Natural Cosmetics

The Evolution of Color

No animal testing, no harsh chemicals — just beautiful color from nourishing ingredients that are
gentle enough for every skin type.

Feel the silky wash of natural color. When cosmetics get their color from natural flowers and
mineral pigments, getting a subtle, natural look without looking "made up" is easy. We feature a
selection of foundations, face powders, and color cosmetics made with natural pigments to flatter
all skin tones and conditions for lasting moisture and rich color. And you'll feel good while looking
good because these products are less likely to cause skin reactions.

Glossary of Cosmetic Ingredient Functions

Body care and cosmetic ingredients can serve many different functions. This glossary provides a
helpful tool for understanding the common definitions of the various functional categories of
cosmetic ingredients.

ABRASIVES
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to remove materials from the skin and other
parts of the body (e.g., teeth).

ABSORBENTS
Substances, which are added to cosmetic products to take up water- and/or oil-soluble, dissolved
or finely dispersed substances.

ADDITIVES
Substances which are added to cosmetic products, often in relatively small amounts, to create or
improve desirable properties or suppress (or minimize) undesirable properties.

ANTICORROSIVES
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to avoid corrosion of the packaging.

ANTIDANDRUFF AGENTS
Substances which are added to hair care products to control dandruff. Anti-dandruff products are
regulated as over the counter drugs in the United States.

ANTIFOAMING AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products either to suppress foam during manufacturing
or to reduce the tendency of finished products to generate foam.

ANTIMICROBIALS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to help reduce the activities of microorganisms
on the skin or body. Examples include methyl and propyl paraben.

ANTIOXIDANTS
Substances, which are added to cosmetic products to inhibit reactions, promoted by oxygen, thus
avoiding oxidation and rancidity.

ANTIPERSPIRANT AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic formulation to reduce perspiration.
ANTISTATIC AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to reduce static electricity by neutralizing
electrical charge on a surface.

BINDERS
Substances which are added to solid cosmetic mixtures to provide cohesion.

BIOLOGICAL ADDITIVES
Substances derived from biological origin and are added to cosmetic products to achieve specific
formulation features.

BLEACHING AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products with the intention of lightening the shade of
hair or skin. (e.g., hydroquinone)

BOTANICALS
Substances, which are derived from plants, mostly by physical means, added to cosmetic
products to achieve specific formulation features.

BUFFERING AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to adjust or stabilize the pH.

CHELATING AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to react and to form complexes with metal ions
which could affect stability and/or appearance of cosmetics.

COSMETIC COLORANTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to color the cosmetic product and/or to impart
color to the skin and/or its appendages. Typically the colorant does not impact the function of the
product. Consumer generally consider color additives to be either "natural" or "artificial." "Artificial"
typically refers to synthetic organic dyes bearing the designations FD&C, D&C, and Ext. D&C.
The "natural" colorants include inorganic mineral pigments (which may or may not be sythesized),
plant ingredients and other naturally occurring colorants.

DENATURANTS
Substances which are mostly added to cosmetic products containing ethyl alcohol, in order to
render them unpalatable and therefore discourage ingestion.

DEODORANT AGENTS
Substances added to cosmetic products to reduce or mask unpleasant body odors.

DEPILATORY AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to remove unwanted body hair.

EMOLLIENTS

Substances which are added to cosmetic products to smooth and soften the skin.

EMULSIFYING AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to promote the mixtures of immiscible liquids
such as oil and water.
EMULSION STABILIZERS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to help the process of emulsification and to
improve formulation stability and shelf-life.

FILM FORMERS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to produce, upon application, a continuous film
on skin, hair or nails.

HAIR DYES
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to color hair.

HUMECTANTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to hold and retain moisture.

OPACIFIERS
Substances which are added to transparent or translucent cosmetic products to render them
more impervious to visible light and nearby radiation.

ORAL CARE AGENTS

Substances which are added to cosmetic products for the care of the oral cavity.

OXIDIZING AGENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to change the chemical nature of another
substance by adding oxygen.

