Body Oil Formulation Advice

Regarding your plan to make a body oil for use after showering, here is some advice based on your proposed formulas:

1. Inclusion of Oil Soap

As correctly advised, the ingredient referred to as "Oil Soap" (MIPA-Laureth Sulfate) is a surfactant designed for rinse-off cleansing products like shower oils or oil-based soaps. It is not suitable for a leave-on body oil formulation. Including it would not contribute to skin absorption or moisture in the way a body oil does; instead, it is intended to create lather and cleanse when mixed with water and rinsed off. Therefore, you should not include Oil Soap in your body oil formula.

2. Critique of the Formula (without Oil Soap)

Your second formula, consisting of Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, and Essential Oil, is appropriate for a body oil. However, there are a few points to consider:

• Percentages: The percentages in your proposed formula (Olive Oil 50%, Avocado Oil 30%, Apricot Oil 29%, Essential Oil 1%) add up to 110%. You will need to adjust these percentages so that the total equals 100%.
• Carrier Oil Blend: The combination of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Avocado Oil at high percentages (50% and 30% respectively, or adjusted proportions) will create a very rich and moisturizing oil blend. These oils are known for their emollient properties, which are excellent for skin hydration. Apricot Kernel Oil is generally lighter and absorbs more easily, helping to balance the heavier oils. However, the overall feel of this blend will likely be quite substantial and may take some time to absorb, potentially feeling a bit heavy or oily on the skin depending on individual preference and skin type.
• Essential Oil for Scent: You mentioned that Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a strong scent and you want 1% Essential Oil to provide lasting fragrance and mask the olive oil smell. While 1% is a standard and safe usage rate for many essential oils in body products, whether it is sufficient to mask the strong aroma of 50% Extra Virgin Olive Oil depends heavily on the specific Essential Oil you choose. Some essential oils have stronger scents than others. If masking the olive oil scent is a primary goal, you might consider using a refined Olive Oil (which has less scent) or selecting a particularly potent Essential Oil. You could also experiment with slightly higher essential oil concentrations (up to the maximum recommended safe limit for the specific oil) or incorporate a fragrance oil designed for stronger scent throw, though essential oils offer therapeutic benefits in addition to scent.
• Preservative: You noted that the formula does not contain a preservative. Pure oil blends (anhydrous) generally do not require preservatives because bacteria need water to grow. However, to prevent the oils from going rancid over time, especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil which can be prone to oxidation, adding an antioxidant like Vitamin E (Tocopherol) at a rate of 0.5-1% is highly recommended. This helps extend the shelf life of the oils.

In summary, for a post-shower body oil, proceed with a formula based on your carrier oils and essential oil, ensuring the percentages total 100%. Be mindful that the blend will be very rich. Consider adding an antioxidant and evaluate if 1% of your chosen essential oil is sufficient to achieve your desired fragrance intensity and mask the olive oil scent.