and caramel or popular perfume scents.
Other factors come into play as well: sandalwood essential oil is a very popular scent and has historically been used in skin care as a natural plant-extracted ingredient. However, natural sandalwood essential oil is less available now and very expensive due to commercial overharvesting of sandalwood trees. As a result, we're seeing more natural products companies switch to sandalwood fragrance oil.
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FRAGRANCE
OIL SUMMARY
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Definition
Fragrance oil(s), also known as aroma oils, aromatic oils, and flavor oils, are blended synthetic aroma compounds or natural essential oils that are diluted with a carrier like propylene glycol, vegetable oil, or mineral oil. Aromatic oils are used in perfumery, cosmetics, flavoring of food, and in aromatherapy.*
Reasons Why Fragrance Oils are Used
- Although generally considered save by regulatory authorities, fragrance oils may contain ingredients such as petroleum or coal tar, within limits established by the FDA. These ingredients can be harmful to humans and animals, e.g. allergic skin reactions.
- Synthetic fragrances mean fewer and in some cases scarce, natural raw materials are consumed (see above note on sandalwood essential oil).
- Sythetics provide for more consistency in quality and formulation than do naturally-grown materials.
- Synthetics provide for fragrances not available in natural form.
- Synthetics provide an affordable alternative for popular scents.
Reasons for Concern About the Use of Fragrance Oils
- Fragrance oils have the sole purpose of making a product smell good; they do not have the beneficial properties of natural essential oils.
- Fragrance oils may include some plant-based essential oils, however the FDA does not require specific deliniation of all ingredients in a fragrance oil. Synthetic fragrance ingredients are considered trade secrets and on a product label, are typically identified only as "fragrance."
- Fragrance oil ingredients may cause respiratory or allergic skin reactions and/or have other harmful impact on humans and animals.
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ESSENTIAL OIL SUMMARY
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Definition
An essential oil is any of a class of volatile oils obtained from plants, possessing the odor and other characteristic properties of the plant. Essential oils uses include perfumes, flavors and pharmaceuticals.**
Reasons Why Essential Oils are Used***
- Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely.
- Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs offer both psychological and physical benefits. Not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but when inhaled into the lungs, the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) can supply therapeutic benefit.
- Essential oils used for skin care can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The constituents of essential oils can aid in health, beauty and hygiene conditions. (See caution below about direct application of essential oils on the skin.)
- In addition to therapeutic benefit at the emotional and physical level, essential oils are helpful in other applications. Essential oils can be used in household and laundry cleaners. Some oils act as a natural insect repellent and pesticide.
Reasons for Concern About the Use of Essential Oils***
- Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully.
- Essential oils should be used with strong caution when applying directly to the skin. When used for this purpose, be sure to consult a knowledeable aromatherapist.
- Essential oils should be used with strong caution if taken internally. When used for this purpose, be sure to consult a knowledeable aromatherapist.
- Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.
- Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Some contain toxic ingredients. Wormood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.
- Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use.
- Essential oils are flammable.
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*Dictionary.com accessed on January 20, 2011.
**Wikipedia accessed at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragrance_oil on January 20, 2011.
***Aromaweb: http://www.aromaweb.com accessed on January 20, 2011.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information shall not be interpreted as specific prescription or usage advice and is published as a general guideline only. Choose all skin care products wisely.
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