Some so-called "Natural" companies use concretes/absolutes and other components that were obtained with chemicals.
That is up to them as long as customers know the whole truth.
I make products using all natural herbs/flowers/fruits... that I infuse in oil... .
This is how I make my Lilac and Jasmine... soaps and perfumes. There is no pure essential oil for these so I infuse them into oil fr weeks to capture the scent for my products.
I have spoken to a few perfumers who use a jasmine essential oil and they thought it was all-naural. I showed them several articles from the experts that say - jasmine CAN be distilled from the absolute BUT some of the hexane that was used to obtain the absolute is likely still there. Therefore I will NOT use it.
Some custumers don't care what is in anything - just that it is pretty and smells good. That is their choice.
Sometimes, they don't buy my items because my focus is on natural with the beneficial properties and functional first and then scent and looks.
So, when I get one of these customers, I refer them to other sellers and these other business owners do the same for me when they come across folks who insist on all natural.
The funny thing is that I don't charge that much more for my pure all-natural products than they charge for their chemical soup - sometimes - mine is even less.
For some folks, as I said as long as a customers knows exactly what he/she is getting - go out and buy whatever you want.
BUT, for some folks, it is vital that they be given the WHOLE truth about what they are buying/using.
My Mom has her cancer from 11 years ago back and it is everywhere now.
She NEEDS to have all-natural products & cannot afford to get hexane, dyes, fragrance oils, and other awful stuff by accident.
I make soaps, lip balms, skin healing balm and am working a perfume just for her to keep her as safe and as strong as possible for her fight ahead.
Sadly, many vendors I come across who claim to sell "natural" products don't know the difference. Because they bought whipped shea and added scent to it, they think they can call it "natural" because they "made it themselves".
A dear friend of my daughter was doing that until I showed her what real shea looked like in it's NATURAL state and educated her about the wonderful qualities that are removed from the shea to make it white and about pure hexane free essential oils vs "fragrance" and other chemical soup ingredients.
She had no idea shea wasn't white and fluffy and she thought fragrance oils were natural -LOL
Most of these vendors aren't evil folks who don't care about you health, but they are naive and did not do any research - so you have to do your own research.
I am always learning more about how to use organic herbs, flowers, resins/gums, trees, oils... can help us (and some can hurt us) and am always adding to my line of products for both my family and my customers.
Please do some research of your own about what YOU need and do not just rely on a formulator to know everything - even me - no matter if you wnat to buy mine or make your own.
Organically yours,
Diana
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Comments: 51
If you are wanting to make something, get the facts first.
This is a tough business because many folks call their stuff "Natural" but it really isn't and mine is all-natural but it may SEEM the same as some others who just do not list everything on the labels.
You can't tell all-natural just by the looks of it.
Sometimes you can - especially if it is hot pink and sparkly - LOL
It is frustrating.
I've been to craft shows where everything there was SUPPOSED to be made by hand and all-natural.
Well, there were folks selling bright pink glittery soaps that they said they was cold-processed and that they said they made the night before.
Hmmmmmmmmm, cold-processed soap takes at least a few weeks to cure IF it is indeed real handmade soap.
So, it sounds like theirs was melt and pour bought from a store that is full of a bunch of un-natural stuff.
And the kicker is that they were selling their stuff for almost as much as us real natural soaper were selling ours.
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
She has to watch what she eats as her gallbladder is gone.
She also had radiatiion near her neck so her throat gets very raw and it is hard for her to eat much of anything.
I will let her know about this and we will research into it some more.
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
Please be aware that most "Natural Perfumers" DO use absolutes and concretes which is fine as long as both the perfumer/formulator AND the customer/consumer understand all that is involved in this choice with the benefits AND the possible dangers.
Keep in mind, the same can sometimes be said (as far as dangers in using something when you do not understand the whole story) for even pure hexane-free essential oils - some of them can make the skin sensitive to the sun or be an irritant so BOTH the maker and the buyer need to understand that. Even something totally natuural can have ill effects if not used properly.
For those of you who are interested in being as natural as possible, I can post the link - but not quote it here. I don't know if you have to join the group to read it or not - but if you are at all interested in naturals - it is well worth joining this group to see the in's and out's of it.
