Reduce your exposure to unnecessary harmful toxins and chemicals by
New Year, New Directions
As we slide into a new year, resolve to reduce the chemicals and toxins you expose yourself and your family to. Create bespoke hair care products, candles, and room sprays to scent your home; Make your own perfume or even use our versatile range of non-toxic fragrance oils to clean your home. Delve into the dangers of parabens, phthalates, SLS, and SLES and learn why VINEVIDA fragrance oils are free from all of these. Understand how to read safety recommendations for nontoxic fragrance oils and how to apply those. In reducing your own exposure, let the planet breathe a little easier too as we do away with harmful chemicals.
What Is The Difference Between Essential Oils and Non Toxic Fragrance Oils
Essential Oils
It can be confusing to understand the differences between natural essential oils and nontoxic fragrance oils.
Essential oils are distilled from plant-based and botanical ingredients. If they are pure (and they should be) essential oils contain only natural chemicals derived from the original plant matter.
Not all essential oils are certified organic, but those that have to be certified that they have been grown under organic conditions. Most essential oils are distilled, but some need their constituents to be extracted in a different way. Those extracted using solvents are called absolutes. In these cases, the solvent must also be organic, and only be processed using other certified organic ingredients.
Essential oils have chemical components like linalool, limonene, and geraniol but these are naturally produced as opposed to synthetic chemicals. These essential oil components are sometimes used to produce fragrance oils.
Fragrance Oils
Most nontoxic fragrance oils are a combination of natural essential oils with some synthetic aromatic compounds added.
All-natural fragrance oils are composed entirely of naturally derived fragrance extracts and essential oils.
Nontoxic fragrance oils are made from a combination of fragrance ingredients like essential oils, aromatic derivatives of essential oils like limonene and geraniol, and human-created fragrance components like muguet, which is a synthetic version of Lily of The Valley.
They will also usually contain some kind of preservative to help them last longer. Again, these preservatives can sometimes be naturally derived, but not always. One of the key issues here is a preservative called parabens which we’ll look at more in the next section.
Even given all of that information it can still be difficult to discern if you are working with nontoxic fragrance oils or more harmful ones, so it does pay to double-check with the company if it is not clearly stated.
Hidden Ingredients in Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
VINEVIDA does not support animal testing, therefore our fragrance oils are not tested on animals and are cruelty-free. We also don’t tend to stock animal products and our products are vegan-friendly. VINEVIDA fragrance oils are free from Phthalates, Parabens, SLS, and SLES. Which means they are free from harmful substances and are also more environmentally friendly.
Phthalates
Phthalates are what you call esters of phthalic acid and it is widely used as a plasticizer to make plastic more flexible and last longer. Phthalates are used to bring a softer consistency to PVC.
Phthalates look like a viscous oily liquid that has neither color nor scent, to distinguish it. Making it virtually invisible! Many plastic tubs, especially those used in microwaves may contain phthalates and they can seep into your food. The risk increases if the food in the plastic is fatty or particularly processed.
Sadly, this can happen in the food processing plant before we even take the food off the shelf in the store. It pays to think about buying food encased in plastic and then heating it in too which increases the risk.
In the beauty industry, it has been widely used as a stabilizer or a solvent. It can be found in perfumes and other alcohol-based fragrances, shampoos, lotions, cleansers, hair sprays, and even in your nail polish.
You would hope that anything labeled as non-toxic fragrance oils would be free from phthalates. Shockingly, phthalates can be detected in the urine of more than three in four adults.
Scarier still, there is some evidence that phthalates can be toxic to both male and female reproductive systems, and may reduce the chances of conceiving and cause infertility.
There is some suggestion that phthalate exposure in products such as deodorants has previously contributed to heightening the risk of breast cancer, and bone cancer.
Choose phthalate-free fragrance oils and always check the label.
Turn to EWG and their great article ‘What Are Phthalates’ for in-depth information and tips on reducing your exposure.
Parabens
When you buy nontoxic fragrance oils, look to make sure they are free from Parabens too.
