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Working With and Blending Thick Aromatic Oils
Pictured clockwise from top left are Calendula CO2, Benzoin Resin, Peru Balsam and Rose Absolute.
Most essential oils are thin in viscosity, meaning they are almost of a water-like consistency. Some steam distilled essential oils, namely patchouli and sandalwood, are thicker but still are relatively easy to work with. Some CO2s, absolutes, balsams, resins and other botanical aromatics, however, can be nearly solid at room temperature and are much harder to work with, measure and blend.
Heating oils until they are at a workable consistency helps, but it's important to heat oils gently and for as brief a period as possible. Heat can potentially destroy the fragile constituents of particular oils.
I recently received a question from an AromaWeb/AromaTalk visitor who would like to know the best method to handle thick oils. Beyond my basic recommendation to gently heat thick oils in warm water, I have wanted to take out some time to develop an article where I describe and explore the options for working with thick oils.
When first working with a new oil, I begin by using a water bath technique: I gently heat the bottle or jar of oil by placing it in a small bowl of warm water, and then allow the bottle to rest in the warm water for 10 minutes or more. If the water cools, I replace the water. It is often a trial-and-error process, and each oil can differ in the precise temperature of warm water that works and the length of time that's needed for the oil to reach a workable consistency. I also use this method for liquefying balsams and resins like benzoin. I have also used it to loosen hard vegetable butters from their containers for easier removal. Of course, you risk damaging the legibility of labels. If that matters to you, you can try applying a waterproof, clear tape to the label before submerging the container into water.
Sidenote: This water bath technique is also a useful technique for opening bottles that have tops that refuse to come off. Over time, my bottles of patchouli and vetiver can become difficult to open, especially if I've allowed any essential oil to drip onto the grooves of where the cap screws onto the bottle. I place the bottle, upside down, into a bowl of warm water and allow it to rest there for at least 15 minutes. Of course, this technique can risk allowing water to enter the bottle, but I haven't experienced that problem yet.
Marge Clark is founder and President of Nature's Gift and is one of AromaWeb's largest advertisers and supporters. Marge is an expert in working with precious, rare and thick absolutes, CO2s and other aromatic oils. I asked her for her input in compiling tips in working with solid/thick oils, and she happily shared some especially helpful tidbits:
Heat thick oils in warm water. Mentally imagine how baby bottles are gently warmed. If you are planning to blend the oil with a carrier oil, be sure to also warm the carrier oil. "Plunking a warm dollop of, let's say Calendula Total into cold jojoba gives you jojoba with a blob of CO2 in it."
Marge discovered that using a triple boiler heating method rather than just using a double boiler helps, especially when heating a tiny bottle. Marge recommends placing the small bottle in a custard cup or tea cup with a small bit of warm water. Then set the small cup into a larger container of hot water.
Even when warmed, it's usually not possible or accurate to measure thick oils by the drop. Marge and I both measure thick oils by weight using a scale that weighs by the gram. Digital postal scales are one option if you happen to have one that measures in grams, but I tend not to use that type of scale for measuring tiny quantities. I prefer more accuracy, and use a pocket digital scale that can measure in fractions of a gram (I believe more formally referred to as centigrams and decigrams). Amazon.com sells digital pocket scales, including the American Weigh Precision Digital Pocket Scale that has good reviews and is priced at $18.99 (at the time of this writing). [Sidenote: If this scale becomes discontinued, you can search Amazon.com for other scales by using the search term gram scales.] Whatever scale you choose, be sure it has a tare function that lets you add an empty container and then set the scale to zero to then only weight what you put into the container.
Marge mentions that when diluting thicker oils in large amounts, it is sometimes better to add a tiny bit of the warmed carrier to the warmed (but still semi-solid) oil, stir until blended, add another dollop and repeat. She adds that her process is not much unlike making a sauce in her kitchen. ;)
Almost every absolute will dilute better in alcohol than in a carrier oil, and particular oils including some beeswax and cocoa absolutes will never dilute in carrier oils.
Marge also uses a warming tray. A warming tray is generally used to keep foods warm at a buffet table.
It happens to all of us that use thicker CO2s and absolutes: We have dropped, dripped and/or scooped out as much of the oil as we can, but we know there's still a tad more left in the bottle. Using Marge's techniques above, you can add alcohol or carrier oil (depending on the method of extraction) to the nearly empty bottle. and then enjoy using those last few drops by way of the dilution that you just created.
If you are in doubt or are having trouble working with a particular oil, contact the company that you purchased the oil from. They are most familiar with the particular oil that you purchased and should be quite experienced at working with it. |
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What are Hydrosols?
Hydrosols in 4 ounce and 8 ounce bottles. The hydrosols are surrounded by varieties of fresh cut herbs and flowers that are frequently distilled for their essential oil and hydrosol.
Briefly stated, a hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation. Hydrosols are sometimes also referred to as a floral water or distillate water.
Suzanne Catty, author of Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy proposes the following definition: "Hydrosols are the condensate water coproduced during the steam- or hydro-distillation of plant material for aromatherapeutic purposes." [Suzanne Catty, Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2001), 10.]
The plant matter used in essential oil distillation imparts a wonderful aroma to the water. This hydrosol offers therapeutic benefit, and some plants are specifically distilled for the resulting hydrosol instead of the hydrosol being simply a byproduct of the distillation.
Unlike essential oils that should be deluted prior to application to the skin, hydrosols are water soluble, are much more gentle than their essential oil counterparts and can be used directly on the skin without further dilution.
Hydrosols can be used in place of water in creating natural fragrances, lotions, creams, facial toners and other skin care products. They can also be added to the bath, and used on their own as a light cologne or body spray. Hydrosol can be added to finger bowls for elegant, romantic dinners. Examples of commonly available hydrosols are rose, roman chamomile, neroli and lavender.
Hydrosols are available through some, but not all sellers or essential oil and natural skin care ingredients. AromaWeb's Business Plaza provides a wonderful categorical directory of sellers of hydrosols and other aromatherapy products.
Important Note: Sometimes water simply blended with essential oils are sometimes sold as floral waters or as hydrosols. It is always wise to ask vendors for details about the hydrosols that they sell to ensure that what you are purchasing is a true hydrosol as defined here.
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What are Resins?
A jar of benzoin resin and a bowl of frankincense tears (also known as frankincense resin). The benzoin, even when in a jar that is tipped over, is so thick and sticky that it doesn't spill out.
When some plants, namely trees, are injured, they produce a thick, sometimes solid, sticky substance called a resin. Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) is an example of a resin. In commercial production, the trees will be cut in many spots to encourage the tree to produce its resin.
