Using Food-Grade Fragrance/Flavor in Soap

Regarding your question about using food-grade fragrance oil in liquid hand soap or body wash, it's important to understand the distinction between fragrance oils designed for cosmetics and those intended for food (flavor oils).

While some ingredients might be used in both food and cosmetic applications, products specifically labeled as "food grade" are primarily formulated and tested for safety when ingested. Cosmetic fragrance oils, on the other hand, are developed and tested for stability and safety when applied to the skin and incorporated into cosmetic bases, which have specific characteristics like pH levels.

Using a food-grade fragrance or flavor oil in a soap formulation might lead to several issues, such as:

• Instability: The scent may degrade or change over time due to the pH or other components in the soap base.
• Solubility/Dispersibility: The oil might not properly dissolve or disperse in the liquid soap, leading to separation or uneven scent distribution.
• Skin Irritation: Even if safe for ingestion, the concentration or specific components might not be suitable for direct, prolonged skin contact in a wash-off product.

As the staff reply mentioned, if you are considering using a product like Flavor Oil in cosmetics, it is crucial to check with the manufacturer of that specific product. They can provide guidance on its suitability for cosmetic applications, recommended usage rates, and compatibility with different types of formulations, especially concerning pH.

For making liquid hand soap or body wash, it is generally recommended to use fragrance oils specifically designed and tested for cosmetic use. These are formulated to be stable and safe in soap and other wash-off products.

MySkinRecipes offers a range of fragrance oils suitable for cosmetic applications.