Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils

What's the difference between an essential oil and a fragrance oil?

An essential oil is a natural liquid that is distilled, typically by steam distillation, from the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark, or other parts of a plant. The distillation process allows the “essence” of the plant and its therapeutic qualities to remain intact. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. They are used for both their aroma and their medicinal qualities. For example, Lavender is a calming, floral scent that is also good for psoriasis and eczema. They are sometimes very pricey, depending on how they are extracted and how much of the herbs or botanicals are needed. Not all plants are conducive to steam distillation and not all plant "essences" are worth collecting.

Fragrance oils are artificially created or contain synthetic substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils do. You can find a much wider range of scents since these fragrances are made in a lab, such as pumpkin pie and ocean breeze. They also tend to be more economical, which is why many store products contain fragrances rather than essential oils.

Our personal philosophy is that natural, skin-safe, therapeutic essential oils are best, and that is what we use in our products, but we also believe that the consumer should make their own choices based on their preferences, concerns, and convenience. Besides, there are some yummy fragrances out that that cannot be produced using essential oils.

What are your thoughts? Do you prefer to use products with essential oils or fragrance oils? Post your comment.

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Ingredient Profile - Goat's Milk in Soaps, Lotions and Bath Products

Goat's Milk is one of our favorite natural ingredients. We use it in soaps, lotions, milk baths, bath bombs, and more. Nothing beats its creamy, richness for the skin.

Goat's milk nourishes the skin. It contains vitamins A, C, E and some B vitamins, along with amino acids, enzymes, unsaturated fatty acids, citric acid and zinc. It also contains glycerin, which manufacturers use as a moisturizer in lotion. Glycerin is naturally found in goat's milk and in handmade soap.

Goat's milk products are alkaline with a low pH, close to the pH of human skin. This aids in moisturizing the skin and and delivering nutrients. Additionally, goat's milk soap contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid commonly included in skin rejuvenation products. Alpha hydroxy acid helps slough off dead skin cells, leaving smooth new cells at the surface. Besides ridding the skin or dryness, alpha hydroxy aids in preventing wrinkles.

Goat's Milk is completely natural. We get our Goat's Milk from a Florida farm that cares for the goats humanely and allows the goats to roam free and graze on grass. Goat's Milk reduces the possibility of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Many people with eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive skin issues can use goat's milk soap without any problems. It is safe for adults, children, and babies.