Parabens are used widely through the cosmetics industry as a preservative and can be found in a huge range of products. Some parabens are naturally occurring and others are synthetically created and manufactured.
Preservatives ensure the safety of these products and keep them free from mold, bacteria and fungi, so they are an integral part of the production process. Other alternatives can be expensive and push up the core cost of production and the final product price.
They are also used in the food and drinks industry as a preservative too. You could be ingesting them and have no idea!
Use of parabens are heavily restricted here in the UK and Europe, sadly less so in the USA.
Like Phthlates, some parabens are thought to disrupt the endocrine system and that prolonged exposure may cause infertility and reproductive issues.
Some parabens are more harmful than others, sort the wheat from the chaff with EWG’s brilliant article - What are parabens?
SLS & SLES
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate are surfactants used bubble bath, liquids soaps and shampoos. Surfactants help oils to mix and foam.
These surfactants can be rather abrasive and cause skin sensitivity. Some schools of thought suspect that long-term use could cause cancer.
I really liked the evidence-based information, with links to the research, by the University of Queensland in What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate And Is It Safe To Use?
Avoid SLS and SLES if you have very sensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.
Where to Buy Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
If you are looking for the best nontoxic fragrance oils then you can trust fragrance oils from VINEVIDA. As you have discovered they are free from harmful chemicals and toxins.
If you are looking for natural non-toxic oils, plump for VINEVIDA essential oils. We only sell well-provenanced, 100% pure, and natural essential oils. They come with GCMS data so you can see for yourself they are nontoxic and toxin-free when used correctly.
The Correct Type of Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
Nontoxic is not a blanket safety term. It’s important that you use the right oil for the right job,
At VINEVIDA we offer two types of non-toxic fragrance oils. One for the diffuser and one for everything else.
The Diffuser variation should only ever be used in cold air or nebulizing diffusers.
The “Everything else” one is called Soaps and Candles because it is formulated to withstand the high temperatures required when you melt products. This is the fragrance oil you will want to choose if you are making topical products make sure you use the Soaps & Candles version of the fragrance oil in question.
More information about choosing the correct type of nontoxic fragrance oils is in How To Use Vinevida Oils.
Finding Safety Information on Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
While your nontoxic fragrance oils may be free from harmful chemicals like phthalates and parabens, you will still need to use the right amount to keep your skin safe.
Each fragrance oil has a different maximum safety dilution rate.
It’s easy to find the safety information you need since each oil has a navigation bar under its picture on its product description.
Look for the section called DOCUMENTS and open it up.
For fragrance oils use the IFRA Statement. (For essential oils use the IFRA statement and the Safety Synopsis)
Find the full guide on how to find safety information on the VINEVIDA website.
IFRA Statements
IFRA statements tell you the maximum safety dilution rate and that it will be safe to use to make various different products. Products are separated into categories which range from topically applied deodorants and lotions to nontopical products that still come into contact with our skin like surface cleansers and washing detergents. They also cover scented home products like reed diffusers, wax melts, and candles.
IFRA statement percentages given are the maximum amount you may use to be skin-safe. They are not recipe recommendations. In other words, you may not want to add as much as it says because the fragrance might be overpowering.
Using Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils With Children
It is important to understand that if you are making topical products for children with nontoxic fragrance oils you consider lowering the amount you use to compensate for their more delicate skin. Just like you do when using essential oils.
For more detailed information on using essential oils safely with children, please check out
Essential Oil Safety and Children and Developing Essential Oil-Safe Practices.
Are Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils Edible?
They are not designed to be eaten, and we would ask you not to do that, please!
However, sometimes accidents happen.
God forbid, little fingers, decide to drink it, there is a way to discern how problematic that will be.
Go to the IFRA statement, which is underneath the picture of your oil on its webpage.
Category 6 shows lip products. This will show you whether this is a product that the manufacturers deem appropriate to put in your mouth.
I would say, always be careful and get them to an emergency room quickly. This information can help your physician discern how best to deal with the situation from there.
What Can I Use Non Toxic Fragrance Oils For?
