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A diffuser is an easy way to distribute essential oils into the air and spread the delightful therapeutic smell of essential oils throughout your home or workplace. Using diffusers is one of the simplest and most effective methods to get the advantages of aromatherapy. Essential oils are intended to be sniffed and enjoyed, and diffusers aid in dispersing the fragrance molecules that comprise essential oils. More than any other sense, our sense of smell can change our mood and researchers have shown that the scents of essential oils stimulate our brain. Breathing in molecules of essential oil activates the amygdala which is the area of the brain responsible for managing our emotions and memories. This explains why certain aromas can create a high sense of wellness, physical well-being, and psychological health. Different types of diffusers work in different ways, but the basic process is the same. The diffuser breaks down the essential oil into tiny particles, which are then dispersed into the air. Active Diffusers use a stimulus like electricity, ultrasonic vibrations, or airflow to diffuse essential oils. They can fill large spaces with the aroma of your favourite oils in a short period of time. There are three main classifications of active diffuser. Nebulizing diffusers are believed to be the best form of oil diffuser. They emit a highly concentrated fragrance by atomising the essential oil into fine particles. Pressurized air disperses the resulting micro-mist of oils into the environment. Unlike the other types of diffusers, nebulizers don’t use heat or water, so the essential oils remain pure and powerful. Nebulizing diffusers are easy to use, and their effects are long-lasting. With some models, you drop the essential oils directly into the glass tub and refill, as needed. Others are made so that you can attach the bottle directly to the diffuser and it will refill itself. Either way, the tiny particles of oil will remain suspended in the air for hours. So even just 15 to 30 minutes of nebulizing will provide hours of benefit. Ultrasonic (humidifying) essential oil diffusers create a cold mist, which is very suitable for therapeutic uses. They have water tanks that you fill up and then add the essential oils into. The unit has an internal vibrating disc, which facilitates the spread of essential oil microparticles into the air. The oil is not exposed to heat, which can alter its structure, and this helps to keep the therapeutic properties of the essential oil intact. Another upside is that, because ultrasonic diffusers also mist water particles into the air, they are helpful in winter and also in dry environments, where you might want to use a humidifier. The (slight) downside is that the water dilutes the essential oil, but you can compensate for this by running the diffuser for longer. Heat diffusers involve adding a bit of water and a few drops of essential oil into a small ceramic bowl and either lighting a candle underneath it or turning on the switch if it is electronic. Once it’s warmed, the oil’s aroma will release into the air. These diffusers are inexpensive, they are silent in use, unlike electronic diffusers, and they can quickly disperse the oil’s scent through a small room. However, heat diffusing causes the essential oil to evaporate quickly, and it is also quite easy to burn the oil. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, even slight heat can chemically alter essential oils and you may not be able to maximize the aromatherapy potential of these oils. Passive (evaporative) oil diffusers use only the air around us to disperse the essential oils and are a great option for people (and pets) that find the intense aroma output of active diffusers irritating and overpowering. This kind of diffuser consists of natural materials that absorb the essential oils and distribute the aroma into the space over time. They emit a subtle aroma of essential oils, and it is important to keep in mind that passive diffusion will usually not provide a noticeable scent in a large open room. Passive diffusers are perfect for smaller spaces like a desk, small bathroom or bedside table and a great option for those with aroma sensitivities or for people who prefer less intense diffusion. The absence of any stimulus to diffuse the essential oils means that passive diffusers can be safer to use. They provide continuous diffusion all day long without the need for electricity, water, or heat to disperse the oils. As with all diffusers, these must be kept out or reach of children and pets. An essential oil diffuser can convert your house into a haven. Adding a diffuser to a room can instantly create a peaceful atmosphere and uplift with a beautiful aroma. There’s nothing better than walking into a room that’s been fragranced with a beautifully calming scent. Diffusers are also great for unwinding and relieving stuffy air, making winter the perfect time to use them.