Natural resins provide therapeutic benefit, but some are hard to work with in aromatherapy because they are extremely thick and sticky. You will find liquid resins that have been extracted by solvent or alcohol extraction.
Frankincense tears is another example of a resin. Frankincense tears are small, solid chunks of frankincense resin. Frankincense tears are most commonly used in oil infusions and in making incense. |
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What are Infused Oils?
Aromatherapy products on a bed of calendula petals. Calendula is an herb that is commonly used to make infused oils.
An infused oil consists of a carrier oil that has been permeated (“infused”) with one or more herbs. The benefit to using an infused oil as opposed to a plain carrier oil is that the infused oil will contain the therapeutic properties of both the carrier oil and the herbs that were infused into the oil.
Some plants do not have much essential oil contained in them, and in those cases, it is rare or impossible to commercially find an essential oil for that plant species. Infusing the herb into a carrier oil, however, can be a suitable way to still use the herb for aromatherapy purposes.
Infused oils generally have an oily feeling that varies depending on the carrier oil used. They also are not as concentrated as essential oils. Additionally, infused oils, just like carrier oils, can go rancid.
It isimportant that you heed the safety information and contraindications of the herbs you choose to use in your infused oil.
How to Make an Infused Oil
The easiest way to make an infused oil is by the use of a crock pot with a very low heat setting. Since the infused oil must be gently heated, it is essential that your crock pot does not overheat the oil. Do not use a crock pot that only has one heat setting as that crock pot most likely will overheat the oils. Add 2 ounces of your chosen carrier oil and 1/2 - 2/3 ounce of dried herbs (if you use fresh herbs, double the amount of herbs used) to your spotlessly-clean crock pot and stir well. Turn your crock pot to the lowest heat setting. Allow to heat on the lowest setting for two hours, stirring every 10-15 minutes (setting a timer to remind you to stir is important). After two hours, carefully strain the oil by using unbleached muslin (usually available at fabric stores). You should strain the oil at least twice. If any herbs remain in the infused oil, the oil can go rancid.
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What are Carrier Oils?
Shown is a variety of cold pressed vegetable oils ranging in color from clear Fractionated Coconut Oil to dark Avocado Oil.
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, kernels or the nuts.
If applied to the skin undiluted, essential oils, absolutes, CO2s and other concentrated aromatics can cause severe irritation or reactions in some individuals. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential and other oils prior to application. They carry the essential oil onto the skin.
Each carrier oil offers a different combination of therapeutic properties and characteristics. The choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.
Natural lotions, creams, body oils, bath oils, lip balms and other moisturizing skin care products are also made using vegetable (carrier) oils. From a simple essential oil/carrier oil blend to a more complex natural lotion, your choice of carrier oil can make a difference in the therapeutic properties, color, overall aroma and shelf life of your final product.
Adding essential oil, drop by drop, to a tablespoon of carrier oil.
Essential vs. Carrier Oils
Essential oils are distilled from the leaves, bark, roots and other aromatic portions of a botanical. Essential oils evaporate and have a concentrated aroma. Carrier oils, on the other hand, are pressed from the fatty portions (seeds, nuts, kernels) and do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils. Carrier oils can go rancid over time, but essential oils do not. Instead, essential oils "oxidize" and lose their therapeutic benefits, but they don't go rancid.
Vegetable Oils/Fixed Oils/Base Oils
The term carrier oil is generally limited to use within the practice of aromatherapy. In natural skin care, carrier oils are typically referred to as vegetable oils, fixed oils or base oils. Not all fixed oils/base oils are vegetable oils. Emu oil (from the emu bird) and fish (marine) oils are also classified as fixed/base oils, but these animal-based oils are generally not used for aromatherapy work.
The Aroma of Carrier Oils
Some carrier oils are odorless, but generally speaking, most have a faintly sweet, nutty aroma. If you come across a carrier oil that has a strong, bitter aroma, the carrier oil may have gone rancid. See the Carrier Oils and Rancidity section of this article for information on rancidity.
Examples of vegetable oils that are used as a carrier in aromatherapy:
Sweet Almond Oil Kukui Nut Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil Macadamia Nut Oil
Avocado Oil Meadowfoam Oil
Borage Seed Oil Olive Oil
Camellia Seed Oil (Tea Oil) Peanut Oil
Cranberry Seed Oil Pecan Oil
Evening Primrose Oil Pomegranate Seed Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil Rose Hip Oil
Grapeseed Oil Seabuckthorn Berry Oil
Hazelnut Oil Sesame Oil
Hemp Seed Oil Sunflower Oil
Jojoba Watermelon Seed Oil
Shopping For Carrier Oils
Trends are changing, but most typical vegetable oils sold in grocery stores are not cold-pressed. Instead, the oils are processed using heat. For the most nourishing, freshest carrier oils, strive to shop with retailers and suppliers that specialize in the sale of aromatherapy or natural skin care ingredients. Your local health food/nutrition store may be a source for carrier oils, but the oils can often be pricier. Watch for dust on the bottles when buying oils locally. That can indicate the oil has been sitting around for awhile. Look for oils that are not blends of two or more oils and that have no additives.
Processing Method: Shop for carrier oils that have been cold pressed or cold expeller pressed. This indicates that the oil has been pressed from the fatty portions of the botanical without the use of added heat. The process can still generate heat due to the friction of the method, but cold expeller pressed oils are processed under conditions that keep the heat to a minimum. Oils that simply say expeller pressed have not been processed to maintain low heat levels. When oils are processed without cool conditions, the high temperature degree and duration of the processing method can harm the fragile nutrients in the oil.
Nutrients: Carrier oils can contain fat soluble vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Seabuckthorn Berry Oil, for instance, has such a high ratio of beta carotene that the oil is orange and is amongst the most vivid of oils. Oils that naturally contain tocopherols (Vitamin E) act as anti-oxidants which are both helpful to the skin and generally help extend the shelf life of the oil.
Essential Fatty Acids: Essential Fatty Acids are fatty acids that our bodies cannot manufacture and need to get from our diets. When applied topically, they are very nourishing to our skin. Carrier oils vary in their ratio and specific EFAs that they contain. EFAs are a benefit to the skin, but they also can make an oil more fragile and prone to quicker rancidity. See the Essential Fatty Acids article for more information.
Price: Carrier oils can vary greatly in price based on several factors: The botanical it's made from, how it was processed, if it's organic, the quantity that you're purchasing, and the source that you're purchasing it from.