Crikey, where do I start? It might be easier to tell you what topical products nontoxic fragrance oils cannot be used for.
It’s a short list, lip balms. However, you can use essential oils in lip balms instead.
Otherwise, non-toxic fragrance oils can be used for a multitude of wonderfully fragrant products.
Naturally, given their name, VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oil has been specially developed for making both soaps and candles. They are reliable, resilient, and long-lasting scents even through high heat and rigorous production processes.
Candles & Wax Products
Our nontoxic fragrance oils for candle-making can be mixed with beeswax and other natural waxes to make high-quality and luxury-scented candles. They really are the best that money can buy, giving your consistent and reliable results you can depend upon.
Don’t stop at just making candles, try wax melts, wax sachets, and even firelighters
For a room full of wonderful scent, try our fresh, clean, and nontoxic fragrance oils for candles that contain cucumber, peppermint, eucalyptus, and melon.
We love:
Soap
You can use the delightful aromas of VINEVIDA’s Soaps & Candles fragrance oils for soap making of all kinds. It’s perfect for cold process soap, melt and pour, and for making liquid soaps, gels, and shampoos. We’ve used it for making household soap too to great effect!
Try fantastic floral fragrances in your homemade soaps like orchid, orange blossom, and jasmine.
We love:
Skin & Hair Care
You can make so much more than just a scented candle and soap with our non-toxic fragrance oils. You can make a whole range of tailored and bespoke skin and hair care, from luxury face products to decadent body and hair care. Remember to choose paraben-free fragrance oils.
Use our best nontoxic fragrance oils for your skin to make incredible fragranced products like these:
We love these vibrant and versatile nontoxic fragrance oils for skin and hair care products:
Perfume and Fine Fragrance
Our nontoxic fragrance oils are perfect for making your own perfumery products. Try your hand at making your own perfume, aftershave, or cologne.
It’s worth checking your expectations against the products used in the fragrance industry by professional perfumers. They have access to aromatic compounds that the mere mortal does not. However, that does not mean you cannot create your own empowering scents that ooze sophistication and luxury.
Read the Ultimate Guide to Using Perfume Fragrance Oils for a deep delve. I also show you how to make a super quick oil perfume.
Try highly aromatic nontoxic fragrance oils in musk, spice, and jasmine for a classically elegant perfume.
We love these nontoxic fragrance oils for creating a signature scent twist:
Scented Home Products
Are you spending a fortune on reed diffusers, car air fresheners, and room sprays? Then please stop and try making your own. They are really simple to make when you understand how to use a surfactant to distribute the oil through a water base.
Fill your home with the deliciously intense and long-lasting aroma of our non-toxic fragrance oils. Have a different scent for every room if you want, or create a signature scent and layer it throughout your home.
Try fragrance oils like sugar cookie and pumpkin spice in the kitchen and a dash of cider, apple, and pear for a cozy fireside. Use relaxing lavenders for bedrooms and bathrooms.
We love these exciting and vibrant scents from our Hotel Collection for scenting your home:
Home Cleaning
There is a huge movement right now of people turning towards more natural sources for their cleaning materials and for resilient and long-lived fragrances. Our nontoxic fragrance oils are the perfect companion for your home cleaning products.
Using non-toxic fragrance oils gives you more faith in using them in surface cleansers, disinfectants, and household wipes to keep your family clean, safe, and healthy.
Have a go at making Laundry Wash, Surface, Cleansing Spray, and Refreshing Room and Linen Spray.
Try our fresh and clean fragrance oils laced with cotton, ozone, lemon, and grapefruit aromas.
We love these fresh and bright nontoxic fragrance oils:
Tash’s Favorite Recipes With Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
Ooooh this is the best bit and always my favourite section. Showing you how to make a range of wonderful products for your body and home using the very best nontoxic fragrance oils.
I want to show you a range of exciting recipes to demonstrate just how versatile VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oils are and how far they will go through numerous products.
We have a whole new range of absolutely incredible non-toxic fragrance oils, so I am going to enjoy including some of those.
Shall we get started?
Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils For The Home
Once you get into the swing of using nontoxic fragrance oils to make your own scented home products you will realize just how easy and satisfying it actually is.
Start the new year as you mean to go on, reducing your exposure to unnecessary chemicals and toxins. Make your own bespoke products with non-toxic fragrance oils that are perfectly tailored to you and your home. They are a wonderful way to create scent layering effects and support a signature home scent.
Mistletoe & Holly Candle With Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
The holidays may be drawing to an end, but my mistletoe stays in place until the next year when a fresh new bunch replaces it. (Unless my grandson rips it out the ceiling like this year). This will take the beautiful natural greenery of the holiday season right into your new year.
Making our own scented candles with non-toxic fragrance oils is a lot easier than you think. If you are paying money hand over fist for expensive candles, try making your own. You will be converted.
This recipe shows you the benefit of blending fragrance oils together to get a bespoke aroma that is unique and sets you apart from the crowd. Rich the fresh green aromas of eucalyptus, pine, cypress, and juniper, zingy with the citrus twist of bergamot and clementine, and rich in smokey woods. It’s just lovely.
For a more indepth look into making your own scented candles with the best nontoxic fragrance oils money can buy, delve into - How to Make Scented Candles.
You Will Need:
- A double boiler purely to melt the wax (or an old saucepan and an empty tin can)
- Candlewick
- Candlewick centering tool (or a long pencil)
- Candlewick holders and suitable adhesive
- Candle glasses or molds (They must be heat-proof)
- Stainless steel spoon
- Disposable covering like newspaper
Ingredients:
- 1lb (453 gms) of Candle wax pellets or flakes of your choice.
- 15 ml of NO. 124 - Frozen Lake Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
- 10 ml of NO. 126 - Tis the Season Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
- 5 ml of NO. 120 - Winter Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
Optional
- Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions on how much to use and when
- The wax colorant of your choice.
Safety:
- Wear protective gloves when handling hot wax
- Protect your surfaces
- Do not pour molten wax down your sink.
Method:
Preparing Your Space
- Cover your workspace with a disposable covering, newspaper is perfect.
- Have everything you need ready to hand, it helps to be more organized, as you have to work quickly.
Melting The Wax
- Set your double boiler to prewarm over low to medium heat.
- Once warm, add the wax pellets, it is better to go low and slow than rush this and risk scorching your wax.
- Give the wax a good stir to break up any clumps and expedite the process.
Prepping Your Candle Glasses
- As you wait for the wax to melt, you can busy yourself by securely anchoring the wicks into the bottom of the candle glass.
- Don't forget, that you need an appropriate heatproof adhesive. Do not use wax; as soon as you pour the molten wax into the glass, it will melt and the wick will lift up and float.
- Use a centering tool, or a long pencil to align the wick to the center of the candle glass.
- If it is not straight or properly aligned the candle will not burn evenly.
Adding The Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
- As soon as your wax has melted, remove it from the heat, and remove the top pan away from the hot water,and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
- Once cooled add your non-toxic fragrance oils and stir to combine thoroughly for at least a couple of minutes. It takes longer than you think to distribute the fragrance oil evenly through the molten wax.
Pouring The Candle
- Wear heat-proof gloves and carefully pour your wax into the candle glasses or molds, in a slow and steady stream.
- Do not overfill your candle glass, jar, or mold
- Also, if you are using a candle glass, try to avoid any slips and drips, as they can be hard to clean from the glass jar afterward.
- Set the candles aside for at least a couple of hours until they are set solid. If you have used a large mold, wait a while longer before demolding them.
Trim the Wick
- Make sure to trim the wick above the rim of the candle glass or jar; it can be trimmed to the correct size once fully set and cured within 24-36 hours.
Cleaning Up and Safe Disposal
- If you have any excess wax, don’t dispose of it yet. Wait to see how your candles are set, they may need a top-up.
- Be sure to dispose of any wax by pouring it into a disposable container. I often choose to use a muffin case. A small round of leftover wax is a really useful thing and can be used for many things, especially scented ones. Use leftovers for projects like wax melts and sachets.