You may have heard of the benefits of essential oils for yourself, but did you know that they can be used on horses, too? Essential oils may benefit horses in many ways, from aromatherapy to natural topical remedies. Please note that this article does not provide equine medical advice. Consult your vet before using any new product with your horse, especially if you have concerns. Are Essential Oils Safe for Horses? The first question that horse owners often have about essential oils is whether they’re safe for their horse or not. And the answer is: many essential oils are safe when used in the right way. Essential oils are very concentrated and need to be diluted before coming in contact with your horse’s skin. Even so, there are still some horses that are sensitive to certain oils, so pay attention to how your horse reacts to each new essential oil that you plan on using. Essential oils can be a great addition to your horse’s routine. You can use them via inhalation - where your horse actively smells the oils, either under their nose or, you can get a diffuser and use it around your horse’s stall, just the way you would use one at home. While you don’t want to apply any of them directly to your horse’s skin, you can also use essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, or in an Epsom salt rinse. If you’ve read my earlier blog, A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils, you’ll already know that essential oils dissolve better when mixed with Epsom salt and that the salts have added benefits for skin and muscles too. Note: Smelleez Equine Bucket Bombs contain essential oils along with coconut oil and are made with a high percentage of Epsom salts. Essential oils are not meant to be consumed by horses and should never be added to a horse’s food or water. They should only be used as a topical remedy or as aromatherapy. Additionally, some essential oils may cause an allergic reaction and some can even be toxic if ingested. The list of essential oils that are used for horses is quite extensive and growing. The most common include lavender, tea tree and peppermint. Lavender oil has long been used as a calming agent. A study published in 2017 appears to support the effectiveness of reducing a horse’s stress response when lavender oil was applied 20 minutes prior to a stressful situation. This data appears to agree with earlier studies in horses and studies in other species of a reduced stress response when lavender oil was used as aromatherapy. Because lavender oil has been shown to be effective, it is one of the most used essential oils. As well as helping with anxiety it can aid healing and is also used as an insect repellent. However, you should exercise caution if you compete with your horses because lavender oil is banned by some riding organizations. Thus, if you show or compete with your horses, it is always wise to check with your association for their banned substance list before using any essential oil, like lavender oil. Tea Tree oil is widely regarded as a natural antiseptic, that can help treat wounds, insect bites or other skin irritation due to its antimicrobial properties. It is especially useful as an insect repellent and has been used to reduce inflammation and itch on the skin. There is growing evidence in the use of essential oils as antimicrobials. With an increase in antimicrobial resistance to many antibiotics and other medicines, any alternative therapy, like essential oils, would be most welcome. Essential oils can be an effective treatment for inflamed skin due to insect bites, and many essential oils have been reported to be excellent natural insect repellents. A study conducted in Australia in 2020 found that topically applying a herbal spray which contained a mixture of essential oils including lemongrass and peppermint was effective in reducing the severity of insect bite hypersensitivity, or what is also called sweet itch. Peppermint oil has been used to alleviate difficulty with breathing, it improves circulation and has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Eucalyptus oil opens respiratory tract to relieve breathing difficulties. It can also be a useful insect repellent. Carrot Seed oil may help irritated skin, alleviate joint pain or discomfort and strengthen hooves. Sweet Orange is thought to soothe inflammation, reduce pain and swelling, and prevent dryness. It may also help relieve stress and reduce anxiety. It’s a natural insect repellent and deodoriser. Palmarosa oil also works as works as an insect repellent. It purports to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties which can be used to treat fungal and bacterial skin conditions. This oil is said to work well for horse skin fungus and dermatitis. Wintergreen essential oil has a history of use as a pain reliever and is believed to increase the speed of healing for skin disorders. Tips for using essential oils on horses. Make sure to choose high-quality and eco-friendly brands. Always be sure to follow manufacturer’s recommendations. This is especially true when it comes to diluting any essential oil. Always introduce the oil to the horse before using it. You can bring the oil near your horse’s nose and see how he reacts to the smell. If his ears are pricked forward and he tries to smell more with a calm face, you can use the oil. If he is turning his face and trying to avoid it, don’t force him. Use the oils in a well-ventilated area to avoid stressing the horse with an excessive smell. Never apply any essential oil to the skin of the horse until it is diluted. It is often recommended to apply a small amount to the skin of a horse when first using it to check for any allergic reactions. More is never better. Keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated. They can be up to 70% stronger than the plant itself. Do not add a few more drops just to “make sure”. Your horse’s senses are more delicate than those of humans, and horse skin is proven to be more sensitive. Small amounts will be enough to do the work. Do not feed the oil to the horse. Do not use essential oils before a show. Some oils (lavender, for example) can be considered as drugs and are banned from by some organisations. If ever in doubt on using any essential oil, always check with your vet for advice.

