My “100% natural” dilemma


I’ve been tossing around the idea of making body sprays using water. I made one up with water, glycerin and Forest nights essential oil blend. I’ve really been loving how fresh and light it feels. The only problem is that being water based, I wouldn’t feel comfortable using it or selling it without a preservative. Because I work in a hospital, I’m constantly reminded of how dangerous bacteria and mold can be. And because my job (Respiratory therapist) calls for using water as a therapeutic agent in inhalation therapy, I’m probably more aware than the average person of how water is a breeding ground for bacteria. So far, my 100% natural line has consisted of oil based products that don’t require a preservative.
I’ve been doing some research on preservatives and have found one that is paraben free and approved for use in water based sprays and lotions. My dilemma is that as much as I want completely 100% natural body products, I really don’t want to be spraying bacteria and mold into the air or onto my skin! So, yes, using a preservative will make my sprays only 99.9% natural instead of 100% but it will also keep it safe. E coli is also natural, but I don’t think anybody would want to spray it on their body or pillowcase.
So, I’m still not sure if I will be selling a body spray in the future, but if I do, I am certain that it will have to have a preservative in it and it will only be 99.9% natural.

In my quest for using more natural products, I happened upon a recipe for a shower spray. We have extremely hard water with lots of iron so finding a shower spray that actually works can be a challenge. In case anyone is interested - I tweaked the original recipe and this is what I came up with:

Take a spray bottle and fill it with 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water. Add 2 teaspoons of a rinse agent (like Jet Dry) and about 5 drops Dawn dishwashing detergent.

That's it. I've been using this for about a year now and it works just as well as the store bought sprays. It may not be completely natural but at least I know what's in it. And IT'S A LOT CHEAPER!

Hurray for vinegar!

Seasonal Scents - yummy!

I've been busy working on Autumn and Christmas soy melts.
I've tested these and they are STRONG!
Right now I've got a block (about 1/2 oz.) of Apples n Oak
in the tart warmer and my whole house smells awesome.
Ok, these are the new scents:
Hayride
Apples n Oak
Hot Cocoa
Pecan Pie
Strawberry Jam
Cappuccino Brulee
Winter Wonderland
Mistletoe
Spiced Eggnog
Spiced Cranberry
Candy Cane

For descriptions visit my website at: www.upnorthscents.com

I am also offering tart warmers like the one I use. They really throw a nice scent!
And, I have gift baskets on the website too. Check them out!
It's been challenging to learn how to shrink wrap. lol.

My Tea tree and Oatmeal soap adventure

I've created a new soap. It was inspired by a friend who was wondering about Tea tree soap. It's not for sale but I've been using it. I'm pretty impressed with the scent since I can't stand the scent of tea tree oil. I added rosemary, cedarwood and lemon essential oils to it and it actually smells good! For tea tree soap anyway. I also put in lots of oatmeal and it is a really nice bar of soap. Maybe I'll add it to my line someday. One thing I learned making it, adding lye to witch hazel produces A LOT of heat very quickly! I think I was supposed to use chilled witch hazel. I'm learning to hold my breath for long periods of time. lol.