PRESERVATIVES
Substances which are added to cosmetic products for the primary purpose of inhibiting the
development of micro-organisms.

PROPELLANTS
Gaseous substances added to cosmetic products under pressure in pressure-resistant containers
for expelling the contents of the containers when the pressure is released.

REDUCING AGENTS
Substances added to cosmetic products which change the chemical nature of another substance
by adding hydrogen or removing oxygen.

SOLVENTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to dissolve other components.

SURFACTANTS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products to lower the surface tension as well as to aid
the even distribution of the cosmetic product upon application.

U.V. ABSORBERS
Substances which are added to cosmetic products specifically intended to filter certain UV rays in
order to protect the skin or the products from certain harmful effects of these rays.

VISCOSITY CONTROLLING AGENTS

Substances which are added to cosmetic products to
increase or decrease the viscosity of the finished
productScience and Art of Smell
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have used fragrances to enhance their daily lives and
enhance special occasions. Up until the mid-nineteenth century, all fragrances were naturally
derived. But in the early 1830's scientists learned how to isolate and identify the chemicals
responsible for aromas. The first of these were cinnamic aldehyde from cinnamon oil and
benzaldehyde from bitter almond oil. In the 1920's, the first completely synthetic perfume, Chanel
No.5, was marketed and from there the synthetic perfume industry skyrocketed.

At present, natural fragrances and essential oils are making a strong comeback in the fragrance
industry. This is due in part to the emerging science and art of aromatherapy and the rising
incidence rates of chemical sensitivities, allergies, and asthma. Consumers and scientists now
believe there is a connection between the proliferation of fragrance chemicals of all kinds and
these maladies. The cosmetics industry has responded with a dizzying array of products —
unscented, fragrance-free, made with essential oils or naturally scented — to meet the needs of a
variety of consumers. What do we know about the science of smelling and what do terms such as
"fragrance free," "made with essential oils," and "naturally scented" mean?

Olfactory Science
Our sense of smell and our emotions appear to be inextricably linked. The olfactory bulb that
controls our sense of smell is juxtaposed with the limbic system (a.k.a. "emotion central") making
our nasal passages one of the most direct connections to our brains. However, studying exactly
how this direct link affects our health has proven challenging. Compared to our vision and our
hearing, our sense of smell is not well understood. Furthermore, the human perception of smells
is subjective and people suffering from symptoms associated with a fragrance may have great
difficulty in distinguishing between psychological irritation from an unpleasant odor and physical
sensory irritation from volatile chemicals. Some skeptical researchers believe that people fear
negative consequences when the offensive odor may actually be benign. Finding the extent to
which fragrance chemicals irritate or otherwise harm us is a difficult task. According to Betty
Bridges of the Fragranced Products Information Network, the fragrance industry does not have a
centralized program for collecting data on fragrances. In addition, the regulation of fragrances is
split among at least three different government agencies: FDA, Consumer Products Safety
Commission and EPA.

Current research is underway to explain the link between our sense of smell and sensory irritation
and allergies. Researchers from the University of California at San Diego are trying to establish
the levels at which chemicals first become odorants and then progress to irritants. So far they
have succeeded in finding threshold levels for several chemical mixtures. They have also found
some evidence to support the notion that chemicals in combination are more irritating at lower
levels than single compounds. The problem with sorting out the effects of fragrances is that they
can stimulate both the olfactory nerve and the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is
responsible for mediating physiological irritation (causing sensations of stinging, burning, and
tingling). These symptoms are often mistaken for allergic reactions, but are really irritation
reactions. A true allergy causes a generalized immune response in the body and includes the
production of antibodies. An irritation is typically localized and is not accompanied by a system
response in the body. This distinction is important because the allergies and irritation reactions
may require different treatments. Additional data from a study following 112 people with Multiple
Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) found evidence that MCS involves two distinct phases: a high level
chemical exposure that is exacerbated by later exposure to everyday chemicals. This suggests
that for people with MCS, fragrances can be very problematic.
The following definitions can help clarify the labeling of household and body care products so that
consumers can select the most beneficial, as well as least problematic, products for their
individual needs.

Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated volatile organic components of plants that display an odor
or flavor and sometimes can exhibit some antimicrobial activities. Chemically, essential oils are a
diverse group. Sage oil, sweet orange oil and lavender are examples. According to Frontier
Herbs, the use of essential oils in aromatherapy is effective because the human brain responds to
past memories associated with a scent. If no such association exists, the brain creates a new
one. Thus, using the appropriate essential oils can evoke memory responses such as relaxation,
balance, and energy. And because essential oils are typically less complex than synthetic
fragrances made up of hundreds of chemicals, there may be less potential for allergic or irritation
reactions.

Natural Fragrance
"Natural" fragrances do not have a standard legal definition. However, the industry defines a
natural fragrance as one where the fragrance chemicals are extracted from a plant or other
naturally occurring substance rather than being synthesized in a lab. The term "enfleurage"
describes an old-fashioned natural extraction method whereby flower petals are laid on thin layer
of purified fats to extract the fragrance chemicals. Modern natural fragrance producers are more
likely to employ a method of extraction involving steam distillation.

Synthetic Fragrance
Synthetic fragrances are less expensive and more readily available than their natural
counterparts. More than 3000 unique chemicals are used to manufacture synthetic fragrances.
And unlike an essential oil that contains one chemical compound, a fragrance can be made up of
hundreds of chemicals.

Fragrance-Free and Unscented

According to FDA's Office of Cosmetics, these two terms lack legal definitions and therefore enjoy
unrestricted use in the cosmetic industry. Consumers often consider that both these terms
indicate a product without an added smell or fragrance, but industry professionals have a different
definition. Unscented often means that the product contains masking fragrances to cover
unpleasant odors originating from the other ingredients. Because these masking scents are
added at low concentrations, they are not required by law to be listed on the label, but most
manufacturers choose to list them anyway. Fragrance-free, on the other hand, is generally
recognized to be a product without any added scent. However, other ingredients in the product
can have an associated smell to which consumers could have positive or negative reactions.

Despite the potential for problems, fragrances also improve our lives. They enhance our sense of
taste, help us distinguish one substance from another, trigger fond memories, mask objectionable
odors, and induce states of calm, serenity, happiness or energy. The public is becoming more
aware of the potential for good and bad effects of certain smells. More investigation and well-
designed research may soon shed light on this very important connection between our health and
our noses.
Skin Care

Regardless of your age or the season, here are some Learn More
steps to keep your skin as healthy as possible:

• Healthy beautiful skin requires water. Good

hydration maintains firm, smooth skin. Try to
drink a minimum of 64-ounces of water each
day.
• Eliminate tobacco, which is known to age
skin prematurely.
• Nourish your skin from the inside by eating a
balanced whole foods diet.
• Recent research suggests processed foods
and refined sugars promote changes that can
lead to blemishes.1 Make fresh, colorful fruits
and vegetables a key part of your diet for
beautiful skin.
• Foods and nutrients that are exceptionally
nourishing for the skin include: essential fatty
acids from cold water fish and flax seed oil;
beta carotene and vitamin A found in orange
vegetables, egg yolks, and liver; berries, in
particular blueberries; and green and white
tea.
• Reduce your stress levels. Excessive stress
can lead to break outs, according to a recent
study.2 Relaxed, calm muscles are also less
likely to wrinkle.
• Reduce your consumption of alcohol,
replacing it with pure water.
• Be consistent with your exercise program, as
exercise promotes healthy skin.
• Wear a sunscreen that contains an SPF of at
least 15 or higher on your face and exposed
parts of your body and scalp, especially
during the hot summer months.

Body Lotions & Moisturizers — Soft to

the Touch

Our Whole Body buyers work hard to present a broad

selection of lush, nourishing products for every skin
type that don't contain the artificial colors and harsh
preservatives found in many conventional products.
Our skincare products and lotions are made from
nourishing plant oils, natural botanicals, nutrients,
antioxidants, and pure essential oils and are just as
pleasing and effective as more common brands.