We hear about them all the time: their delicious scents, their health benefits and the host of wonderful products which can be made from them. But what are essential oils, exactly? Ancient Egyptians used aromatic oils in cosmetics and ointments as early as 4500 B.C., whereas traditional Chinese and Indian medicine relied on aromatic oils for healing between 3000 and 2000 B.C. Similarly, aromatherapy, or the practice of using aromatic materials, including essential oils, for physiological and physical wellness, has been used thousands of years across many different cultures to treat physical and mental ailments and their use is also scattered throughout international medical history. They’re nothing like the oils you use to cook with, such as vegetable and olive oils. Essential oils are concentrated extracts of various plants. They are organic compounds which are derived from seeds, bark, roots, flowers, and other plant sources. So, although we call them ‘oils’, they’re actually complex chemical compounds that give the plant its unique fragrance and can be used to promote wellness benefits. Interestingly, the plants which produce these naturally occurring essential oils use them themselves for infection control and for attracting or repelling animals, birds and insects. Essential oils are made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture the compounds. They can then be inhaled, added to a carrier oil for direct application on the skin, consumed orally or used in household products to clean and sanitize. The process of extraction varies from case to case, but there are three main methods for getting essential oils from plants. Steam distillation is the most common method for extracting essential oils. It involves passing steam over the materials in a still. This steam is then passed into a condenser which generates a liquid which is made up of both oil and water. Once this liquid is cooled, the oil part will naturally settle on the top for collection. Expression is most commonly used for extracting essential oils from citrus fruits. The method basically involves compressing the peel and squeezing the essential oil from it. The peel is grated or scraped for collection and, because this cold-pressing technique isn’t a heat-based extraction method, the resulting expressed oil smells just like the delicious scent released when an orange or lemon is zested. The final method is Solvent extraction and is a little more complicated. It is reserved for the more delicate flowers such as roses, jasmine and neroli. Petals are collected and soaked in a chemical solvent which works to dissolve the natural aroma from the fibres of the plant. The sticky mass that this produces is called a ‘concrete’ which is then processed to get rid of waxes and fats and what’s left over is called the ‘absolute’. (Note – essential oils that have been created through chemical processes are not classed as being true essential oils) Essential oils have a direct effect on the limbic system, a small part of the brain that deals with memories and emotions. Once the essential oil that gives the plant its unique fragrance is captured, It can then be inhaled, added to a carrier oil for direct application on the skin, or used in household products to clean and sanitize. If you are looking to use an oil for diffusion, massage, skincare, haircare or any other aromatherapeutic benefit, then you should always use an essential oil. We have all experienced the power of the limbic system many times, even though we will not necessarily have been consciously aware of it at the time. For example, at some point in our lives most of us have encountered a fragrance that triggered a powerful memory and the response to this type of stimulus is lightning fast; you don’t have time to stop and contemplate what the aroma reminds you of because you are catapulted back in time in a nanosecond and will often feel a powerful emotional response too. When this happens, you have just experienced the awesome power of the limbic system, which mediates and controls all aspects of emotions, memories, and more. This response proves that your brain can link aromas to memories, that in some cases may last a lifetime and demonstrates how essential oils can affect your emotions. Inhaling essential oils for aromatherapy is thought to be able to influence emotions and memories due to the direct connection that the olfactory system has to the limbic system. When you sniff an essential oil, odiferous molecules enter the nose and travel to the top of the nasal cavity where 50 million smell receptors called ‘cilia’ occupy an area about 2 square centimetres above each nostril. When an odour molecule penetrates these receptors it sends a signal to the olfactory bulb which is a major structure within the limbic system, and where the olfactory impressions are first processed. From there, odour impulses are sent to the olfactory cortex in the temporal lobe and the limbic system. Precautions for using essential oils The potency of essential oils mean that you use them with care. They are not recommended for children younger than twelve and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure to consider pets in the environment as some essential oils can be dangerous for pets. Talk to a doctor before using essential oils if you take any medications or have any health concerns, including high blood pressure, low immunity, or epilepsy. Do not take essential oils internally. Only the 100% pure essential oils will bring the benefits you are looking for. Oils that are not pure may well be made up from several different species of the same plant or