All of us are still learning and refining our methods as we learn more about our craft.
I, however am like Julie in her post here :
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalPerfumery/message/28983
This is why I choose to avoid absolutes and other chemically obtained ingredients and why I use the REAL flowers of Jasmine, Lilac... and infuse them for weeks into oil to extract the scent to use in my perfumes and soaps... .
This is also why I am careful about the oils that I use too.
As I learn more, I will adapt to make sure that I am using the purest, most natural forms of every ingredient.
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
arlene,
Silverdale florist
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
Read the information on the website, labels, and see how the person thinks and does things.
I have many places where my customers can go to read up on my practices, methods and my beliefs about what I do.
In my main website, they get to see that I am an organic gardener and they read the tips about how to combat garden pests and how to compost... .
They can also see on that same website some tips about recycling and many other ideas for Natural living... .
On my Squidoo lenses, they can read my more about my feelings on Natural Perfume... .
Here on Gather, they can see similar thoughts + extras too.
And, finally, on my virtual storefront, they can read about specific products and see that I live up to what I said in all of the other places.
I also remind folks that just because my products are All-Natural, doesn't mean that IF they are allergic to say roses - that they should wear my Luxury Frankincense & Pink Roses perfume - LOL No, If you are allergic to one of the ingredients in my product, don't use it. THIS is exactly why formulators MUST be honest about how they make their products and put EVERYTHING in the description.
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
You are very welcome !
I think there are many people who want to use Natural products and THINK they already are. To me, it is a shame that so many are being fooled.
I am doing my best to get the word out.
Take care and I am glad I could help.
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
I really appreciate you taking the time for it.
Organically yours,
Diana
My virtual storefront: http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
My main website : http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
My Squidoo :
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
You hit on the very reason why I am trying to educate folks.
For most people, it may not matter that much to them - BUT some people with an allergy or compromized health... can be really hurt by these companies who do not tell the WHOLE truth.
Thanks again !
Organically yours,
Diana
My virtual storefront: http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
My main website : http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
My Squidoo :
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
The sad part is that while we do need some regulations so that the customers know exactly what they are getting, we do not need the proposed regulations that the gov't is trying to pass right now. They want to charge ALL companies $2,000 each year just to be allowed to be in business. Small businesses like mine who ARE all-natural just can't afford that. If this passes, it will put many all-natural companies like mine out of business.
The big companies wont even bat an eye at $2,000 and they can just keep on making their chemical soup.
There would be no need to have this extra regulation IF companies had to list ALL of their ingredients AND had a detailed explaination on their website about how the ingredients were obtained (or something similar).
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
Yes, many vendors are good folks, but they just don't know how and where their ingredients were processed.
This is why you, as the buyer, have to educate yourself.
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
Yes, it is true - you have to watch products labeled all natural. Some formulators don't know the difference and some just don't care.
Your best bet is to get to know the formulator (even me !) by reading the websites, blogs, and other info sites like Squidoo/MySpace/Gather... - anywhere the person has their information.
You want to learn how that person thinks, what he/she values. how the products are made ... .
Even after all of this, there is the possiblity that you could be allergic to something, so use a new product carefully at first until you're sure there is no reaction.
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
Did you grow the lavender too ?
I LOVE bath salts. They really help to soothe a tired body.
Organically yours,
Diana
My virtual storefront:
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
My main website :
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
My Squidoo :
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
Came by to say thanks for reading and commenting on my article,
Can Spices Heal?
I'm pleased that you liked it enough to take time to comment. It means a lot.
I love Squidoo--it's fantastic.
Thank you !
You will have to email me with a link to your Squidoo pages so I can check them out and comment on/favorite some of them.
Organically yours,
Diana
My virtual storefront:
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
My main website :
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
My Squidoo :
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
I like a special perfume for special times or when I am going out - and then ONLY my all-natural will do.
Organically yours,
Diana
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com
http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural
http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana
http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume
Yes, as you said in your friend request - we are both on the same side in promoting naturals.
Organically yours,
Diana
A fragrance oil is not natural, it's made in a lab by a chemist from chemicals and is meant to duplicate a scent.
