News — essential oils

Why I Don't Use Synthetic Fragrances

October 27, 2018 • Becky De Graaf • essential oils • FDA • fragrances • synthetic fragrances

Why can't labeling be straightforward? It's such a common question and one that really should have a simple solution: If a company uses artificial scents, it can't market its product as "fragrance-free". If it were that easy, we all could shop for soaps, shampoos, and lotions without worrying about putting toxins on (and in) our bodies.

Saponification: The Alchemy Of Soap-Making

January 13, 2018 • Becky De Graaf • essential oils • natural • soap

Why is genuine, authentic, real soap – created via the mixing of fats or oils with an alkali base – almost always preferable to a glycerin melt-and-pour style soap? To explore this question, we'll first learn a bit about saponification: the long and fancy word used to describe the primary chemical reaction of soap making. Along the way, we'll dispel some common myths and misunderstandings, and provide all the information that you'll need to make your own intelligent choices. Saponification: The Alchemy Of Soap-Making As mentioned above, the primary chemical reaction involved in the making of real soap is known...

Why Don't I Use DoTerra or Young Living Essential Oils?

December 09, 2017 • Becky De Graaf • essential oils

The most popular question I get at the farmer's market is "what brand of essential oils do you use?" It seems that these days, everyone's heard of national brands DoTerra and YoungLiving, as these companies spend a lot of time and money branding their essential oil products and getting the word out through multi-level marketing (MLM) strategies. You can't scroll through your Facebook feed without seeing a friend promoting their MLM business these days. Your friendly neighborhood distributor of scented candles and essential oils really hustles to make a buck, but the cost you pay has to cover her efforts,...