Which essential oils are safe in soap?!
Question: I've recently begun making cold process soap, using only essential oils for fragrance. I've made wonderful soaps containing rosemary, peppermint, pink grapefruit, and other essential oils, and I've been thinking of selling them, but I've read that some essential oil (like peppermint) shouldn't be used by people with certain conditions (epilepsy, pregnancy, high blood pressure). Would a soap containing these oils be harmful to people with those conditions, or does that only refer to direct contact, like massage?
Answers: I've recently begun making cold process soap, using only essential oils for fragrance. I've made wonderful soaps containing rosemary, peppermint, pink grapefruit, and other essential oils, and I've been thinking of selling them, but I've read that some essential oil (like peppermint) shouldn't be used by people with certain conditions (epilepsy, pregnancy, high blood pressure). Would a soap containing these oils be harmful to people with those conditions, or does that only refer to direct contact, like massage?
I'm into aromatherapy myself (I LOVE IT), and as far as I know, I think things are fine in a diluted state - plus it depends if your oils are 100% therapeutic grade (like young living brand or something). If they are not, they probably aren't that strong and you shouldn't worry.
aromatherapy oils are very volitile meaning that they evaporate quickly. If your goal is a soap that heals, the healing properties will probably disappear quickly. Then you would have a fragrance if this is what you are aiming for. By the way I think that pink grapefruit is not an essential oil. Almost every essential oil has a contra-indication and it is as you say, should not be handled by the 3 types of people above. If the essence evaporates then it probably is safe.