Hello Green Beauty

Essential Oil Risk: What is Skin Sensitization?

In recent years, more and more people are using essential oils in various applications. In Philippines alone, you will see a lot of people selling essential oils online – it’s like the latest craze in the country. What worries me is that there are a lot of essential oil enthusiasts who are not aware about the possible risks associated with the use of essential oils. In fact, there has been also a rise of reported cases of people who got adverse reactions from the improper use of essential oils.

Even though essential oils are considered natural (since they are plant-derived), a couple of skin reactions may occur if they are use in the wrong way. These skin reactions include irritation, sensitization and photosensitivity (a.k.a. phototoxicity). The focus of this article is skin sensitization.

Skin sensitization (also known as Allergic Contact Dermatitis) is a type of allergic reaction to essential oil when it comes into contact with skin. It could either be immediate or delayed allergic reaction. Immediate allergic reaction occurs upon first dermal contact with the essential oil. It is also possible not to get any allergic reaction on first exposure but during subsequent exposures – this is called delayed allergic reaction. Regardless of the type of sensitization, the symptoms are the same:

Rashes/hives
Blisters
Itchy red skin
Chemical burn

The skin reaction may or may not show up on the actual area where you applied the essential oil. For example, it is possible that you applied the essential oil to your arms but the allergic reactions appeared on your chest area. Skin reactions also vary for each person and are dependent on the type and amount of essential oils used.

Once a person became sensitized with one essential oil, he is most likely to be allergic to it for the rest of his life. It means he won’t be able to use that particular essential oil (or oils belonging to the same family) without experiencing sensitization.

How to Avoid Skin Sensitization When Using Essential Oils?

1. Dilute Essential Oils Properly

Most reported cases of skin sensitization are due to using undiluted (neat) essential oils on the skin. It is very important to ALWAYS dilute essential oil in carrier oil (vegetable oil). Contrary to what you read in most DIY articles, the following items CANNOT dilute essential oils: witch hazel, full-fat milk, vinegar and salt. Actually, I used to believe that witch hazel can dilute essential oils until my recent studies where I learn that witch hazel only contains 14% alcohol (ethanol), wherein the required amount is 95% for essential oil dilution.

It is equally important to know the proper dilution amount for essential oil. I always use the smallest dilution in my cosmetic formulations, which is 0.5 – 1% dilution of essential oil (or blend of essential oils). It is best to measure the dilution in weight (rather than in drops) using a digital scale. If you don’t have a digital scale and prefer measuring in drops, then you can use this Tisserand Institute’s dilution chart as a guide. Take note also that each essential oil has its own maximum dermal limit. For instance, lemon essential oil should not be used at more than 2% dilution.

2. Do Not Overuse Essential Oils

There are several people who apply multiple essential oils on their body several times a day, every single day for a long period of time. This could cause skin sensitization due to overuse of essential oils, most specially undiluted or improperly diluted essential oils. I usually just use 1 to 3 essential oils per day and only apply them once or twice at most in a day. Also, when I’m making my own blend of essential oils, I limit my formulation to a maximum of 4 essential oils. In case I’ll have sensitization with the blend, it would be easier for me to find the culprit since I only use less essential oils. “Less is more” is the rule I set for myself when it comes to essential oils.

3. Avoid Essential Oils That Are Known Skin Sensitizers

Some essential oils are known to cause dermal sensitization, which means there is a high probability you’ll get sensitized if you use them, so avoid them at all cost!

The following table lists essential oils that are known skin sensitizers.

ESSENTIAL OIL	LATIN NAME
Backhousia	Backhousia citriodora
Cassia	Cinnamomum cassia
Cinnamon Bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Costus Root	Sausurrea costus
Elecampane Oil	Inula helenium
Fig Leaf Absolute	Ficus carica
Oak Moss Absolute and Resinoid	Evernia prunastri
Peru Balsam	Myroxylon pereirae
Rue Oil	Ruta graveolens
Savin	Juniperus sabina
Styrax Gum	Liquidambar orientalis
Tea Absolute	Camellia sinensis
Tree Moss Absolute	(Pseudeo) Evernia furfuracea
Turpentine Oil	Pinus spp.
Verbena Absolute	Lippia citriodora
Oxidized oils from Pinaceae family (e.g. Pinus & Cupressus species) and Rutaceae family (e.g. citrus oils)

Source: Aromatherapy United

4. Do Not Apply Essential Oils to Open Wound

Some essential oils have healing properties so it is not unusual to see people who apply essential oils to fresh, open wounds. However, professional aromatherapists don’t recommend this as it could make your skin more vulnerable to skin sensitization. Take for example this case of a woman who developed rashes after applying frankincense essential oil to her open wound. The right way to do this is to wait for the wound to close up a little before applying essential oils that further promote healing.