Organic: Organic carrier oils generally cost more than conventional oils. When purchasing organic carrier oils, verify if the oil is certified.
Color: Color doesn't always matter when selecting a carrier oil for simple blends, but it can matter if you are making more elaborate recipes where the color of your final product is important to you.
Aroma: The aroma of some carrier oils can compete or conflict with the aroma of the essential oils in your desired blend.
Viscosity: Viscosity is a measurement of the resistance of a liquid to movement and flow. For our purposes in comparing carrier oils, I keep things simple by defining them as having a "thin," "medium" or "thick" viscosity.
Absorption/Feel: This is a rather subjective evaluation of how thoroughly and quickly an oil penetrates the skin, and if it makes the skin feel oily after application.
Shelf Life: Carrier oils vary in how long they last before oxidizing and becoming rancid. When purchasing carrier oils, estimate the quantity of oil that you think you'll use within the lifetime of the oil. See the Carrier Oils and Rancidity section of this article for information on shelf life and rancidity.
AromaWeb's Business Plaza provides a helpful categorical directory of sellers of Carrier Oils and other aromatherapy products.
Avoid Mineral Oil
Mineral oil and petrolium jelly are byproducts of petrolium production and are not used in aromatherapy. Mineral oil is used in baby oils and many commercially available moisturizers because it is an inexpensive oil to manufacture. It, however, can clog pores, prevent the skin from breathing naturally, prevent essential oil absorption, prevent toxins from leaving the body through the natural process of sweating, and I've read reports that it can be absorbed into the body and block vitamins from properly being utilized. These same concerns apply to petrolium jelly.
Storing Carrier Oils
For fragile carrier oils or for those that you will be keeping for a long duration, store them in dark glass bottles with tight fitting tops, and store them in a cool, dark location. Amber or cobalt Boston round bottles are ideal.
If you will will be using up an oil well before its lifespan, it really doesn't need to be transfered to dark glass. When you purchase carrier oils, the supplier may have packaged it in a plastic (PET/HDPE) bottle. This doesn't mean that the oil is inferior. Often suppliers use plastic bottles to save packaging and shipping costs and because many customers use up the oils shortly after purchase. Unlike with essential oils which should always be stored in glass (essential oils can dissolve the plastic), carrier oils can be stored in plastic.
Most carrier oils can be stored in the refrigerator, and this can help prolong the lifespan of fragile oils like Borage Seed Oil. Avocado Oil, however, should not be stored in the refrigerator. Oils stored in the refrigerator may solidify or turn cloudy and will need time to return to room temperature prior to use.
Carrier Oils and Rancidity
Essential oils do not go rancid. Carrier oils, however, do become rancid over time. The level of natural fatty acids, tocopherols, method of extraction and other characteristics of an oil all can affect how quickly an oil becomes rancid. If you come across a carrier oil that has a strong, bitter aroma, the carrier oil may have gone rancid. If you can, compare the aroma of the oil that you suspect is rancid with the same botanical oil that you know is fresh.
Carrier oils that you purchase should be natural and unadulterated. Exceptions include buying carrier oils that have natural Vitamin E added. Vitamin E, often listed as tocopherols acts as a natural preservative.
Vegetable Butters and Other Ingredients As Carriers
Vegetable buttes are not carrier oils, but the beneficial properties of vegetable butters like Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter make them lipids that are suitable for use in aromatherapy.
Vegetable butters are similar to vegetable oils but are solid at room temperature. Vegetable butters are processed by a wide variety of methods, so it's especially important to check the method of extraction when shopping for butters. Strive to use butters that are cold pressed.
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What are CO2 Extracts (CO2s)?
Bottles containing CO2 extracts.
Oils extracted by the CO2 (carbon dioxide) method are commonly called CO2 Extracts or CO2s for short. In a nutshell, CO2 Extracts are extracted by pressurizing carbon dioxide until it becomes a liquid. The liquid carbon dioxide then acts as a solvent on the natural plant matter and the essential oil content then dissolves into the liquid CO2. Afterwards, the CO2 is brought back to natural pressurization, the CO2 evaporates back into its gaseous state and what is left is the resulting oil.
CO2 extracts are often labeled as essential oils as opposed to absolutes since no trace of a harmful solvent will remain in the final product. CO2s have an advantage over essential oils because none of the constituents of the oil are damaged by heat.
CO2 extracts are usually thicker than their essential oil counterparts and often smell closer to the aroma of the natural herb. CO2 extracts have been said to contain additional constituents than what is extracted from the same plant using steam distillation. This would seem to make sense since CO2 extracts generally are thicker oils and often seem to have a more rounded aroma. |
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What are Absolutes?
An array of bottled essential oils and absolutes stored in a padded traveling case.
Like their essential oil counterparts, absolutes are highly aromatic liquids extracted from plants. Absolutes, however, are extracted in a complex manner that requires the use of chemical solvents that are later removed during the final stages of production.
Sometimes, the hot steam or water used to distill an essential oil does not extract much natural oil from the plant or harms the precious natural oil. The solvent extraction methods are often used in these cases.
As a rule, absolutes are more concentrated than their essential oil cousins. Where it is true that a little essential oil goes a long way, a little absolute goes an even longer way.
A very trace amount of solvent can remain in the final absolute. This indeed is a disadvantage to using absolutes as aromatherapy focuses on the use of pure and natural plant matter. Although the amount of remaining solvent is minimal, absolutes are used in true aromatherapy with care, respect and knowledge. Essential oils should never be taken internally by anyone that is not trained, educated and experienced at doing so. Absolutes should never be taken internally by anyone because of that small amount of trace solvent that may remain.
AromaWeb's Business Plaza provides a wonderful categorical directory of sellers of essential oils, absolutes and aromatherapy products. |
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What are Essential Oils?
An assortment of essential oil bottles surrounded by freshly picked flowers and herbs
An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.
Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.
Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances or contain artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer. See the What are Fragrance Oils? article for more information on fragrance oils and why they are not used in aromatherapy.
The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.
For detailed profiles on over 100 oils, see the Essential Oil Profiles area.
Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil) and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption. See the Carrier Oil Profile section for more detailed information about carrier oils.
Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefit as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles. See the Storing Your Oils page for information on how to store your oils and to view pictures of essential oil bottles.
Essential oils can very greatly in quality and price. Various factors that can affect the quality and price of the oil include the rarity of the plant, country and conditions that the plant was grown, quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the plant.
