What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants, flowers, trees or the like. The oils are extracts of the specific flower or plant and are therefore very concentrated.
Essential oils are used in many natural cosmetics and also as aromatherapy. Because fragrance is often something that affects us all and that we can feel really good about.
But it is important to have respect for the essential oils. They are extremely powerful, which is not natural in itself. In addition, many essential oils often contain a whole lot of different substances. 26 of these substances are subject to declaration as they have been tested as allergenic.
The powerful and highly concentrated essential oils are extracted quite naturally. But it is clear that our bodies are not designed to be exposed to such massive fragrances – and therefore some people may develop a perfume allergy upon exposure. And unfortunately you can't get rid of that allergy again.
The eco-family's attitude towards essential oils
We have great respect for essential oils. We care about them – in very small doses, but preferably avoid them if we can.
Because we have a perfume allergy in the “family” and know what it means to the person suffering from it. The throat constricts and it can be difficult to get air. Just because you have been exposed to strong perfume or an essential oil.
However, there are products here in our shop that contain essential oils. Because we all like a little fragrance now and then.
However, essential oils should not be part of your daily products that you apply to the skin and that the skin absorbs. For example deodorants, creams, etc. Here you should alternate with an unscented variant for daily use.
The products that are washed off again, such as shampoo bars, soap bars, etc. are not as problematic when it comes to essential oils.
All goods that contain essential oils are declared with this in the shop. You will therefore come across this sentence occasionally and decide for yourself about your own exposure: “This bar of soap contains essential oils.”
If you want to know more about essential oils and allergies, you can read more at the Knowledge Center for Allergy here
Think Kemi has also written a nice article on the subject just here