Fragrances are aromatic compounds that add unique, pleasant scents to your homemade soaps.
Although they are commonly used in saponification, it is crucial to observe certain precautions to ensure the safety and quality of your creations.
This article will explain what a fragrance is, how to use it safely, and what precautions to take to avoid risks.
1. What is a Fragrance?
A fragrance is a complex mixture of synthetic or natural aromatic compounds, designed to add a pleasant scent to cosmetic products, including soaps.
Unlike essential oils, fragrances are formulated to offer a wide range of scents, from floral to gourmand notes, while retaining their fragrance after the saponification process.
2. How to use Fragrances in Saponification?
The correct use of fragrances in saponification is essential to obtain a fragrant soap without compromising safety:
- Dosage: Follow the recommended dosage, generally between 1% and 5% of the total weight of the oils in your recipe.
Overdosing can not only alter the fragrance, but also cause skin irritation. - Incorporation: Add the fragrance to the soap mixture in trace amounts to ensure even fragrance distribution.
3. Fragrance Precautions
For the safe use of fragrances in your soaps, follow these essential precautions:
- Skin Tolerance Test: Perform a test in the crease of the elbow 48 hours before using a new fragrance.
If redness or irritation appears, avoid using the fragrance in question. - Wear gloves and goggles: Protect yourself by wearing gloves and goggles when handling fragrances, to avoid irritation.
- Work in a Ventilated Space: Fragrances are volatile and can irritate the respiratory tract.
Work in a well-ventilated room. - Safe Storage: Keep fragrances in a cool place out of reach of children, with bottles tightly closed to prevent leakage.
4. Specific advice for Saponification
- Avoid overdoses: Follow recommended dosages to avoid adverse skin reactions.
- Essential oil compatibility: Make sure your fragrance and essential oil blends are compatible and non-irritating.
- Olfactory stability: Some fragrances may change over time after saponification.
Test your soaps for fragrance stability.
5. What to do in the event of an accident
Even with every precaution, accidents can happen.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Skin contact: Rinse immediately with water and seek medical advice if necessary.
- Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water or saline solution and consult an ophthalmologist.
- Accidental ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, and consult a poison control center or doctor immediately.
6. European emergency numbers
Here are the poison control numbers for several European countries for fragrance-related emergencies:
- Belgium: 070 245 245
- France: 01 40 05 48 48 (Paris poison control center)
- Germany: 030 19240 (Berlin poison control center)
- Netherlands: 030 274 88 88
- Luxembourg: +352 8002 5500
- Spain: +34 91 562 04 20 (National Institute of Toxicology)
- Switzerland: 145 (Swiss Toxicological Information Center)
- Italy: 06 305 4343 (Rome Poison Control Center)
- United Kingdom: 0845 4647 (NHS Direct)
Conclusion
Fragrances add a unique olfactory touch to your soaps, but they need to be used with care.
By observing the recommended dosages and precautions for use, you can take full advantage of their benefits while guaranteeing the safety of your creations.
At Planète Savons, we’re here to advise you and answer any questions you may have on the use of fragrances in saponification.