Essential oils can often be purchased as blends of several essential oils. The advantage if it is a blend of pure essential oils is that you can save from having to buy every essential oil individually. The disadvantage is that you have no control over the blend by not mixing it yourself nor can you reliably mix the blend with other oils.
AromaWeb's Business Plaza provides a wonderful categorical directory of sellers of essential oils and aromatherapy products. |
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Aromatic Ingredients
In aromatherapy, only pure and natural essential oils, absolutes, floral waters, resins, carrier oils, infused oils, herbs and other natural substances are used. Read about the natural ingredients used in aromatherapy: |
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Guide to Diluting Essential Oils
Undiluted Use of Essential Oils On the Skin Can Be Harmful and Potentially Cause Severe Irritation or Sensitization.
I routinely discover aromatherapy authors and educators that pass along the rule of thumb that it is safe to use some essential oils on the skin, most particularly lavender and tea tree, without first diluting them in a carrier oil. Using essential oils on the skin without diluting them is referred to as applying them "neat."
Never Put Undiluted Essential Oils On Your Skin.
Not even lavender or tea tree.
There are instances when experienced aromatherapy practitioners make exceptions to this precaution. Only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply any undiluted essential oil on the skin.
I have been a part of the aromatherapy community for over 13 years. Occasionally, I hear from or hear about those that have used undiluted essential oils and have developed permanent sensitization, even by only using a single drop of lavender essential oil per use. It's really not worth the risk. Diluting your essential oils not only helps to protect your wellbeing, it can also save you money.
Recently, while reading Marge Clark's book Essential Oils and Aromatics, I read her personal experiences and her unfortunate long term consequences for having used lavender essential oil neat:
"One of my mentors reminds me 'sensitization is forever.' And I know she is right. Years ago I read the books saying that lavender oil could be used neat (undiluted). I very unwisely used undiluted lavender on broken skin, and consequently set up a sensitivity reaction. Today, almost two decades later, if I come in contact with lavender in any form, I will immediately start a new round of contact dermatitis that can take months to heal." [Marge Clark, Essential Oils and Aromatics (Sandy, UT: Silverleaf Press, 2008), 32.]
What is Sensitization?
The symptoms of sensitization can vary from individual to individual, but think of it like a skin allergy that results in a severe and/or itchy rash. More severe cases of sensitization can potentially lead to respiratory issues or apparently even anaphylactic shock. Once you develop sensitization to an essential oil, you are likely to remain permanently sensitized to that essential oil, even if you begin to adequately dilute it. You may also develop a reaction to other essential oils as well and will also experience reactions to products that contain these oils.
Treat Essential Oils With Respect
Treat essential oils with the same care that you treat medicines. You don't need to be afraid or avoid essential oils and I'm certainly not trying to scare anyone out of enjoying all the benefits that aromatherapy offers. They can be an amazing blessing within a holistic lifestyle. Do remember, however, that when working with essential oils, less is more. |
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Essential Oil Safety Information
Adding essential oil, drop by drop, to a tablespoon of carrier oil.
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Implementing aromatherapy into your lifestyle shouldn't cause paranoia or undue worry. By treating essential oils as medicines and following the steps outlined below, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits that aromatherapy can offer.
These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the proper use of essential oils. When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner.
Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply an undiluted oil on the skin. Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree, however, should be avoided as severe sensitivity still could occur in some individuals. Again, the safest rule of thumb is to never use any essential oil undiluted.
I wrote the above paragraph several years ago. Recently, while reading Marge Clark's book Essential Oils and Aromatics, I read her personal experiences and her unfortunate long term consequences for having used lavender essential oil neat:
"One of my mentors reminds me 'sensitization is forever.' And I know she is right. Years ago I read the books saying that lavender oil could be used neat (undiluted). I very unwisely used undiluted lavender on broken skin, and consequently set up a sensitivity reaction. Today, almost two decades later, if I come in contact with lavender in any form, I will immediately start a new round of contact dermatitis that can take months to heal." [Marge Clark, Essential Oils and Aromatics (Sandy, UT: Silverleaf Press, 2008), 32.]
For more information, read AromaWeb's Guide to Diluting Essential Oils.
Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored. Even if an oil does not irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is important that you always keep that in mind.
Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.
Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops.
Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. 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. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands.
Essential oils should not be taken internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
Essential oils are flammable. Keep them out of the way of fire hazards. |
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History of Aromatherapy
In brief, aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Although the term aromatherapy was not used until the 20th Century, the foundations of aromatherapy date back thousands of years. The use of essential oils in particular date back nearly one thousand years.
The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance.
Later, the Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the crude extraction of cedarwood oil. It is also thought by some that Persia and India may have also invented crude distillation machines, but very little is known.
Oils of cedarwood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh were used by the Egyptians to embalm the dead. When a tomb was opened in the early 20th century, traces of the herbs were discovered with intact portions of the body. The scent, although faint, was still apparent. Although the cedarwood the Egyptians used was distilled by a crude distillation process, the other oils the Egyptians used were most likely infused oils.
The Egyptians also used infused oils and herbal preparations for spiritual, medicinal, fragrant and cosmetic use. It is thought that the Egyptians coined the term perfume, from the Latin per fumum which translates as through the smoke. Egyptian men of the time used fragrance as readily as the women. An interesting method that the men used to fragrance themselves was to place a solid cone of perfume on their heads. It would gradually melt and would cover them in fragrance.
The Greeks learned a great deal from the Egyptians, but Greek mythology apparently credits the gift and knowledge of perfumes to the gods. The Greeks also recognized the medicinal and aromatic benefits of plants. Hippocrates, commonly called the "father of medicine" practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefit. A Greek perfumer by the name of Megallus created a perfume called megaleion. Megaleion included myrrh in a fatty-oil base and served several purposes: (1) for its aroma, (2) for its anti-inflammatory properties towards the skin and (3) to heal wounds.
The Roman Empire built upon the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks. Discorides wrote a book called De Materia Medica that described the properties of approximately 500 plants. It is also reported that Discorides studied distillation. Distillation during this period, however, focused on extracting aromatic floral waters and not essential oils.
A major event for the distillation of essential oils came with the invention of a coiled cooling pipe in the 11th century. Persian by birth, Avicenna invented a coiled pipe which allowed the plant vapor and steam to cool down more effectively than previous distillers that used a straight cooling pipe. Avicenna's contribution lead to more focus on essential oils and their benefits.
Within the 12th century, an Abbess of Germany named Hildegard grew and distilled lavender for its medicinal properties.
Within the 13th century, the pharmaceutical industry was born. This event encourages great distillation of essential oils.