herb, which can diminish its potency and effectiveness. Your biggest clue will probably be the price. If an oil that claims to be ‘pure’ is remarkably cheap compared to others on the market, then you can be pretty sure that it is not 100% pure. Often, the fragrance and flavouring industry will redistill oils and add sweeteners and other additives, and while this makes them cheaper it also makes them not as effective. It’s extremely important to remember that you shouldn’t put essential oils directly on your skin, as they may be too strong for your skin and cause some sort of reaction. Dilute the essential oil by mixing with a carrier oil massaging onto skin. Carrier oils are typically cold-pressed oils and do not evaporate like essential oils do, but they can go rancid where essential oils will not. Your choice of carrier oil will depend a bit on preference of smell, texture, and sensitivities to avoid allergic reactions. Popular choices for carrier oils are fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil or grape seed oil. Alternatively, adding essential oil to your bath is an amazing way to take a relaxing time-out. For best results mix a few drops of essential oil with simple Epsom salts before adding into the bath water. If you just drop the essential oil straight into the water it doesn’t dissolve as well as when mixed with the salts. Not only does Epsom salt dissolve beautifully but also has added benefits for skin and muscles. Put a few drops of essential oils into a diffuser to circulate the oil into your room. Electronic diffusers are designed to disperse a super fine mist of essential oils and will gently fill the air with the aroma and healing benefits of the essential oil of your choice within minutes. Essential oils are described as “volatile” which means that they easily evaporate at normal temperatures and break down molecularly when exposed to heat. Therefore, using a candle-burning to diffuser is not recommended. Also remember that essential oils are flammable, making the electronic diffusing method safer and more versatile to use. When you’re dispensing essential oils in the air, consider pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and pets.

If you think nettle is just a weed, think again! This amazing plant might be stingy, but it comes with a powerhouse of skin benefits having been an important ingredient in herbal medicine for centuries, dating back as far as Ancient Greece. Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact. It’s a member of the mint family and grows best in nitrogen-rich soil and blooms from June to September. Stems are upright and rigid and reach a height of 0.6 to 2m tall. Leaves are heart shaped, finely toothed, and tapered at the ends, and the flowers are yellow or pink. The entire plant is covered with tiny stiff hairs, mostly on the underside of the leaves and stem. These hairs act like needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals when touched by humans or animals, creating a stinging sensation. When nettles come into contact with a painful area of the body, they can actually decrease the original pain. Scientists think nettle does this by reducing levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body, and by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals. Nettle has extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties, it is renowned for its natural ability to calm irritation and can be exceptionally helpful in easing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Its rich histamine content along with; chlorophyll, oxyacetylene and iron make it a wonderful remedy for easing itchy skin. Studies have shown nettle is effective against bacterial infections. Since it kills off fungi and bacteria, nettle is truly effective against microorganisms that may lead to inflammation and acne. It fights infections, such as pimples, eradicating and preventing them from recurring. Boasting a high concentration of polyphenols, nettle acts as a powerful antioxidant ensuring an optimal amount of free radicals when used in skincare. Besides a firming effect, it also keeps fine lines at bay working as a great anti-aging agent. A great source of vitamins A, C, D and B complex, nettle boosts skin radiance, giving complexions a fresh glow. Oily skin highly benefits from the astringent property of nettle which gently shrinks and tightens the top layer of skin. This fantastic property of nettle will also aid healing of minor skin injuries like scrapes and annoying razor nicks. Nettle is a natural and safe way to stop hair loss and make hair glossy and healthy. Shampoo bars made with nettle have many benefits for your hair and scalp. The most noticeable benefit is the reduction of a dry, itchy scalp as well as dandruff. Nettle leaves are rich in silica and sulphur which which, apart from encouraging hair growth, works to improve hair health by strengthening the hair shaft, making hair shinier and healthier and reducing split ends. Nettle leaves are also rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, so the hair follicles get a great boost. Nettle enhances blood supply to the scalp, aiding in circulation and increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients received by the scalp and hair follicles so hair roots get a better supply of nutrients and oxygen and, as a result, hair can grow stronger and longer. But nettle isn’t just good for treating your dry scalp; it’s one of the oldest recorded remedies used for treating and preventing hair loss. Nettle leaf is known to inhibit the formation of DHT – the androgen hormone that causes male and female baldness.

