Up North Scents

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.