We feature body lotions that:

 • Use moisture-rich natural oils so their active
ingredients easily penetrate and nourish your
skin.
• Contain pure essential oils, which in addition
to smelling good, can soothe, tone, and heal
the skin.
• Contain botanicals and antioxidants to
improve skin quality over time.

Keep Whole Body in mind when you want to discover

the right lotion for your skin. Our lotions will leave
your body feeling soft and silky. Go ahead, pamper
yourself.

Natural Luminous Skin from the Best

Lines Available

At Whole Body, we've carefully selected product lines

that contain higher concentrations of botanical and
active ingredients to naturally repair, restore, and
nourish the skin. We carry some of the best natural
product lines in the world. We feature companies that
invest in the highest quality ingredients and cutting-
edge skin care research — all designed to keep you
looking your best.

Are you comfortable in your skin?

Do you feel okay about loading your skin with artificial

ingredients? Skin is happiest with a regimen of
cleansing, moisturizing and rejuvenating that features
natural oils, botanical extracts and nourishing
nutrients. With cruelty free, natural products you get
what you need to look good and feel comfortable with
your choices.

Cleansing
Our natural soaps and cleansers are effective against
germs and dirt, sudsing and soothing with the finest
ingredients.

Moisturizing
Your skin's functions are vital for health. Skin
breathes, regulates temperature, retains moisture and
helps rid the body of toxins. Don't you want to avoid
artificial and petroleum-based ingredients that
possibly interfere with these functions? Instead,
choose all-natural moisturizers for soft, smooth skin
without compromise.
Rejuvenating
While a simple aromatherapy massage or a good
scrubbing with sea salt does wonders for your body,
uplifting facial care products should contain high
levels of several effective natural ingredients that
rejuvenate daily.
 • Simple Solutions for
Healthier Skin
• Skin Scrubs & Polishes
• Sunscreens

Everything Natural For

Your Skin

• bar soaps
• liquid soaps
• cleansing creams
• gels and liquids toners
• splashes
• sprays
• lotions
• serums
• cremes
• moisturizers
• salves
• balms
• oils
• anti-aging
• wrinkle reduction
• microdermabrasion kits
• acne treatment
• cosmetics
• mineral cosmetics
• cosmetic accessories
• scrubs and peels
• alpha hydroxy acids
• salts and exfoliation
• hair removal and
shaving
• bubbles
• soaks
• brushes
• sponges
• loofahs
• for women
• for men
• for children
• for babies

What's on the outside counts,

too.
The average woman uses twelve
personal care products a day,
exposing herself to a total of 168
chemicals*. In conventional
products, there is a good chance
 What's in our skincare?

Natural Ingredients = Positive Results

witch hazel, jojoba, rosemary, aloe vera soothes and refreshes

macadamia, CoQ10, red wine, citrus, antioxidant protection,

beta carotene and vitamins A, C and E nourishes skin

tea tree oil helps control bacteria

evening primrose, olive esters, improves moisture

phospholipids, vitamin E and olive, retention
almond, avocado and borage oils

sugar cane, citrus, red grape exfoliates and

enhancescreation of new
cells

essential oils and extracts of herbs, natural luscious scent

fruits and flowers

amino acids, botanical extracts reduces facial tension,

improves elasticity

Simple Solutions for Healthier Skin

Condition Look For Active Ingredients Results

Oily Skin and Astringent ingredients to Witch hazel, Jojoba Skin looks refreshed
Visible Pores penetrate skin quickly and oil, Rosemary without adding extra
accelerate the healing of oils
skin blemishes.