Having discovered lots of people admitted to putting bars of my soap in their drawers, to keep them smelling sweet, I decided to create something especially for that purpose and incorporate the benefits of essential oils too. Aromatherapy sachets are portable diffusers which can be placed almost anywhere and provide a beautiful fragrance with no need for flame, heat or liquid. Using only the highest quality ingredients combined with highly concentrated essential oil blends means that they can provide aromatherapy benefits too. The sachet base is 100% natural and biodegradable. It consists of a highly absorbent natural mineral and plant mixture that holds a high concentration of essential oil which will gently diffuse over time. No plastic, no synthetic chemicals and no waste. The packet, made from sustainable eucalyptus paper, is eco-friendly too. Traditional paper is made from wood pulp which involves felling trees. Global paper consumption has quadrupled in the last 50 years and is now at an unsustainable level. When a tree is cut down it takes 20 – 35 years to grow another one. Around 80,000 – 160,00 trees are cut down around the world every day and the WWF states that wood pulp for paper accounts for 13-15% of total wood consumption and uses 33-40% of all industrial wood traded globally. Harvesting eucalyptus wood is more sustainable than traditional wood because it grows back after being chopped down. Eucalyptus grows quicker and uses less water than other trees traditionally used in paper production. Of course, Smelleez aromatherapy sachets are not just for drawers, there’s loads of other places that you can use them such as; 👗 Hang one in your wardrobe or closet 🧺 Pop one into your linen cupboard 👟 Keep one with your shoes 🛏️ Place one under your pillow 🚗 Stash one under the seat of your car 🎒Throw one into your gym bag 💼 Pack one in your suit case 🗑️ Hide one under the bin liner or in the under the sink cupboard You can increase the fragrance emitted by giving the sachet a shake or placing it in the sun for a little while as heat makes the sachet diffuse fragrance faster. Don’t open the sachet as this could result in a bit of a mess and the essential oils could cause discolouration or damage to some surfaces.

Dog paws act both as shock absorbers and brakes. They help protect the bones and joints in and around the foot, while also aiding stability when on slippery surfaces or steep slopes. Even though paw pads are made up of a thick layer of fatty tissue, they can still be susceptible to injury, cracking, and discomfort. It is easy to think that dogs' paws are very tough and with little feeling. However, they're actually quite sensitive. Cold weather, snow, ice and de-icer as well as hot pavements can all damage your dog’s paw pads. Walking on rough terrain can wear pads down causing cracks, abrasions and cuts. Although the occasional nibble of the paw is no reason for concern, any above average chewing or licking of the paws could be an indication that something is wrong. Paw balm is a great tool for general paw care as it can help protect your dog’s paw pads and has many benefits including; · Moisturising paw pads · Protecting paws form the elements, chemicals, ice, concrete & other rough surfaces · Treating minor blisters, cracks, cuts & allergic irritation on paws · Alleviating discomfort from dog paw hyperkeratosis ( also known as ‘hairy paw’) which is a health condition that causes paw pads (and noses) to thicken and crack. Ultimately the best approach to looking after your dog's paws is to take the time to check each paw frequently and thoroughly. Don’t just rely on being able to notice any irregularities with your dog's behaviour. Smellez 4 Pawz Paw Balms are cruelty-free, vegan friendly formulations which are packed with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties designed to soothe paws and other problem areas such as cracked/rough elbow skin. They are great at hydrating and moisturising due to all-natural ingredients such as; Coconut oil which is packed full of vitamins and minerals that are very beneficial for skin health. It is a natural anti-fungal, antibiotic, and antiseptic oil which can help protect wounds from infection. It can help protect paws from getting sore and irritated as it not only moisturizes but can act as a protective balm creating a barrier between your dog’s paws, and any irritants. Shea butter soothes, softens, and hydrates. It contains a unique substance known as cinnamic acid, which has natural antibacterial properties which can help ward off infection and speed up wound healing. Shea butter also contains naturally occurring vitamins A and E. The former is known to speed up the recovery and regeneration of the skin and the latter can help soothe irritation and speed recovery. Essential fatty acids keep the skin healthy, elastic, and better prepared to heal itself should the need arise. Olive wax is obtained from Olive Oil and has