Any aromtherapist will tell you that absolutes and concretes are NOT essential oils, it's a totally different extraction process. Even using pure, tested (ask for a copy of the test, any reputable wholeseller will send it to you), essential oils, there can be things that one won't be able to use, while another will have no problem with them. Allergys - which you can have to almost anything. I make all of our perfumes, my husbands colognes and our soaps, and if you look up SFIC's website - the melt and pour IS natural.
So many folks really think they are buying naturals, but are not and that is a real shame.
If a person really wants to buy/use some sort of an artificial goop, that is their business - just please do not sit next to me or anyone else with health issues - LOL
Organically yours,
Diana
This is just what I have been trying to help folks understand.
I deal with so many people who just don't know the difference at all OR they ask for all-natural, but the vendor has no clue or will even lie. It is really sad that some folks keep getting ripped off.
Some fragrance oils may have a little bit of a natural in them (they say), but if it is made in a lab - I will always pass thank you - LOL
Yes, the SFIC is pretty good I hear, but I haven't used it.
I see folks buying those other kits at craft stores and it just makes my skin hurt. It has so much junk in it - it is awful.
Everything that I can't grow/make for myself, I have to order like vanilla beans/coffee... . I buy Organic.
You are exactly right about the absolutes and concretes too. I hear so many people call them E.O.s because they heard it somewhere else.
Some makers are making oils from them and calling them E.O.s so this really confuses people too.
This whole realm of Natural is hard for many people to really understand because there are still so many sellers/makers... who want to call their stuff "Natural" even when it clearly is not.
Thank you for helping to educate the public too !
Organically yours,
Diana
I'm just wondering as I cannot find it on your sites, what types of oils are you using that don't need any type of preservation in your perfume blends? Vitamin E, is not a preservative.
Mark (thanks, in advance, my wife, Marilyn makes all of my aftershaves/colognes, shea creams, lipbalms things like that)
When you do not use any water or water-based ingredients, you do not need a preservative.
You are correct, Vitamin E is not a preservative, but it is an antioxidant and it helps keep the oils from going rancid too early.
I only use pressed oils, unrefined butters, filtered but not processed nor bleached beeswax and chemical-free (some are certified organic, but organic gardeners/growers like me do not have the money to buy an organic certification so we just call ours chemical-free. I show on my main website among other places how I garden and live so they feel comfortable knowing how I avoid chemicals and anything fake or hurtful) dried herbs, flowers, spices... in my formulations - therefore I needn't use a preservative and can use the all-natural claim on my products.
Marilyn seems like another crafty person like me. It is great how she takes care of her family so well.
Organically Yours,
Diana
Educating folks is so important to me because I feel the rise in allergies, chemical sensitivities, pollution and other sad things are way out of hand these days.
Most people do care and do want to do better I think, but don't know any better.
OR, they think they are doing better by buying certain products over another, but aren't getting an All-Natural product like they thought they were.
My goal is to educate - first and foremost.
Yes, I do make and sell all-natural products, but it is my LOVE - not my livelyhood - there is no way that I could make enough products to be able to sell enough and get enough of a profit to live on - LOL
I want people to know the difference and then go on to make their own products or buy it and get exactly what they need with no junk. Most people will not buy from me and that is okay - as I said - I couldn't possibly make enough to meet everyones needs - LOL
Just make sure of what you do buy - that is all.
Organically Yours,
Diana
http://www.squidoo.com/Natural_Perfumery
Enjoy !
Organically Yours,
Diana
My perfumes are very mild and are designed to blend with ones own natural scent - not overpower it.
My youngest daughter loves my lavender perfume when she wants to relax or get a good night's sleep - LOL
Organically Yours,
Diana
Diana, do you do anything with gardenias? I found your artical very informative as well as interesting. I plan to check out your website.
Thank you for your comment on my tips post.
Hi Patti !
I would LOVE to work with Gardenias, but I don't have any.
I am in Ohio and I think they are frost sensitive if I remember correctly.
Do you grow them ?
Thank you for your comments - and you are welcome too :)
Organically Yours,
Diana