Sun-Damage Natural antioxidants, which Vitamin A, Vitamin Helps protect skin

and Signs of help protect and nourish, C, and Vitamin E cells from the drying
Aging skin cells effects of the sun

Dry, Stressed Natural plant oils Olive, Almond, Improvement in

Skin containing nutrients such Avocado, Borage moisture retention of
as vitamins A and E, and oils the skin
are readily absorbed

Lack of Exfoliate with natural Sugar Cane Enhanced creation of

Radiance, source alpha-hydroxy (glycolic), Citrus new skin cells and
Uneven Tone acids that work to smooth (citric), Red Grape sloughing off of old
skin (tartaric)
1, 2 Archives of Dermatology 2002

Skin Scrubs & Polishes

Scrubs are designed to help exfoliate your skin. Why exfoliate? It removes dull,
dead skin cells from the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). This helps to stimulate
blood circulation, remove toxins, clean pores, and most importantly, reveal softer,
glowing skin. It can also be helpful in preventing ingrown hairs.

Mint is a great addition to scrubs because it is so cooling and refreshing. When

applied to the skin, mint can be used to increase blood flow and reduce muscle
tension. As an inhalant, it can be soothing to the nasal passages for allergies.

Salt Versus Sugar

Salt is coarser with more exfoliating power, while sugar is gentle and a better choice
for more sensitive skin!

How to Use a Scrub

Using genlte pressure, rub in a circular motion upward toward the heart. This will
help stimulate lympahtic flow. Remember to be extra cautious as the oils can make
your shower more slippery!

When To Use A Scrub

To prep your skin before using a self tanner for a more even color application.
Before shaving or waxing to help revent ingrown hairs.

Peppermint Salt Scrub

• 2 cups salt
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/2 cup jojoba oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil

Mix dry ingredients together and blend well. Add carrier oils and essential oils to the
mixture. Blend thoroughly and store in a tightly sealed plastic bag or storage
container. Store in the refrigerator and use within four to six weeks. You may safely
exfoliate once or twice weekly.

To apply, stand in the shower or tub. Using a handful of the scrub, gently rub skin in
a circular motion. Start with feet and work toward the heart. Do not use on face or
delicate areas. Be careful since the oils can make your shower or tub slippery. If
shaving your legs, do so after you exfoliate since the oils will help to lubricate your
skin.

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

• 2 cups brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup salt
 • 1/2cup sweet almond oil
• 1/2cup apricot oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops vanilla essential oil

Mix dry ingredients together and blend well. Add carrier oils and essential oils to the
mixture. Blend thoroughly and store in a tightly sealed plastic bag or storage
container. Store in the refrigerator and use within four to six weeks. You may safely
exfoliate once or twice weekly.

To apply, stand in the shower or tub. Using a handful of the scrub, gently rub skin in
a circular motion. Start with feet and work toward the heart. Do not use on face or
delicate areas. Be careful since the oils can make your shower or tub slippery. If
shaving your legs, do so after you exfoliate since the oils will help to lubricate your
skin.

Very Vanilla Scrub

• 11/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 cup salt
• 1/2 cup vanilla massage oil
• 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
• 24–36 drops vanilla essential oil

Sweet Sandalwood Scrub

• 21/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/8 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/2 cup sandalwood massage oil
• 1/8 cup vanilla massage oil

Relaxing Rose Scrub

• 2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup salt
• 3/4 cup rose massage oil

Indulgent Body Polish

• 1 cup sea salt

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup blue cornmeal
• 1/2 cup grapeseed oil (Aura Cacia)
• 6 drops vanilla essential oil
• 3 drops rose geranium essential oil
• 1 drop neroli absolute essential oil

In a glass or stainless steel bowl, mix the sea salt and brown sugar with a fork,
breaking apart any lumps. (If you prefer using your hands, we suggest wearing
 gloves.) Mix in blue cornmeal.

In a glass measuring cup, combine all four oils. (You may use more or less of the
essential oils, depending on your scent preference. You may also choose to use
your favorite blend of essential oils.) Slowly add the oil to the dry mixture and
combine well. Use more or less oil to achieve desired consistency.

When ready to use, briskly rub onto skin, especially calves, knees, hands and
elbow, using a circulation motion. Rinse off with warm water.