Essential oils have so many wonderful benefits. However, if not used properly they could possibly do more harm than good so it is very important to stay educated to avoid possible risks associated to the use of essential oils.

References:

Moore, G. (2016, January 5). Sensitization – What is It and How to Reduce the Risk. Retrieved from http://aromatherapyunited.org/sensitization/

Tisserand Institute: Adverse Reaction Database. Retrieved from http://tisserandinstitute.org/safety/adverse-reaction-database/#home/

What is Sensitization. Retrieved from http://www.planttherapy.com/blog/2014/08/13/what-is-sensitization/

P.S. To always get the latest blog updates, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase the products, I’ll receive some commission.

0Comments

, by Hello Green Beauty

In DIY,

DIY: How to Make Your Own Natural Baby Oil

Baby oil is one of the essential products in a mother’s baby care kit. It is often used as a medium for baby massage and for keeping the baby skin soft and supple. Compared to an adult skin, the baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive to external irritants so it is very important for a mother to choose the right baby oil that is mild and nourishing to the delicate skin of the baby. Unfortunately, most baby oils available in the market are made from mineral oil with synthetic fragrance added to it.

Mineral oil (also known as petrolatum or parafinnum liquidum) is often used as base ingredient in baby oil because of its low cost and long shelf life (it doesn’t go rancid unlike plant-based oils). It is an effective moisturizing ingredient but it is a bit greasy to be used on baby’s skin. It also doesn’t contain skin-loving vitamins and antioxidants as compared with plant-based oils. Depending on the purity and cosmetic grade of the mineral oil used in baby oil, it might also clog the pores of the baby’s skin. Not to mention, mineral oil is a by-product of petroleum so it is definitely not mother earth friendly!

Having said that, let’s start to learn how to formulate a natural version of baby oil. It involves

Replacing mineral oil with plant-based oils (carrier oils)
Replacing synthetic fragrance with essential oils

It is important to note that not all plant-based oils and essential oils are suitable to be used on babies.

For the base oil, select oils that are rich in linoleic acid. Oils high in linoleic acid are lightweight (non-greasy), fast absorbing and has anti-inflammatory properties which are perfect for the sensitive skin of babies.

Examples of Oils Rich in Linoleic Acid

Sunflower oil
Grapeseed oil
Safflower oil
Hemp seed oil

Also, avoid using oils that are derived from nuts as a safety precaution especially if you have family history of nut allergies.

Examples of Nut-based Oils

Sweet almond oil
Macadamia oil
Hazelnut oil
Kukui oil

Aside from linoleic-rich oils, the following oils can also be used on baby’s skin:

Jojoba oil
Fractionated coconut oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride)

Now, let’s move on with adding natural scent to baby oil using essential oils. Essential oils must not be used on infants less than 3 months old. Moreover, not all essential oils are safe to be used on babies.

Here is a list of essential oils that are safe for babies as young as 3 months.

Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Roman chamomile oil (Anthemis nobilis)
German chamomile oil (Matricaria chamomilla)
Mandarin oil (Citrus reticulata)

As a rule of thumb, the total amount of essential oil(s) in a baby oil formulation should be 0.1 – 0.2%. This is where a digital scale (with 0.1 gram accuracy) comes in handy. It’s because measuring essential oil in drops won’t give you an accurate and consistent result. Worst is you might end up putting too much essential oil than the allowed dermal limit recommended for babies.

For example:

In 50 gram baby oil, you want to add 0.2% essential oil(s).

(50 x 0.2) / 100 = 0.1

You need a total of 0.1 gram of essential oil(s) in your baby oil formulation.

Let me now give you an example recipe for a 50 gram Bedtime Baby Oil using a combination of 3 base oils and lavender essential oil for its sedative and calming effects.

INGREDIENT	WEIGHT (%)	WEIGHT (g)
Sunflower Oil	59.8	29.9
Fractionated Coconut Oil	30	15
Jojoba Oil	10	5
Lavender Essential Oil	0.2	0.1
TOTAL:	100	50

NOTE: Before using this baby oil, make sure to do a patch test on your baby’s inner arm. Check for redness or any allergic reaction after 24 hours. “Natural” doesn’t always mean “risk-free”, so this step is very important.

References:

Baby Massage Oils. Retrieved from https://maternityconsultancy.com/2012/12/06/baby-massage-oils/

Your Baby’s Skin: What is the Best and Safest Oil to Use for Baby Massage. Retrieved from https://www.blossomandberry.com/safe-practice-of-infant-massage-what-oils-are-safe-to-use-on-the-skin/

P.S. To always get the latest blog updates, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook.

