Fragrance oils

22 years ago

I read on a previous post that certain soap scents can be used for candles, but I have the reverse question... can FOs for candles/potpourri be used for soaps?

These are the kind bought at Michaels & WalMart in the potpourri/light ring/oil-diffuser/candle section.

They're in 2 oz. clear or brown bottles with eye droppers & aren't labeled as to being safe/not safe for skin contact.

I just don't want to have to buy all new scents just for soaps if I already have the scent for candles, etc., as that'd be too expensive.

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Comments (6)

Hazel_SC
22 years ago
the only way to know if they are skin safe if it's NOT labeled is to contact the manafacture. usually there is a web site listed on the package, if not do a search on google etc.

A lot of companies are now listing it automatically because so many folks are doing soap & candles, BUT if you aren't sure DON'T do it. Skin reactions can be ugly!

Hazel
sriston
22 years ago
I agree with Hazel. If it doesn't say skin/soap safe, I wouldn't use it. The ones at Wal-Mart are a very cheap grade of fragrance oil and are not near the quality of the oils from places like Brambleberry, Bittercreek, etc., and are probably formulated just for the specific use listed.
Susan
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It can probably be harmful if used long term, your skin absorbs what is put on it and there may be harsh ingrediants that are being absorbed into your body. I would go to Bath and Body Works or other store that specializes in scented body products, they have lots of different lavender scented oils, lotions, creams and sprays that are meant for your body. Also, the oil you are using might be so strong smelling that you are wearing it and don't notice, but the people around you are getting a whiff of too much of a good thing. A woman I worked with used vanilla extract as a perfume, it was torture being around her for long periods of time, the smell gave me a headache after a while. Less is more when it comes to scents, I would play it safe with your body and the people you are around and use something meant for your skin. Hope this helps!
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The coffee soap in the mugs looks awesome, I also had big saucers with mine, I sprinkled some whole coffee beans around the saucer and in the mug once everything was assembled then wrapped in cello with raffia. I just started making some grubby soap loafs, they are awesome as well. Made a strawberry jam loaf, first took clear glycerin and added cranberry seeds, red dye and a excellent new strawberry jam FO I purchased, I let the soap set up then cut in huge chunks (they really looked like strawberries) then embedded them in goat milk soap, let it set up partially and heated some more goat milk, let it thicken and just started drizzling on loaf, then eventually I popped the loaf out and drizzled more goat on it so it could run down the sides, then I took some of the orginal red glycerin that I saved reheated and let it thicken some then kept drizzling it on top. It looks great, looks like real strawberry jam on top and drizzling down everywhere. I am going to make a Orange Creamcicle next, using a orange glycerin loaf and smothering it in goat etc. Oh well, just thought I would share this with you. I actually should not be experimenting with anything else with all the shows I have to get ready for but I can't resist, sometimes I get tired of doing the same old thing. By the way, I am going to make 1LB loafs of the grubbies and sell them whole with homespun tied around them to my gift shops and at shows. I think I will call it "Grubby Kitchen Loaf". Wouldn't they look cool on a cutting board or piped tray on counter so you could just slice some as needed :o) See ya later Elle
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CraftyGirl75
22 years ago
Along the same line as Hazel and Susan - My first reaction would be a very big NO! Most reputable FO companies will label their products for specific uses. I order from a company whose label states exactly what the FO can be used for (soap, candle, lip) and even has the flashpoint on the label for candle use. A good rule of thumb may be if it's cheap it's not safe for skin.

JMHO
Heather
LibbyLiz
Original Author
22 years ago
Well, it's not what I wanted to hear, but I'll do as suggested & buy scents specifically for soap making & keep the other fragrance oils for candles, light rings, porpourri, & oil diffusers.

It was also recommended to me to stay away from Life of the Party products because of the bases/scents being inferior quality & the scents disappearing in the pour, so I'll look for other brands when I go back to Hobby Lobby during their 1/2 off candle/soap-making supplies sale.

Thank you for your help!
Red_Confetti
22 years ago
LibbyLiz - Check the link I just posted for Felicia's Fragrance Finder. It is a treasure trove of info. As in most things in life, you get what you pay for... if you buy a fragrance that is cheap, it won't smell as good, the fragrance will be faint, and it may give your final product problems (seizing, color shift, etc.) Go with tried-and-true suppliers.
LibbyLiz
Original Author
22 years ago
I'm holding off purchasing scents for now. Auntie Celene said she'll send me what samples she doesn't want/like. I figure they can be used for small batches.

Also, I think most of the ones I need for herbals/hand-milleds can probably be found in a natural food store's essential oil section. Or maybe I can use steeped herbs, spices, rinds, and/or teas?

Hobby Lobby only had lavender, peppermint, clove, ylang-ylang, & eucalyptus EOs anyhow, at roughly $3.50 per 1/2 oz. I already had 100% pure eucalyptus EO from when I had a real bad cold.

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Fragrance oils

Comments (6)

Hazel_SC

sriston

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Fragrance oils

Comments (6)

Hazel_SC

sriston

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