all of the same benefits of the natural essential fatty acids contained in olive oil. It acts as a protective barrier to the skin, softens, soothes and helps combat moisture loss, enhancing suppleness as well as helping the absorption of other ingredients. Nose & Toes is unscented which also makes it ideal for applying to sensitive, dry and crusty noses. It contains Sweet Almond oil which, as well as being full of vitamin E and vitamin A and fatty acids, also contains minerals which help reduce irritation, along with zinc which can help smooth rough and calloused skin. This makes it perfect for smoothing, softening, and locking in moisture for dry toes, nose, ears and anywhere else that's looking a little dry or flaky. Just 4 Pawz has been designed to help speed recovery of minor cuts and prevent infection as well as helping to calm allergies and sensitivity using all-natural ingredients including; Neem oil can help reduce itchiness associated with allergies, treat skin infections, fight fungal infections and soothe inflammation. It's thought to boost collagen production too. Carrot Seed oil is great for dry, sensitive skin which is prone to infection. It can rejuvenate and stimulate and improve elasticity of tissues. Palmarosa essential oil is rich in nutrients and penetrates deeply to nourish and lock in moisture. Lavender essential oil is probably the No 1 essential oil when it comes to healing skin conditions and cuts. With its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial and detoxifying benefits, it soothes and calms and helps heal minor cuts and scrapes. (* Please don't use this balm on noses as it contains essential oils which could be overpowering to your dog's very sensitive sense of smell.) A balm will help keep your dog's paws in optimum condition and can be applied as often as necessary, especially before your dog goes outside in harsh weather or on rough terrain and/or after they come back inside. Of course, if your dog hates having their feet touched, you might want to start giving regular foot massages to get them used to you touching their feet and this will hopefully mean that the next time you need to apply a paw balm there isn't a fuss! Always seek veterinary advice and care if you are concerned or irritation continues.

If you're planning to make the switch to a solid shampoo bar, it's important to know that not all shampoo bars are the same (but I'll save you some time and just tell you that it's the soap-free bar that you want!) Each person’s hair is different, texture and thickness can vary dramatically and one bar won’t fit all which is why it took me such a long time to develop a range of shampoo bars! I thought sharing some of what I've learned along the way might help if you're thinking about making the switch to a solid shampoo bar. It's all about the pH! Our scalp is an acidic environment with a pH level between 4.5 - 5.5 and needs a pH-balanced product to maintain optimum pH levels. Soap-free shampoo bars are pH balanced and have pH levels between 4 – 6 (ideal for hair & scalp), while soap-based bars have a naturally high pH of 9-10. Hair strands are made up of many different layers. The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair, that shields and protects the inner part of the strand from damage, but it wears away over time due to UV (sun), chemical (hair dye/products), heat (straightening/curling) and mechanical (brushing) damage, and once it’s gone, it cannot be repaired. The appearance and strength of our hair are determined by the condition of the cuticle, so we really want to take care of it! To maintain healthy hair and scalp we need our hair cuticles to lie flat. High pH product like soap, can leave the cuticles open which results in friction, tangling, and even damage over time as they rub against each other. Open cuticles also reduce shine and make the hair appear dull. Soap-free (pH balanced) bars have scalp-friendly pH which helps cuticles to lie flat resulting in healthy-looking and shiny hair. Beware of soap masquerading as shampoo - soap-based shampoo bars are technically soap! They tend to contain more nourishing oils and plant butters than hand & body soaps, but if you consider their chemistry, these bars are soap. Soap is made by the saponification process, when lye solution (sodium hydroxide + water) interacts with fatty acids such as oils and butters (or even lard!) and results in soap. So why is it so bad for your hair? Soap has a high pH which makes it alkaline and using an alkaline product on our acidic hair will change the chemistry of the hair and cause damage. Using soap to wash your hair will strip fatty acids from the hair cuticle, even removing the cuticle in some instances, and allowing water to enter the hair shaft which then causes friction, matting, tangles, and static, fly-away hair. It can also leave a residue that builds up on your hair, making it feel lank and matted. The typical advice if this happens