0Comments

, by Hello Green Beauty

In Beauty, Carrier Oil

Carrier Oil Profile: Rosehip Oil

Image Source: Craftology Essentials

INCI Name: Rosa moschata (Rose Hip) Seed Oil OR Rosa canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil

Source: Fruit and seeds

Types: Refined / Unrefined

Color: Pale yellow to reddish-orange

Aroma: Slightly nutty

Viscosity: Thin

Absorption: Fast

Comedogenic Rating: 1

Shelf Life: 6 months (if stored in cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight)

SAP Value (for soap making): 185 - 193 (mg KOH), NaOH = 0.135 (g, oz or lb), KOH = 0.189 (g, oz or lb)

Ideal for which skin type: oily/acne prone

Fatty Acid Profile (in %):

Linoleic Acid	51.2
Oleic Acid	21.3
Alpha Linolenic Acid	18
Palmitic Acid	3.8
Stearic Acid	2.2
Others	3.5

Table Source: https://shop.skinchakra.eu/en/Cosmetic-Lab/Plant-oils-butters-and-waxes/Rosehip-oil.html

If you can only choose 3 oils to include in your beauty arsenal, then rosehip oil must be included in the list. Rosehip oil is the star ingredient in several natural anti-aging skin care products and even popular Hollywood celebrities have nothing but praises for this amazing beauty oil.

Rosehip oil comes from the rose hip (also known as rose haw) which is the fruit of the rose plant that is native in southern Chile. The oil is either extracted from the seeds or from the whole fruit using either cold-pressed or solvent extraction methods. Cold-pressed rosehip oil is the preferred choice of many consumers because it retains most of the oil’s potent nutrients that are good for your skin.

Rosehip oil can also be either refined or unrefined. Refined rosehip oil is pale yellow in color and has very faint odor. This is in contrast to unrefined rosehip oil which is yellow-orange to reddish-orange in color and has earthy scent. Most people thought that pure rosehip oil should smell like rose, but it doesn’t. It is because the oil is extracted from the seeds or fruits, not from the rose petals.

Rosehip oil has so many skin-loving benefits. Based on its fatty acid profile, it contains high amount of essential fatty acids: linoleic (omega-6) and alpha linolenic (omega-3) acids. Oils high in linoleic acid are ideal for people with oily and/or acne-prone skin. These two essential fatty acids help regulate sebum production and reduce skin inflammations (e.g. pimples). Also, rosehip oil is considered as a “dry” oil because it gets absorb so fast and won’t leave any greasy residue, perfect for oily-skin people! It also has a comedogenic rating of 1 which means that it has a very low chance of clogging your pores.

One of the most important components of rosehip oil is beta-carotene where vitamin A (a.k.a retinol) is derived. Aside from protecting our skin from free-radical damages, beta-carotene has the ability to regenerate skin cells. This is the ultimate reason why continuous use of rosehip oil can eventually reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. These properties make rosehip oil an effective anti-aging ingredient for skin care products.

Rosehip oil is quite an expensive oil (just like argan oil) so it’s very important that you only buy good quality cold-pressed, unrefined variant to get the most of its skin-loving properties. If it’s for personal use only, try to buy the smallest size you can find because rosehip oil gets rancid very quickly (shelf life is approximately 6 months). In order to extend its shelf life a little bit, you may add 0.5% vitamin E to your rosehip oil and store it in the refrigerator.

Finally, if you want to formulate a skin care product using unrefined rosehip oil, then make sure that you only use it at 5 – 10% in a formulation. Due to its high beta-carotene content, it has dark yellow to orange color that might stain your skin (e.g. like having a fake tan) when added in large amount in a product formulation.

References:

Saponification Chart. Retrieved from https://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/resources/sapon.asp

Rose Hip Oil. Retrieved from https://www.aromaweb.com/vegetableoils/rosehipoil.asp

Why Linoleic Acid and Rosehip Oil Might Fix your Skin. https://labmuffin.com/why-linoleic-acid-and-rosehip-oil-might-fix-your-skin/

P.S. To always get the latest blog updates, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook.

0Comments

, by Hello Green Beauty

In Health, Healthy Eating

Superfood Series: Coconut Butter – A Dairy-Free Butter Alternative

Image Credit: CocoWonder

Coconut is often called as the “tree of life” because of the variety of products that can be obtained from it. In my previous posts, I have talked about coconut sugar and coconut flour. This time I’m going to share with you another coconut wonder – the coconut butter.

