Essential oils are pure, fragrant and highly concentrated substances derived from plants, usually by distilling or compressing parts of the plant. The essential oils of many plants are widely used in many health and beauty products, both commercially and in personal recipes. The strong, natural aroma and gentle medicinal qualities of many essential oils have made them especially suited for use in soap.
Fragrance
Most essential oils possess powerful, pleasant aromas that make them ideal for use in aromatherapy applications. In fact, a 2005 study by researchers in Austria and Germany found that orange and lavender essential oils can significantly reduce anxiety and improve one's overall mood. When included in soap even in small amounts, essential oils tend to impart their fragrance and other beneficial properties. For example, the Mabel White website, which lists many essential oils and other natural substances used in skin care products, cites the appealing aromas of soap ingredients such as cinnamon, clove, lemon and peppermint oils.
Cleansing Power
Many essential oils have strong, natural cleansing properties that can enhance the cleaning power of soap. A 2006 study by researchers in India documented the antibacterial activity of 21 essential oils and found that 19 had a notable effect on one or more strains of common bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Clove, cinnamon and lime oils proved to be especially powerful antibacterial agents and sometimes outperformed synthetic antibiotics.
Household Applications
In addition to facial cleansers, bath and body soap and shampoo, essential oils can enhance soaps designed for household cleaning. Many commercial products include essential oils such as lemon, lime or orange, and essential oils are a mainstay of organic and natural recipes for homemade cleaning products. The Housekeeping Matters website recommends using tea tree oil as a disinfectant for floors, bathrooms and laundry; combining eucalyptus and lemon oil to create a multisurface cleaning spray; and using lavender oil in dishwashing detergent and fabric softener.
Dilution
Essential oils are pure, concentrated substances that can be intense and possibly harmful when used in isolation. To reduce risk while maintaining the positive properties of essential oils, the Mabel White website recommends combining them with a less volatile carrier oil, such as a vegetable or nut oil. Common carriers oils include almond, avocado, olive, grapeseed and wheat germ oils. Essential oils added to existing products or recipes composed largely of less potent substances are also fine.
Warning
Essential oils are very concentrated, and many are known to be potentially harmful when applied to skin or ingested, especially in their pure forms or in substantial amounts. Always research essential oils thoroughly before attempting to use them, and consult with a trusted physician, dietician or other knowledgable medical professional about specific applications.
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