is to use a cider apple vinegar rinse to make the hair look and feel better. The theory appears to be that the vinegar will return your hair to an acidic pH after using the alkaline soap and, although it might remove the waxy or soapy residue from the hair, it can’t replace the lost fatty acids or repair the damaged cuticle. Nothing in the chemical structure of vinegar that will help it bind to your hair, so it will just simply wash off. (Hope the smell does too!) Soap-free shampoo bars don't undergo a saponification process, therefore are truly soap-free. They are made using surfactants, conditioners, and hair-loving ingredients, such as nourishing oils, clays and botanicals. Surfactants are substances that help oil and water mix by binding with the oily, dirty stuff in your hair when you lather, and then bind with water when you rinse, washing away all the grime and leaving you with fresh, clean hair. This is how a liquid shampoo works and how I have chosen to make my solid shampoo bars. I know that word ‘surfactant’ can make some cringe, but not all surfactants are made equal. SLS (Sodium lauryl sulphate) although commonly found in commercial shampoos strips oil from the hair and is best to be avoided. If you would like to go completely sulphate-free, then you should also avoid: SLES (sodium laureth sulphate) and SCS (Sodium coco sulphate). I avoided all of these ingredients in my shampoo bars and chose instead the milder, coconut - derived Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate which is a biodegradable and a sustainable option. It creates a rich lather to gently lift away dirt and grime. It's sometimes referred to as 'baby foam' which makes it a great option for sensitive scalps too. Of course, there will be people who can quite happily use soap as shampoo, particularly those with fine hair which has fewer layers of cuticle, or short hair that is cut frequently. But for anyone who has never tried a solid shampoo, or perhaps had a miserable experience with a shampoo bar previously I hope this read has been helpful and that you might consider giving a soap-free shampoo bar a go.

If your idea of the perfect gift includes being kind to the environment, then you're in the right place. Of course everyone wants to find a perfect gift for Dad or Gran or even the beloved family dog but they don't want to contribute to all the unnecessary waste that occurs during the most wonderful time of the year. There’s been a definite emphasis on shopping small this year and also an awareness of environmental factors when buying gifts for others. People are less keen to purchase something that the recipient will use once, then throw away. Smelleez Christmas gifts are 100% zero waste - not one single piece of material from your purchase will have to go to landfill, and can instead be reused, recycled, repurposed or composted. Smelleez soaps are kind to both skin and the planet and a vegan friendly vegetable glycerin soap bar wrapped in compostable paper is the perfect size to fit into a Christmas stocking. Although we don't know exactly what Christmas 2020 will look like just yet, one thing’s for sure, it’s going to be one to remember.

With things still a bit tricky you might want to treat yourself to a more socially distanced a Halloween this year. With things still a bit tricky you might want to treat yourself to a more socially distanced Halloween this year. Ghosting is a great contact-free way to celebrate All Hallows Eve and a way to show people you’re thinking of them even if you can’t meet up. Here’s how it works, you leave a little Halloween gift on a friend or neighbour’s doorstep - no tricks, just treats! (You could even consider leaving a little note encouraging them to ‘ghost’ someone else to spread the anonymous cheer). Toffee Apple vegetable glycerine soap is vegan friendly and wrapped in compostable paper. It’s the perfect calorie-free, tooth-kind Halloween treat, and it fits through the letterbox too. Ringing the doorbell and running away is, of course, optional!

I’m often asked what my favourite soap is, which is a really difficult question to answer because there’s so much to choose from. There’s everything from fruity, sugary scents to spicy, muskier fragrances and I like to mix and match literally depending on my mood and the weather! Vanilla, fig, cedarwood and pomegranate can all add a sense of comfort and the spicy aromas of ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper provide a feeling of warmth. As the temperature drops and the days shorten, it seems natural to seek out scents that are warm and comforting and my preference switches from sunny citrus fragrances towards something a little cosier. Think of uplifting florals, sensuous spices, and warm woody notes. However, there are no rules for seasonal scents and anything goes – stick with tropical fruits if that sparks joy or stay with a sea-inspired scent to extend the summer vibes a little longer!