- Whatever you do, do not pour down the drain; it will set in the pipes and block your drain.
How To Use:
- Place in a safe place on a heat or fireproof plate or mat
- Tick the wick to 1-1.5 cm and keep trimmed appropriately
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Never leave burning candles unattended
Winter Frost Room Spray With Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
Room sprays are a great way of using nontoxic fragrance oils and this is super easy to make.
Light and zesty with lemon, clementine, and fresh green cedar shoots, rich in spiced fruit and the earthy tones of the pine forest. Finished with an alluring layer of musk. Just breathtaking.
Now, don’t skip the preservative or the dispersant or you will be disappointed with the results. Read why in Crafting the Perfect Scent: Your Guide to Room Spray with Fragrance Oils
If you choose to use different fragrance oils, rather than those in the recipes, you MUST check the IFRA maximum dilution safety rates in Category 10B for those oils. As they may state to use less than the 1-5% Fragrance Oil guideline.
This Room Spray will make a standard 120 ml spray bottle.
You Will Need:
- Measuring jug
- Funnel
- Stainless steel spoon
- 120ml spray bottle
- Oil and waterproof label
Ingredients:
- 110 ml Distilled water (Aqua)
- 2.5 ml Polysorbate 20 (Sorbitan monolaurate)
- 1.2ml Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions
- 1 ml of NO. 120 - Winter Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
- 5 ml of NO. 1115 - Inspired by: Leaves by Bath & Body Works Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
Safety:
- This room spray is not designed for topical use on the skin.
Method:
- Measure out your distilled water in the measuring jug
- Add the dispersant - Polysorbate 20 and your preservative.
- Then add the nontoxic fragrance oils and mix thoroughly until combined.
- Check whether the fragrance oils have fully dispersed, if not, mix a little more polysorbate into the mix.
- Add the spray nozzle and cap tightly.
- List all of the ingredients on an oil and waterproof label and affix to the bottle.
- Add the instructions to ‘shake well’ and ‘not spray near the face and eyes’.
How To Use:
- This is ROOM spray, not body spray - if you want to make body spray please follow this tutorial instead.
- Shake well before using to make sure all the ingredients are well dispersed.
- Never spray towards the face or body - so check the position of the nozzle before you spray.
- Always patch-test your soft furnishing, especially your precious ones! You are spraying dispersed oils after all!
- Use room sprays with caution around your pets, their resting places, and where they sleep, even when using non-toxic fragrance oils, because they can be sensitive to aromas.
Non Toxic Fragrance Oils For The Body
I love making face and body products bursting with luscious fragrance and packed full of naturally nourishing ingredients. Try these gorgeous face and body products for yourself. I think you will love that they sing with glorious aromas and sophisticated scents and feel sublime on your skin.
Get your skin in tip-top condition with our bodacious body lotion and smooth the last of the holiday stress out of your face with our New Year, New You Face Serum.
Bodacious Body Lotion With Non Toxic Fragrance Oils
One of the great things about using non-toxic fragrance oils is that we don’t have to worry about using them on our bodies! We can use them with wild abandon and we do, in this intensely fragrant body lotion.
The lotion is rich but light enough to get dressed in a flash. I think you are going to love it.
Body lotions fall into IFRA Category 5A, if you use different fragrance oils be sure to check your safety data, please.
You Will Need:
- Measuring jug
- Stainless steel spoon
- Funnel
- 100ml bottle
- Oil and waterproof label
Ingredients:
- 50 ml of Aqueous Cream (Various ingredients)
- 25 ml of Rosewater (Rosa Damascena)
- 10 ml of Glycerine (Glycerol)
- 10 ml of Rosehip Carrier Oil (Rosa Canina)
- 4 ml of NO. 33 - Fresh Cut Roses Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
- 1 ml of NO. 3001 - Inspired by: Coco Chanel #5 by Chanel Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
Optional - Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions on how much to use and when
Safety:
- Always do a 24-48 hour patch test before first use.
Method:
- Mix your fragrance oils with the rosehip carrier oil and glycerine.