During the 14th century, the Black Death hit and killed millions of people. Herbal preparations were used extensively to help fight this terrible killer. It is believed that some perfumers may have avoided the plague by their constant contact with the natural aromatics.
Within the 15th century, more plants were distilled to create essential oils including frankincense, juniper, rose, sage and rosemary. A growth in the amount of books on herbs and their properties also begins later in the century. Paracelcus, an alchemist, medical doctor and radical thinker is credited with coining the term Essence and his studies radically challenged the nature of alchemy and he focused upon using plants as medicines.
During the 16th century, one could begin purchasing oils at an "apothecary," and many more essential oils were introduced.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, perfume starting being considered an art form, and it was more clearly defined as its own field.
During the 19th century, perfumery remained a propserous industry. Women would have their jeweler create a special bottle to hold their treasured perfume. The 19th century also was important scientifically as major constituents of essential oils became isolated.
During the 20th century, the knowledge of separating the constituents of essential oils was used to create synthetic chemicals and drugs. It had been believed that by separating the major constituents and then using the constituents alone or in synthetic form would be beneficial therapeutically and economically. These discoveries helped lead to "modern medicine" and synthetic fragrances. This actually weakened the use of essential oils for medicinal and aromatic benefit.
During the earlier part of the 20th century, a French chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé became interested in the use of essential oils for their medicinal use. Previously, he focused on the aromatic use of essential oils, but his interest in their medicinal use grew after an accident heightened his curiosity. While working, he burned his arm rather badly. By reflex, he plunged his burned arm into the closest liquid which happened to be a large container of lavender essential oil. The burn he suffered healed quickly and left no scar. Gattefossé is credited with coining the term aromatherapy in 1928 within an article where he supports the use of using essential oils in their whole without breaking them down into their primary constituents. In 1937, Gattefossé wrote a book called Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones végétales that was later translated into English and named Gattefossé's Aromatherapy. It is still in print and widely read.
Other highly respected 20th century aromatherapists include Jean Valnet, Madam Marguerite Maury, and Robert B. Tisserand. Jean Valnet is most remembered for his work using essential oils to treat injured soldiers during the war and for his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, originally entitled Aromathérapie in French. Austrian Madam Marguerite Maury is remembered as a biochemist who avidly studied, practiced and taught the use of aromatherapy for primarily cosmetic benefit. Robert B. Tisserand is an English aromatherapist who is responsible for being one of the first individuals to bring knowledge and education of aromatherapy to English speaking nations. He has written books and articles including the highly respected 1977 publication The Art of Aromatherapy. The Art of Aromatherapy was the first aromatherapy book published in English.
From the late 20th century and on into the 21st century, there is a growing resurgence to utilize more natural products including essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic and aromatic benefit. The use of essential oils never ceased, but the scientific revolution minimized the popularity and use of essential oils in one's everyday life. Today's heightened awareness regarding the use of synthetics coupled with the increased availability of aromatherapy information within books and the Internet has refueled the use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrant and spiritual use. |
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Aromatherapy Tips for Beginners
Aromatherapy blending items including disposable pipettes and droppers.
Many of these suggestions are mentioned throughout AromaWeb, but they are also included below as a quick-reference:
DON'T: Don't buy perfume oils thinking they are the same thing as essential oils. Perfume oils do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Even if you only intend on using aromatherapy in your lifestyle for the sheer enjoyment of the aroma, essential oils that are breathed in can offer therapeutic benefits. These benefits do not occur with the use of perfume oils.
DON'T: Don't buy essential oils with rubber glass dropper tops. Essential oils are very concentrated and will turn the rubber to a gum thus ruining the oil.
DO: Read as much as you can on Aromatherapy. It is very easy to get started with Aromatherapy, but there are safety issues that you need to be aware of. AromaWeb does offer safety tips and information to help you on your way, but you are wise to read even further on the important subject of essential oil safety. Visit the Book Shelf for book descriptions on over 12 popular aromatherapy books.
DO: Be selective of where you purchase your essential oils. The quality of essential oils varies widely from company to company. Additionally, some companies may falsely claim that their oils are undiluted or pure when they aren't.
DO: Learn to compare apples to apples when shopping for oils. Anise, Lavender, Bay, Cedarwood, and Eucalyptus are examples of the common names of plants used to create essential oils. There, however, are different varieties of each of these plants. To differential these varieties, the botanical name (also referred to as the Latin name) is used to tell them apart. For instance, two different oils are referred to as "Bay essential oil," yet they come from two different plants. The properties and aroma of each oil do differ as does the general cost between the two. It, therefore, is important to pay attention to the botanical name. In the case of Bay, the common botanical names for the two oils used in this example are Pimenta racemosa and Laurus nobilis.
DO: It is also helpful to note the country of origin for the oil. Most good essential oil sellers will readily supply the botanical names and country of origin for the oils that they sell. When comparing one company's oils with another's, also pay attention to if either company's oils are organic, wild-crafted or ethically farmed.
DON'T: It is wise not to purchase oils from vendors at street fairs, craft shows, or other limited-time events. Some vendors know beginners have no recourse against them later. This is not to say that there are not highly reputable sellers at such events, but this is a caution for beginners who are not able to reliably judge quality.
DO: Purchasing oils from reputable mail-order companies may result in obtaining higher quality oils at less expense than purchasing oils from a generic local health food establishment. Again, there is a wide variance in the quality of oils from company to company and store to store. Although AromaWeb does not make an endorsement of any establishment, the Business Plaza's Vendor Pavilion lists a variety of companies that sell essential oils and aromatherapy products.
DO: Store your oils in dark glass (amber or cobalt blue) and in a cool, dark place. I have two wooden hinged boxes that I store some of my oils in. Unfinished wooden boxes may be purchased at craft stores. These boxes allow me to move my oils from different areas of the house easily. Wooden floppy disk holders can also serve this purpose well.
DO: Pay special attention to all safety information on all essential oils that you use. This is even more important if you have any medical condition or are pregnant.
DO: Last but not least, do enjoy introducing aromatherapy into your lifestyle! |
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Is All the Hype About Aromatherapy True?
Are all the claims and is all the hype about holistic aromatherapy true?
An array of supplies used in holistic aromatherapy.
This is a question I have received many times, however the answer does depend on the claims that you have personally heard.
So many products, often incorrectly, use the term aromatherapy on their products. Some media reporters and vendors even refer to aromatherapy as a "new discovery" thus giving a false sense of hype to aromatherapy and promoting inaccurate information about aromatherapy.