Travelling can create a lot of unnecessary waste. Toiletry bags can easily fill up with lots of plastics and disposable items such as small bottles and sample sized products. Travel sized products may seem like the ideal solution to travelling light until you start to think about the environmental impact of all those little plastic bottles! While they may seem convenient, most are not recycled and may end up in places they shouldn’t be, such as the ocean, where they breakdown into microplastics and can enter the food chain. You can save money in the long run by investing in reusable products. Look for things which have reusable or biodegradable packaging so that you can reduce your plastic waste too. Not only are single-use travel products a burden on the environment, but they’re also often more expensive! Avoid buying new plastic minis when you travel. Instead, decant from bigger bottles you already have into small ones that can be reused. An even better option is to take eco-friendly solid products instead, they take up very little space and won’t leak in your bag. When we can fly on holiday again, they can be carried in hand luggage too! Avoid using synthetic fibre washcloths and plastic shower puffs. Plant fibre soap bags & shower mitts are great alternatives. Made from things such as jute, ramie and bamboo, these natural plant-based fibres are biodegradable and can be composted at the end of their useable life.

When you wash with my handmade soap there is a thin layer of glycerine left behind which draws moisture from the air onto your skin to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness. This isn’t the case with mass produced bar soaps where the glycerine is usually removed and reused in other products such as moisturisers. Smelleez soaps all have a high glycerine content and glycerine is a humectant, that is a substance that readily absorbs moisture from its surroundings. If you left a cup of glycerine out in a humid room, it would absorb water from the air until it was about 20% water. When bar soap with a high glycerine content is stored in damp conditions, the glycerine in the soap draws moisture out of the air and onto the soap which then appears as little beads of water on your soap bar, just like morning dew on blades of grass! At first, this can look like frost but if you look closely, you can see hundreds of tiny little water droplets covering the surface of the bar. This is sometimes referred to as soap sweating (yuck!) but the other name for this phenomenon is glycerin dew – which certainly sounds better! So the dew is actually moisture from the air that the glycerine attracts, not moisture coming from inside the soap – it’s not melting! The more humid and damp the environment that the soap is stored in, the more likely you are to see this phenomenon. Glycerine dew doesn’t affect your soap’s ability to clean, it shows that it is doing the job intended – attracting moisture! Now this phenomenon might be fabulous for your skin but it has created problems for me when it comes to wrapping my soaps. Living in Scotland, there is often quite a bit of moisture in the air – I’m not complaining it’s what shaped our landscape and made this such a beautiful place to live! But it does mean that when I go to outdoor markets and festivals there’s a pretty good chance that there will be some moisture in the air! Glycerine dew is well-recognised and much talked about by soap-makers and, there seemed to be only one accepted solution - to wrap the bars tightly in plastic. Which is definitely not something I want to do! So over the last two years, I’ve been experimenting with different, more environmentally friendly options and for over a year I’ve been double wrapping my soap bars in compostable paper which has worked well for most situations. However, I’ve noticed that sometimes this is not enough to stop the glycerine from pulling moisture into the bars when they’re all wrapped up, especially if they're stored in humid conditions or if it’s a bit dreich which resulted in some of the wrapping becoming soggy round the edges. Although this doesn't affect how the soap bar works, it doesn't look very nice. I’ve been using cellulose acetate to wrap my Rainbow Olive Oil Soaps for quite a while and this has proved the most effective way of preventing glycerine dew (and has the added benefit of letting people see their wonderful colours too!) Cellulose acetate is a natural, renewable, and eco-friendly material made from cellulose which is obtained from wood pulp or cotton linters (the hairy fibres that cling to cotton seeds after harvesting) combined with acetic acid which is the main constituent of vinegar. After it has been used the cellulose acetate biologically degrades to form carbon dioxide and water which nourishes plants and trees - so the lifecycle of cellulose acetate starts and ends in nature. Therefore, I will be using this for all of my soaps going forward but your favourite bars will still look the same on the shelf as I’ll be keeping a single outer layer of compostable paper.