- Add this to the aqueous cream and mix for a couple of minutes to combine thoroughly.
- Then add the rosewater and mix well. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less rosewater, so adjust to your personal preference.
- Decant into a bottle using a funnel and label clearly listing all ingredients.
How To Use:
- Don’t forget your patch test, please.
- Apply evenly onto the body and rub in gently.
- Avoid intimate areas.
For full tutorials and some exciting variations for your favorite nontoxic fragrance oils, visit - How to Make Body Lotion With Essential Oils and NO. 49 - Lilac Blossom Fragrance Oil Of The Week.
New Year, New You Face Serum With Non-Toxic Fragrance Oils
Serums can be ridiculously expensive in the shops. A quick flip of the box and a peruse at the ingredients, always leave me wondering why. You do NOT need to pay top dollar to create an amazing face serum.
Serums, and your skin, do benefit from the actions of essential oils, so please do check out How to Make Face Serum with Essential Oils and Rosehip Oil Benefits: Sublime Serum, Cream Mask & Moisturizer Recipes, and maybe consider adding some?
For now, I have just focused on our glorious nontoxic fragrance oils and nutrient-packed carrier oils to create a Face Serum with which to stride into the new year.
Laced with the woody gourmand aromas of NO. 2201 - Inspired by Cheirosa 59 & Sol De Janeiro and its uplifting and delicious aroma. Velvety plum meets sugared violets and vanilla orchids. Amber and precious sandalwood dance with the earthy green notes of vetiver. For a warm, sweet, light, and uplifting face serum.
Face Serums fall into IFRA Category 5B, NO. 2201 has a maximum skin safety dilution rate of 1.94%. This means in 100ml of base oil you can only use 1.94ml of NO. 2201.
You Will Need:
- Small measuring jug
- Funnel
- Stainless steel spoon
- 20ml dropper bottle
- Oil and waterproof label
Ingredients:
- 8 ml of Jojoba Carrier Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
- 8 ml of Camellia Carrier Oil (Camellia japonica)
- 2 ml of Rosehip Carrier Oil (Rosa Canina)
- 1 ml of Castor Carrier Oil (Ricinus communis)
- 7 drops of NO. 2201 - Inspired by: Cheirosa 59 by Sol De Janeiro Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
Optional - 1% Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions on how much to use and when.
Safety:
- Always do a 24- 48 hour patch test before first use.
Method:
- Combine all of your carefully measured carrier oils in a small jug.
- Add the nontoxic fragrance oil and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Use a funnel and decant into a 20 ml rubber-topped dropper bottle.
- Use an oil and waterproof label to clearly list all ingredients for safety.
How To Use:
- Do a 24 - 48 patch test before using it, please.
- After moisturizing, warm a couple of drops in your palm and work into your face in upward circular motions.
- Less is more here.
- Remove any excess with a paper tissue, if you have to do this, you used too much!
The Final Word
Start your new year as you mean to go on and reduce your exposure to harmful toxins and chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and SLS. Make the move towards cruelty-free and non-toxic fragrance oils.
As you have seen, the VINEVIDA Soap and candle fragrance oils are extremely versatile and have so much potential and creative scope. Just one bottle of this nontoxic fragrance oil offers you the ability to design, create, and produce many exciting products. All while protecting yourself and the planet.
Use VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oils to scent your home from top to bottom and for sublime head-to-toe beauty, the possibilities are endless. The only limits are your imagination, (and the IFRA maximum skin safety dilution rates)!
If you have not tried using non-toxic fragrance oils yet, have a go at these easy projects and delve into the world of amazing scents and first-class fragrances. Try blending them to create new and unique blends and why not have a go at creating your own bespoke signature scent? It’s easier than you think.
However, if you use nontoxic fragrance oils, have fun with them and let them infuse your life with joy and fragrant harmony. Take peace of mind knowing that when you choose VINEVIDA they are safe fragrance oils for you, your family, and your home. Make the shift to non-toxic fragrance oils today and start the year as you mean to go on!