The practice of aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Holistic aromatherapy does not include the use of fragrance oils or unnatural products. Unfortunately, many sellers of so-called aromatherapy products just use the term aromatherapy to sell their pleasant-smelling product and sometimes even go so far as to "hype" unfounded claims.
Below are a few common questions and answers that will help clarify what aromatherapy can and can't do.
Can aromatherapy cure my major illness or psychological problem?
If you expect or hope that aromatherapy will in itself cure a major illness or actually cure "stress," you will probably be in for a disappointment. But if you expect that aromatherapy can help with a physical condition, can help with symptoms, can effect your mood, or help alleviate or temporarily eliminate stress or other psychological factors, you may be delighted with the results that you experience.
For example, aromatherapy will not cure serious illness such as cancer or AIDS. Aromatherapy when practiced safely, however, can help enhance a cancer patient's quality of life by enhancing the patient's mood, calming fear and can help ease nausea during chemotherapy treatments. For AIDS patients, aromatherapy can also help enhance the patient's quality of life psychologically and essential oils can help improve one's immune system and thus potentially assist an AIDS patient that way.
Aromatherapy is a complementary alternative health modality. Its current use is not intended to replace standard medical care, but is meant to complement it. Aromatherapy can offer an alternative choice to taking prescription or over-the-counter chemical drugs. Aromatherapy can offer practical benefit for a variety of common ailments or symptoms such as assisting with cuts, wounds, bruises, inflammation, indigestion, acne, skincare, haircare, hygiene, PMS, menstruation, and for providing mental and emotional assistance with such issues as stress, fatigue, anxiety, fear, and the list goes on and on!
The very first aromatherapy blend that I ever attempted to create and try was for arthritis. I have arthritis in my knees and it can get extremely painful. I wasn't sure what to expect of this very first blend that I had made. To my skeptical amazement, I had relief. The relief did not occur instantaneously, nor was the relief permanent. Regular use of the blend, however, did – and still does – help to a large degree. This story is merely one example of the realistic results that you may experience by introducing aromatherapy into your lifestyle. I use the word "may" because everyone is different and everyone's experiences can vary.
Aromatherapy does have valid and extraordinary uses. It can improve one's lifestyle tremendously. But, as with anything in life, sensibility comes into play. Do not fall prey to any claims that aromatherapy can cure major illnesses or can cause miracles to happen. Aromatherapy can be play a beneficial role in assisting with major illnesses, but it cannot be depended upon as a cure for serious issues.
Why is aromatherapy gaining so much press and exposure now if it's been in practice for thousands of years?
Aspects of aromatherapy has indeed been in existence for thousands of years. The term aromatherapy, however, was only introduced earlier in the 20th century. I believe the surge in awareness of aromatherapy is threefold:
(1) Society today is more health conscious and is now more receptive to natural alternative health modalities including aromatherapy. The media has been actively covering the trends in increased health awareness and alternative medicine. The media has made a point to include the aromatherapy "buzzword."
(2) The Internet has made it easier for individuals to access and share aromatherapy information. This ability to network has had a positive effect on the growth of aromatherapy and aromatherapy businesses.
(3) Lifestyles of today are now more hectic and stressful. Since aromatherapy can assist in reducing the symptoms of stress and help one energize or relax, society is taking notice. If you go to many stores that sell any kind of candles, bath or beauty products, you'll most likely see products labeled with the word "aromatherapy." In my personal experience, most times I see the word "aromatherapy" on products not sold by reputable aromatherapy retailers, the word is used incorrectly. So, the surge in awareness of aromatherapy is both positive and negative. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about aromatherapy and mislabeled products around.
The above comments are not based on fact; they are my theories to this surge in popularity in aromatherapy.
Some companies claim that for best results, I should use essential oils on my skin at full strength . Others claim I should never use essential oils on my skin at full strength. Which is it?
Essential oils are concentrated liquids and are very powerful substances. They should not be consumed internally without personal counsel from a trained aromatherapist and should not be applied undiluted on the skin because they can be extremely irritating in full concentration. I speculate that companies that claim you can use oils undiluted are making this claim so that you use your oils up faster thus increasing your need to buy more for them.
If you don't believe that you should not use essential oils undiluted on the skin, read several books and notice the frequent warnings about undiluted usage. Who has more to gain, the authors of the books that you read and who will not profit from your oil purchases or the companies that want you to use up your oils faster so you can purchase more? |
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Essential Oil Uses
An array of items used in aromatherapy.
Introducing essential oils into your lifestyle can be quite easy, fun, and therapeutically beneficial. Below are a few ways in which you can get started. These methods are intended as guidelines only, and you do need to pay special attention to all safety pre cautions applicable for each oil that you choose. It is also important to remember that essential oils are flammable.
Easy Inhalation - Place 3-4 drops of essential oil on a tissue. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale. When trying an oil for the first time, use only one drop to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity or reaction to the oil.
Steam Inhalation - Boil 2 cups of water. Pour the water into a bowl and add 3-7 drops of oil to the water. Use fewer drops if you are using an oil that may cause irritation to your mucous membranes (i.e. cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, thyme, cajuput, etc.). Place your nose about 12" away from the bowl and inhale. Don't inhale the steam constantly and if you notice any irritation or discomfort, stop immediately. Steam inhalation can help with colds and influenza. Use of energizing or relaxing oils can also make this method useful any time of day or night.
Room Freshening - Use the steam inhalation method noted above but don't directly inhale into the bowl. Use up to 10 drops of oil. Use fewer drops if you are using an oil that may cause sensitization. Other methods including use of an aromatherapy diffuser or lamp scent ring available through many aromatherapy companies.
General Household Freshening - Add a few drops of oil to your trash can, laundry wash, drain, vacuum bag filter, or on a tissue for placement in your drawers.
Bug Repellent - Many essential oils including citronella, lavender, and peppermint act as a natural repellent against insects. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil onto tissues or cotton balls and place near your doorways and windows to help repel insects. Be sure to read all safety data on the oils you use as some oils may not be suitable for use around pets. Be careful not to apply the essential oil directly onto fragile surfaces.
Massage - Add up to 20 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil and massage onto yourself or partner. Keep away from eyes and genital areas. Do not apply essential oils to the skin without first diluting them. Be sure to also read the safety data for the essential oils you choose to use.
Bath - Add 5-7 drops essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil. Add this blend to your running bath water and mix well before getting into the tub. Be sure to read the safety data for the essential oils you choose to use.