Sweet Body Polish

• 3/4 cup salt

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 3 drops rose geranium essential oil
• 10 drops vanilla essential oil
• 1 drop neroli essential oil

In a glass or stainless steel bowl, mix the sea salt and brown sugar with a fork,
breaking apart any lumps. (If you prefer using your hands, we suggest wearing
gloves.)

In a glass measuring cup, combine all four oils. (You may use more or less of the
essential oils, depending on your scent preference. You may also choose to use
your favorite blend of essential oils.) Slowly add the oil to the dry mixture and
combine well. Use more or less oil to achieve desired consistency.

When ready to use, briskly rub onto skin, especially calves, knees, hands and
elbow, using a circulation motion. Rinse off with warm water.

Home
:
Whol
e
Body
:
Body
Care :
Skin
Care :
Skin
Scrub
s&
Polish
es

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an ancient art using the essential oils of plants in medicine, spicery, and
perfumery. Formed in petals, leaves, roots, resin, barks, stems, seeds, grasses, stalks, and rinds,
the essential oil is generally the part of the plant that we smell. Depending on the plant, essential
oil can be stored in special resin cells, glandular hairs, pockets and reservoirs, or even the
spaces between cells. For a plant the essential oil is just that: essential. It performs necessary
functions such as attracting certain bugs and birds for fertilization, and repelling other bugs that
may cause harm. The evaporation of these essences from the plant surfaces shields the plant
from the invasion of natural bacteria and is even considered to be the warming aura that
surrounds and protects from temperature fluctuations. It is sometimes associated with the
spiritual quality of life's energy, so to use the essential oil of a plant is to use the very best of what
a plant has to offer.

History

Aromatherapy has appeared in recipes since the beginning of recorded history and has been
steeped in magic and mystery ever since. The Egyptians are attributed with the first writings on
aromatherapy in about 1580 BC and also, appropriately, with developing a society and culture
deeply connected to the sense of smell. They became very creative and adept in using essential
oils to stimulate this sense. Their most practical recorded use was to embalm their dead with the
oil of cedar wood. On a more romantic note, and no less important to their culture, men prepared
for a "date" by bathing with particular essential oils. As traveling opened up isolated cultures, new
uses for the oils became popular and the importance of scent increased. Babylonians and Arabs
perfumed the mortar used to build temples and mosques to surround themselves with healing
and cleansing aromas. Ancient Greeks believed sweet smells were of divine origin and developed
the aromatic bath to drench themselves in purity. Romans, following the precepts of Hippocrates,
used the oils in the bath for health purposes: "the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and
scented massage everyday."

As the modern age of the 19th century progressed, aromatherapy and essential oil use became a
quaint story of past cultures. Not until a French cosmetic chemist of the early 1900's began
scientific research did it start to revive. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse devoted his life to researching
the healing properties of essential oils after a providential accident in his perfume laboratory. After
burning his arm badly he thrust it into the nearest cold liquid, which happened to be a vat of
lavender oil. The pain decreased substantially and, rather than becoming a normal burn site of
inflammation and blistering, the injury healed quickly without a scar. Shortly thereafter Gattefosse
coined the term "aromatherapy".

Essential Oils

Essential oils are found in different parts of the plant in varying concentrations. Oil production
depends on the same things that affect a plants growth: sunlight, nutrients of the soil, air quality,
altitude, etc. This means that to get a good quality essential oil the best plant-specific growing
conditions must be known and followed. Essential oil manufacturers generally distill their oil right
at the growing site so that the time between harvesting and processing is short. This preserves
the quality and the quantity of the harvest. The primary method of extraction is steam distillation
whereby steam is passed through hundreds of pounds of plant material in a stainless steel vat to
diffuse the oil. As the steam condenses in a cooling chamber the oil, which is lighter than water, is
easily separated and collected. Citrus fruits yield their oils through cold pressing. Here, intense
physical pressure is applied to the rind and the oil is squeezed out. It takes an enormous amount
of plant material to produce a small amount of essential oil. For example, 220 pounds of lavender
produces only 7 pounds of oil and 2,000 pounds of rose petals are needed to produce 1 ounce of
the precious (and very expensive) rose oil.
Another aromatherapy product called an "absolute" is often confused with essential oils.
Absolutes are not pure essential oils but are precious fragrances from plants that do not create
enough essential oil to collect. These fragrances are made by dehydrating the flower petals to
remove the water and to create a concentrate called a concrete. This gooey mass is then washed
in an alcohol solvent which takes on the fragrance. The alcohol is distilled off and the remaining
product is the absolute. This is a pure plant fragrance and retains certain therapeutic properties
but is not an essential oil.

