Mama Bear Hydrogen Scent

[HlSheppard]

I certainly can't comment on the "superiority" of EO's over FO's. I just know that I haven't had a single reaction to commonly used EO's (plus, I have a few I've played around with). I do know of some (as Sue mentioned) that carry warnings and can cause problems. Those, I have NOT tried...

Honestly, the scents of these soaps are all so darned nice; I'm toughing it out just to be able to experience them!

[guenron]

Howard, et al,
The issue with EO's and FO's is really the old story of natural versus synthetic. If you find that this distinction makes a difference, you can choose easily. Quite often though it is not an allergic reaction, but the concentration of oil (whether EO or FO)... Oftimes the best smelling, longest lingering, whole-house filling scents are those that rip your cheeks a new one.

[HlSheppard]

You are SO right. And I'm a glutton for punishment.

[Mama Bear]

Sue's comments are right on the mark! Raw fragrance oil will take the finish off of wood, any in doubt of that can check out my coffee table and my card table... stinking up the house those days was a damaging event...

None of these (either Fragrance oils or Essential oils) are Ever made to be used straight for any reason. The more you use, the more you have at risk. This is why most of the soaps you will buy (especially from the larger companies) will have cut back on the scent.

But some people have reactions where others don't. Even worse, some people react to some and not to others. The Dragon's Blood and Almond are perfect examples.

I have a heavy hand with the fragrance. I am one of those people who have never had a reaction.. I actually pour the stuff in my bathwater! But I have to say I strongly recommend if you have had a reaction to a fragrance that you ALWAYS to a patch test. Better to know up front what you can personally handle before that burn sets in... If you can't use it as a shave soap, you can always relegate it to the shower!

Bear Hugs,

The other Sue, Mama Bear

[finegelernt]

My understanding from whatever little reading I have done on the INTERNET is that there are real differences present between EO and FO.

Fragrance Oils are the cheapest and its main function is to deliver a wonderful and fantastic smell. To that end it can be made with a combination of natural and synthetic oils. Do not be scared of the word synthetic as research indicates that these are less likely to produce an adverse skin reaction than natural oils. FO's only purpose is a great smell and nothing else and how it is made is of little consideration.

Essential Oil, however, may have a therapeutic value. It is more difficult to produce and it costs a lot more. There are also various manufacturing methods to produce it, country of origin etc.
There are also organic EO which may be a good idea since you do not want remnants of pesticides in your oils.
Essential Oils such as Tee Tree, Sage or Myrrh are widely used for its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. I read that Oil of Bergamot is great in a mouthwash to help rid oneself of halitosis (not sure what it does for the skin).

So you see, EO may potentially have medicinal value while FO just tickles our olfactory senses.