Other Uses
Essential oils can be used in making homemade lotions, facial toners, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, shower gels, and other natural products. Additionally, essential oils are often blended for their therapeutic synergistic abilities. The Recipes area includes many recipes and synergies. |
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What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.
Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. The Essential Oil Profiles area details over 90 essential oils. Absolutes, CO2s and Hydrosols are also commonly utilized in aromatherapy. Although essential oils, CO2 extracts and absolutes are distilled by different methods, the term essential oil is sometimes used as a blanket term to include all natural, aromatic, volatile, plant oils including CO2s and absolutes.
In addition to essential oils, aromatherapy encourages the use of other complementary natural ingredients including cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba (a liquid wax), hydrosols, herbs, milk powders, sea salts, sugars (an exfoliant), clays and muds
Products that include synthetic ingredients are frowned upon in holistic aromatherapy. It is important to note that perfume oils also known as fragrance oils (and usually listed as "fragrance" on an ingredient label) are not the same as essential oils. Fragrance oils and perfume oils contain synthetic chemicals and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
Buyer Beware: The United States does not regulate the use of the word aromatherapy on product packaging, labeling or in product advertising, so any product can be marketed as a product suitable for aromatherapy. There are quite a few products on the market that contain unnatural ingredients including fragrance oils and claim to be aromatherapeutic. It's important to look at the ingredient label when seeking true aromatherapy products.
Also, use caution with marketing claims that state a product is "Made With Essential Oils" or "Made With Natural Ingredients." Claims like these do not state that the product is only made with the ingredient(s) specified. Such products may contain heavy proportions of synthetic fragrance oils and only contain a minute quantity of essential oil to simply be able to profess the "Made With Essential Oils" claim.
Don't let false marketing hype scare you away from the benefits of holistic aromatherapy. By exploring AromaWeb and other aromatherapy resources, you can learn how to safely use just a few essential oils and start gaining the benefits of aromatherapy. If you realize you hold an even deeper interest, you can learn to make your own products and control the exact ingredients included in your own personal aromatherapy products.
The Benefit of an Aroma ~ Inhaling Essential Oils
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. Diffusing eucalyptus essential oil to help ease congestion is a prominent example.
If not done correctly and safely, however, the use of essential oils can have severe consequences.
The Benefit of Physical Application
Essential oils that are applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The constituents of essential oils can aid in health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Since essential oils are so powerful and concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils to the skin, essential oils are typically diluted into a carrier such as a cold pressed vegetable oil, also known as a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and grapeseed oil. A more detailed definition of Carrier Oils is found on the What are Carrier Oils page. A detailed list of carrier oils and their properties can be found on the Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy properties page.
Other Benefits
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. You may recall using citronella candles during the summer to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in the candles that is responsible for repelling the mosquitos. Visit the Essential Oil Uses page for additional information on ways that you can use essential oils.
Essential Oil Blends
Essential oils can be blended together to create appealing and complex aromas. Essential oils can also be blended for a specific therapeutic application. Essential oils that are carefully blended with a specific therapeutic purpose in mind may be referred to as an essential oil syngery. A synergistic essential oil blend is considered to be greater in total action than each oil working independently. AromaWeb's Recipes area offers a variety of recipes and synergies.
About Aromatherapy Products
Not all ready-made aromatherapy products labeled with the word aromatherapy are pure and natural. Products that contain artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy benefits. At worst, they provide no benefit or be harmful. At best, they provide only a fraction of the benefit that natural products supply. Buyers seeking true aromatherapy products must look at the ingredient label to ensure that the product does not contain fragrance oils or unpure (chemical) components. A general rule-of-thumb is to be wary of products that do not list their ingredients and those that do not boast of having pure essential oils (look for products that contain pure essential oils on their ingredient list and avoid those that have words like fragrance). A note, however, is that some sellers of good-quality aromatherapy blends do not list their ingredients because they are worried that others may copy their creation. By asking the seller more about the blend, and listening to how they respond, you should have a better idea about the quality of the blend being sold. Good suppliers should be happy to provide you with a list of the ingredients. They understand that some individuals must avoid particular oils due to health problems.
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Storing Your Essential Oils
Small, empty amber bottles, suitable for storing essential oils
For individual use, essential oils, absolutes and CO2s are most often sold in 5ml, 10ml and 15ml (1/2 ounce) sizes. For more expensive oils, it is common to find them available in sizes starting at 2ml and 1 dram sizes. (Visit the Measurements page for more information on understanding the measurements used in aromatherapy.)
Although essential oils do not become rancid, they can oxidize, deteriorate and lose their beneficial therapeutic properties over time. Oils such as the citrus oils will oxidize and begin to lose their aroma and therapeutic properties in as little as six months. Not all essential oils diminish in quality as time passes. Essential oils such as patchouli and sandalwood mature with age. All essential oils, however, will benefit from proper storage and handling.
To avoid deterioration and protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties of your essential oils, store them in amber or cobalt blue bottles. Dark glass such as amber or cobalt helps to keep out deteriorating sunlight. Be leery of purchasing any oils sold in clear glass bottles. Clear glass bottles are not harmful to essential oils, but clear glass does not protect the oils from damaging sunlight. Beer deteriorates quickly and is often bottled in amber glass for a similar reason. Avoid purchasing pure essential oils sold in plastic bottles as the essential oil will eat at the plastic, and the essential oil will become ruined over a short period of time. Some vendors sell oils in lined aluminum bottles. It has been said that aluminum bottles are acceptable if the interior of the bottles are lined.
Glass amber "Boston round" bottles that essential oils are typically stored in. Other liquids used in aromatherapy (hydrosols, carrier oils, etc.) are also frequently stored in amber bottles.
Glass cobalt blue "Boston round" bottles that essential oils are sometimes stored in. Cobalt blue bottles are usually more expensive than amber colored bottles.
Essential oils should also be stored in a cool, dark place.
Wooden box used to store essential oils. Suitable boxes can be economically purchased unfinished from many craft stores and finished to suit the individual's taste.
Avoid purchasing essential oils that are stored in bottles that have a rubber dropper incorporated into its screw-top cap. Droppers with rubber bulbs should not be kept with the essential oil bottle as the highly concentrated oil can turn the rubber bulb into gum and ruin the essential oil. Most essential oils are sold in bottles that contain an "orifice reducer." An orifice reducer is a small, usually clear insert inside the bottle opening that acts as a dropper. Unlike rubber droppers, orifice reducers will not harm essential oils. You simply tip the bottle to dispense the oil drop by drop.