Synthetic fragrances are distilled with petroleum and turpentine. They are often made in an
attempt to duplicate essential oils but this is rarely possible as there are hundreds of chemical
components in an essential oil and not all have been isolated. Synthetic fragrances are similar
only in aroma, not in actual chemical make-up or in therapeutic action.

Using Aromatherapy

Essential oils are most effective through inhalation or absorption through the skin into the body.
They are therapeutically least effective when taken orally. They are very efficient in leaving the
body through exhalation and perspiration which means they are generally non-toxic.

Diffusers and atomizers are the usual way of putting an essential oil mist into the air for
breathing. Diffusers, either the electric or candle variety, heat the essential oil until it evaporates
into a mist or fog, dispersing the aroma into the air. Atomizers are affixed to the top of a bottle of
water mixed with an essential oil; give the pump a little squeeze to spray the aroma mist
wherever you want. Also available are ceramic rings that fit around light bulbs. They have an
indentation to hold a few drops of oil which heats up with the light bulb and diffuses into the air.

Lotions and oils: When essential oils are used on the skin they must first be put into an oil
based carrier first. If a sensitivity to an oil occurs it is generally due to full strength application onto
sensitive skin . Dilution in a carrier oil not only protects you from a reaction, it spreads the oil over
a larger area and so stimulates a greater response. Essential oils tend to increase circulation at
the surface of the skin, opening up the pores. This is the key to overall absorption, and
consequently to the overall health of the skin. Of the pure vegetable oils available to use for this
dilution, jojoba is the heaviest, almost a liquid wax, and grape seed oil is the lightest. Sweet
almond oil is the best all purpose carrier oil, and apricot kernel, also very light, is easily absorbed
by mature or damaged skin. Massage therapists report wonderful results with grape seed oil
because it is so thin, glides easily, and is completely absorbed. To use an essential oil on a small,
specific site mix a drop into each application of a scrub, mask, pack, or cream. Or, for larger
coverage, add 10 drops per 4 ounces of an unscented lotion. For the hair, add a few drops of oil
to whatever shampoo you are currently using, or add to a carrier oil and work into the hair as a
deep conditioner.

Baths and massage are the age-old, tested, and reliable way to reduce stress. Particular oils
mixed directly into the bath water or the massage oil have been reported to increase the stress-
reducing effectiveness of these therapies. Consult the many books available to learn the oils and
recipes that best suit your circumstances and condition.

Care of Essential Oils

A little care must be taken in handling your essential oils as they are very volatile. Keep them in
dark, air-tight, glass bottles and do not expose them to heat or heavy metals. You can tell if they
are deteriorating when they become darker and more viscous. Store them out of children's reach
as some oils are dangerous when swallowed. Essential oils remain potent for 6 months to 2 years
with proper care; if you are unsure of the freshness throw them out.
Breathe Deep!

Every living thing has its own characteristic scent. We cannot always be conscious of all the
scents that surround us but we do perceive them on a subconscious level because of the direct
connection between our olfactory nerve and the subconscious part of our brain. This perception
has a certain amount of influence over our feelings, thoughts, and attitudes, which makes for the
sometimes unexpected attraction to certain people, places and things. Aromatherapy is a way to
recreate those feelings, thoughts, and attitudes naturally — it can be used to stimulate and
energize, to relax and make tranquil. Essential oils have properties with great potential to protect
and heal the body and may one day be better understood and used commonly for our greater
health. Meanwhile, breath deep, heighten your sense of smell, and enjoy the therapy of aroma.