Orange Essential Oil

About the Benefits of Orange Essential Oil in Soaps

Orange essential oil is an ingredient commonly found in natural soap products to provide distinctive qualities and aroma to an everyday cleaning agent.
Essential oils can be pleasant, but also toxic when used at certain concentrations; however, consumer products typically dilute the strength of the oil and test it for safety before marketing it. Many advertisers may claim certain advantages, though you should be aware of the facts before purchasing or using any soaps made with orange essential oil.

The Facts

All essential oils are highly concentrated from their sources, so you receive every drop of benefit the original source has to offer. Orange essential oil is carefully distilled from the orange part of the peel using fine oils as the carrier. When orange essential oil is combined with natural soap ingredients, you have access to a cleaning product offering a pleasant scent.

Types

There are several types of orange essential oil, including bitter orange and blood orange oils. In general, orange essential oil is typically made from sweet oranges (sometimes called Seville oranges). Unless otherwise marked, you can expect you are getting sweet orange essential oil in your soap. Sweet orange oil is frequently mixed with other herbs or spices to enhance its aroma and effect.

Benefits

The scent of orange essential oil has a calming, anti-depressive effect. The aroma was found to produce effects similar to lavender oil, in a 2005 study published in Physiology & Behavior, which measured the stress levels of patients waiting to see their dentists.

Products

Sweet orange oil is added to numerous products because of its citrus scent and flavor. The oil often adds scent to cosmetics, skin care products and perfumes. If you ever wonder where the flavoring comes from for orange soda, orange-flavored food and orange liqueur, sweet orange essential oil is often used.

Aside from its scent, orange is also added to skin care products for its benefits to the skin. Unlike many oils, orange is beneficial for every type of skin. For a facial steam, add two drops of sweet orange oil to 2 qt. boiling water in a bowl or the sink. Hold a towel over your head to direct the steam to your face. Hold your face with eyes closed over the steam for around five to 10 minutes. Sweet orange combines well with lavender, rosewood and frankincense, so you could use a combination instead of just orange.

Sweet orange oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is useful as a household cleaner. Add 50 to 100 drops to 10 oz. water to make a cleaning spray. Sweet orange oil also promotes a healthy immune system and helps ease symptoms of a cold or the flu, just as consuming the fruit does. Orange oil is stimulating and can help you feel energized and uplift a stressed or depressed mood. Add four drops of orange oil to a small amount of a carrier oil and add it to your bath.

Soaps with Orange Essential Oils

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