Essential Oil Alternatives: Solid Perfume DIY
From reading our past blog posts this month, you may have gathered that fragrances are a top concern in the cosmetic industry, because a fragrance’s exact composition is not disclosed by cosmetic manufacturers. This hasn’t stopped chemists from finding out the components of fragrance. Unfortunately, the lack of regulation has led to perfume manufacturers riddling perfumes with harmful chemical fragrances.
BEWARE OF THESE CHEMICALS
Sensitizers, hormone disruptors and reproductive toxins are just a few descriptions of some of the chemicals found in fragrances. In a study done by the Environmental Working Group, 17 name-brand perfumes were tested to find chemicals not listed on the labeling. On average, 14 undisclosed ingredients were discovered, including galaxolide, tonalide and diethyl phthalate. In the same study, EWG found that a majority of the perfumes’ ingredients had never been analyzed by a cosmetic safety organization, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review or the International Fragrance Association.
In a separate study performed by EWG and Rachel’s Network, it was reported that galaxolide and tonalide, two synthetic musks, were found in the cord blood of 7 out of 10 newborn babies. At this time, galaxolide and tonalide are believed to cause hormonal disruption and weaken an organism’s defense against toxins. Until more studies are performed, there is no certainty as to how much of a health risk these fragrances pose.
Banned in the European Union, diethyl phthalates (DEP) are very prevalent in fragrances made in the U.S. Diethyl phthalates are used to make fragrances long lasting in perfumery. According to a recent study by a group of environmental and public health organizations, 17 out of 17 perfumes tested contained DEP. Diethyl phthalates have been found to cause endocrine disruption, cancer and reproductive toxicity, making pregnant and breastfeeding women very vulnerable to the use of cosmetics containing DEP. Without lab testing, one can’t be sure if cosmetics containing fragrance also contain diethyl phthalates.
THE NATURAL WAY
Essential oils run the gamut of beautiful, robust aromas and are replacing synthetic fragrances. From florals to spices, there is an essential oil for everyone’s taste. The only major consequence of using essential oils in place of fragrances, is that you might also benefit from the oil’s therapeutic properties.
When using Edens Garden essential oils, you can be sure you are getting 100% pure essential oil, with lab testing to prove it.
SOLID PERFUME DIY
Let’s make chemical perfumes a thing of the past, by switching to a natural alternative, like this lush and easy DIY Solid Perfume.
What you need
2 Tbsp shea butter
2 Tbsp Coconut carrier oil
2 Tbsp soy wax
3 oz tin
60 drops of EOs of your choice (see perfume blend ideas below).
How to
- Over medium heat, stir shea butter and soy wax until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in essential oils and Coconut oil.
- Pour mixture into tin, while hot.
- Allow perfume to harden in the fridge.
PERFUME BLENDS
Need some aromatic inspiration? Try these perfectly balanced perfume blends...
Citrus: 37 drops Neroli, 15 drops Blood Orange, 8 drops Vanilla
Earthy: 32 drops Rose Geranium, 18 drops Pine, 10 drops Patchouli
Floral: 33 drops Lavender, 14 drops Ylang Ylang, 13 drops Rose
Musky: 37 drops Bergamot, 16 drops Silver Fir, 7 drops Peru Balsam
To read more about our GO CLEAN IN 2017 CHALLENGE, click here.
About the Author, Bella Martinez
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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