Coconut butter is made by grinding pure coconut meat until it reaches a creamy, butter-like consistency. It is a dairy-free, nut-free and vegan alternative to the regular milk-based butter. It has a milky and slightly sweet flavor with a strong coconut aroma. Actually, its taste and smell remind me of latik which is a Filipino term for coconut curds that are often used as toppings on sweet rice cakes.

Health Benefits of Coconut Butter

Boost Immune System

Coconut butter (just like coconut oil) contains about 50% lauric acid. Lauric acid is known for its antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It is the same component that is present in a mother’s breast milk which can boost the immune system of babies. So if you feel that you’re about to get a common cold, then it’s the perfect excuse to incorporate coconut butter in your daily diet.

Help Burn Body Fat

A lot of people think that eating coconut butter can make them fat because coconut contains high percentage of saturated fat. Actually, it has the opposite effect – coconut butter can help you lose weight. How is that possible? It’s because 60% of the saturated fats in coconut butter are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Medium-chain triglycerides are known as “healthy” fats because they get burn in our body to provide energy. In other words, they are not being stored as fats rather they aid in burning calories, making coconut butter a metabolism booster.

Pack with Fiber and Minerals

Unlike coconut oil which only contains fat, a tablespoon of coconut butter contains about 2 grams of dietary fiber and a little bit of potassium, magnesium and iron. The fiber in coconut butter helps to regulate bowel movement, cholesterol and blood sugar level.

Different Ways to Use Coconut Butter

Butter Spread

Spread coconut butter on top of freshly toasted breads, crackers or hot pancakes. Take note though that at room temperature (20 – 25 C), coconut butter is very solid. So before using it as a spread, you need to place the jar of coconut butter in a bowl of hot water and wait for it to soften to a spreadable consistency.

Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer

For people with lactose intolerance issue, you can add a teaspoon of coconut butter into your hot cup of coffee as an alternative to dairy-based coffee creamer.

Soup Flavor Enhancer

One way to make a creamy and savory soup is to add a dollop of coconut butter into it. For instance, coconut butter complements well with a curry-based soup (in the same way that Thai uses coconut milk in their curry dishes).

Smoothies

Pack some extra fiber and nutrients to your daily smoothies by adding a tablespoon of coconut butter just like this Banana and Coconut Butter Smoothie by Aggie’s Kitchen.

Oatmeal

Make your morning oatmeal extra creamy and sweet without the addition of milk by stirring a tablespoon of coconut butter while the oatmeal is still hot.

Homemade Dairy-Free Ice Cream

If you’re craving for ice cream but worry about its high calorie and sugar content, then try this simple and healthier Coconut Banana Ice Cream made with just coconut butter and frozen bananas, how simple is that?

Coconut-Coated Frozen Fruits

One of the interesting things about coconut butter is it solidifies as soon as it touches anything cold, so it’s a perfect alternative for chocolates when it comes to making chocolate-coated fruits. This Frozen Raspberries with Coconut Butter by In Sonnet’s Kitchen is a great starter recipe you can try with other frozen fruits.

Where to Buy Coconut Butter in the Philippines

I bought my coconut butter from CocoWonder which is available in 250g and 500g from Shopee and Lazada. Their coconut butter is 100% organic, non-GMO and free from stabilizers and extenders. CocoWonder only uses pure and high-quality matured coconut in making their coconut butter.

Have you tried coconut butter? Share your favorite ways of using coconut butter in the comment section below.

References:

Coconut Butter: The Better, Healthier Butter. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/coconut-butter/

Ask the Diet Doctor: Coconut Oil Vs. Coconut Butter. Retrieved from https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/ask-diet-doctor-coconut-oil-vs-coconut-butter

P.S. To always get the latest blog updates, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase the products, I’ll receive some commission.

0Comments

, by Hello Green Beauty

Pages

Essential Oil Risk: What is Skin Sensitization?

DIY: How to Make Your Own Natural Baby Oil

Carrier Oil Profile: Rosehip Oil

Superfood Series: Coconut Butter – A Dairy-Free Butter Alternative

About me

Follow Us

Add Me ON

Pinterest

Labels

recent posts

Blog Archive

Blog Listings

Popular Posts

Like us on Facebook

Pages

Essential Oil Risk: What is Skin Sensitization?

DIY: How to Make Your Own Natural Baby Oil

Carrier Oil Profile: Rosehip Oil

Superfood Series: Coconut Butter – A Dairy-Free Butter Alternative

About me

Follow Us

Add Me ON

Pinterest

Labels

recent posts

Blog Archive

Blog Listings

Popular Posts

Like us on Facebook

Subscribe