1/2 ounce (15 ml) size bottle with an orifice reducer. |
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Want a cheap and non-toxic alternative to spray air fresheners? Make your own. They are super easy to make, plus they use refillable spray bottles so you don't have to hurt the environment by using those hard to recycle aluminum cans.
Making your own essential oil spray will save you money, help the environment, and be much better for the air quality of your rooms.
Step 1
Essential Oils are concentrated scents that are easy to use for a variety jobs. Choose your favorite smelling one, or even pick a couple and make your own blend. I love the scent of lavender in the bedroom, orange and cinnamon in the kitchen, and rose in the living room, but choose whatever scent or scents you like.
Step 2
Fill the spray bottle almost all the way with water
Spray bottleFill the spray bottle almost all the way with water.
Step 3
Carefully add a couple drops of essential oil scent to the bottle of water. It is very concentrated so don't use too much.
Step 4
Screw the lid on the spray bottle and give it a shake to mix the contents. Spray the room wherever you want. This homemade air freshener will hang in the air fairly well, but you can also use it like Febreeze and spray fabrics. It's especially nice to mist the sheets right before bed. Shake the bottle to stir the contents before each use. |
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Analysis: beauty
Kevin Rozario, Packaging News, 01 August 2006
Cheap labour is drawing beauty packaging production eastwards, but Europe still leads in the fields of creativity and design. Kevin Rozario examines the potential for a happy medium.
In the past decade, packaging has taken giant strides forward in the role it plays in the marketing of beauty products. Fragrances – at least in their high-cost advertising and promotion launch phases – can succeed or fail depending on the outer carton packaging design and on the appeal of the bottle itself.
Beauty houses have long bemoaned the expense of creating unique moulds for fragrance bottles, but they are caught on a treadmill of new launches, from which they are too afraid to step down.
This means extra business for packaging firms, but pressure is mounting in the beauty houses to keep rising costs under control – especially in areas such as tooling.
Moving production to a low-wage market, such as China, has been an attractive option from a cost control point of view, but it has resulted in problems for the brands; copycat fraud poses a significant danger for the identities that beauty brands spend millions to develop and maintain.
At this year’s Cosmoprof show in Bologna – the biggest international gathering of all channels of the beauty business – the importance of packaging’s role was underlined by the organiser’s decision to give the adjacent show, Cosmopack, an early start, so that exhibitors and visitors had an exclusive day of meetings. On the same day, there was a panel discussion about the problems that face the European industry and, at the top of the agenda, was outsourcing to China. The wariness of moving production eastwards was palpable.
HCT Packaging chief executive James Thorpe says: “The industry is always looking for something new: flex lipsticks, for example. The problem is that items are copied immediately in places such as Taiwan. So an idea is out of date within a year.”
Wholesale copycats
Germany’s Dieter Bakic Design chief executive Dieter Bakic adds: “The Chinese are now copying whole concepts: for example, the French natural ingredients beauty firm L’Occitane has seen its entire brand identity duplicated. Young people just want something new – they don’t care about the brand heritage.”
These worries are increasing in the European market, yet packaging firms are in a quandary because they know that globalisation means they have to do business in China. It’s more a question of how this is managed.
Renato Ancorotti, chief executive of Italy’s colour cosmetics contract manufacturer Gamma Croma believes European packagers have to be more creative to keep business here. “It’s clear that standard production is moving to countries with low labour costs. So we have to offer more inventive and value-added products and ideas,” he says.
Experimentation with materials and state-of-the-art techniques to produce different effects are part of this value-added process. In Cremona, Italy, where the firm is based, it has banded together with other cosmetic filling, packaging and manufacturing companies to form a 42-strong unit. Ancorotti adds: “This way we can create synergies and work with schools and universities to produce a centre of excellence.”
This concept has its merits, as it means that the high-value ‘ideas’ side of the packaging business – which the brands are willing to pay more for – can stay in Europe, even if firms then opt for cheap manufacturing elsewhere.
Giuseppe Meana, chief executive of Italy’s Cartografica Pusterla, which makes light board and polypropylene boxes for the beauty market, confirms this is the way forward. “We will work closely with customers to develop something exclusive. We rarely do anything standard. Our know-how is our strength,” he says. “But we accept there are price issues and this had led us to use factories in several different countries, especially for products that require a lot of manual work.”
That said, packagers are still going to have to be more versatile in their approach to stop the declines in glass and flexible packaging seen in some markets. Jean-Louis Matthiez, vice-president for technical packaging innovation at the giant beauty house Coty, says: “We have to do a pilot for everything before we do a filling, so flexibility and the confirmation of price are very important. All too often, we work with estimates.”
Focus on feasibility
Bakic, who has worked with Boots’ own-label products and Virgin Vie cosmetics, understands where the brands are coming from and tells Packaging News: “In Europe, we now need to focus more on feasible designs that can be produced economically. Innovation is what is driving beauty packaging and it’s become a faster cycle – down from seven years to about three.” However, he points to the fact that packaging is still a fragmented industry and that “it’s still difficult to get the designers and technicians together”.
Suggesting a more radical shift is Thomas Weckerle, chief executive of German packaging firm Weckerle Cosmetics. He says: “We must innovate in the complete supply chain; new packaging should be talked about with the filler before the marketing stage. Lead times should be zero so that, in the morning, we can decide what we are producing in the afternoon. We could be lipstick-filling today, and doing pencils tomorrow and blush sticks the day after – or even in tandem. We need to do this using modular, plug-and-play machinery. This is the way to keep the business here in Europe.” |
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RPC plumps for Risdon facilities
Packaging News, 01 August 2006
RPC Group, the rigid plastics packaging supplier, has bought Crown Group’s Risdon factories for �5.7m in a bid to strengthen its hold on the European beauty and personal care market.
Crown Risdon’s facilities are located at Marolles near Le Mans in northern France and Mozzate near Varese in northern Italy. RPC’s acquisition in the French and Italian market complement its existing presence in the UK and Germany.
The Risdon factories specialise in manufacturing fragrance caps, lipsticks, lip gloss (pictured), mascara and compacts. The French operation was Crown’s main Risdon beauty packaging division.
In 2005, the two plants achieved combined sales of �45m and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of �2m.
Ron Marsh, RPC’s chief executive, said: “This acquisition will propel RPC Group to a leading position in the beauty and personal care market. It is a market ideally suited to the application of RPC’s advanced technology and one in which RPC already has a successful and growing presence.”
RPC employs more than 4,500 people and operates from more than 40 sites in Europe. It supplies rigid packaging for the beauty and personal care, drinks vending and cup, margarine and oxygen-sensitive food markets. |
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