Allergy

[Saponomancer]

Theres a common ingredient in a lot of fragrance oils(and air fresheners, and candles, and perfume/body lotions/you name it) - mostly in the 'perfume' and 'floral' types that sets off a histamine reaction in me, sometimes to the point where I cant breath

is there /any/ way for me to find out what that ingredient is and avoid it with the way the formulas are kept secret?

I got in a big order (for me) from WSP recently and I cant use most of the new scents I was going to try out because they all have it and I'm beginning to be frustrated

 

[galaxyMLP]

I believe if you have an allergic reaction that the companies can disclose some part of their formula. I would ask WSP to contact their supplier and see if there are any compounds that overlap in the ones you purchased because that may be the culprit. Also, check the msds. Sometimes it contains some of the components of the fragrance listed in it.

 

[Obsidian]

Sounds like you need to see a allergist to try and track down the specific ingredient.

 

[Susie]

^What Obsidian and galaxyMLP said! I would certainly do my homework on what exactly are in those fragrances. You may not ever figure out what it is, though, if WSP is not forthcoming on details. This is why I use only EOs. But, you do need to see an allergy specialist because they can help you rule out other environmental allergens that may be adding fuel to the fire, and help you treat them.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

If the allergy-specialist can tell you "you are allergic to X" then you can specifically ask the companies "does your product contain X?" which is much more likely to be answered rather than "what does your product contain?"

 

[Saponomancer]

I consistently forget going to a doctor is an actual option, with how expensive they are.

Thanks guys, I'll try to narrow down the ingredient via allergist as soon as I have the money then bother them about that, it seems like it would be the most effective approach

 

[galaxyMLP]

Honetstly, I went to an allergist about some itchyness/hives I was getting and they just did a regular allergy test which doesnt include foods or fragrances in it. When I broght up that some foods I eat can give me hives he just told me to avoid those foods basically saying that there is too much out there to be able to test it all. Maybe my allergist was just lazy, lol. I was really allergic to dust though and since I've been aware of that its been much better.

Maybe your allergist (when you get one!) will be able to narrow it down but they will probably first start with the typical stuff or may even tell you to stop making soap if they cant find it...

ETA: I just thought of something. Benzoin is often used in MANY fragrances as an additive because it adds a specific dimension to the fragrances that is generally well liked. Try purchasing some benzoin EO and see if that sets it off. I know that thats something people can often be sensitive to.

 

[Saponomancer]

hn

I know its a floral ingredient and something in the 'perfume' types, I just might have to switch over to EO only for flower scents

I'm already limited there too, I know for sure I'm allergic to lavadin and lavender, it makes me itch, wheeze, and if I eat it the reactions pretty strong

 

[galaxyMLP]

Ah, ok. I thought you were saying it was an additive in the fragrance and not the main fragrance itself. You may also want to try purchasing FO's from Mikes fragrances because the blends the fragrances himself and you can likely ask him whats in it. He knows his stuff pretty well. For example, I said I was wondering why all of his "spicy" scents were for candles only and he told me it was that they contained eugenol in them (clove oil) which is an irritant to the skin.

 

[Saponomancer]

it is something in the fragrance blends? lavadin and lavender EOs are a separate issue from the fragrance oils

 

[galaxyMLP]

Yes, benzoin can be used in many fragrance blends. Thats why I mentioned it. Its often used in candle warmers/oil. It rounds out fragrances because it has a vanillaish smell to it (so I've read, never bought the pure stuff) and is very inexpensive. I would expect it to be in quite a few fragrances.

ETA: Also, it is benzoin resin that I'm talking about. Not benzoin the chemical compound (confusing, I know). It comes in a solvent extracted liquid sap like form.

This---> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzoin_resin

Not this ---> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzoin

 

[Susie]

The allergy specialist can test for pollens, molds, animals, and certain foods.(Stuff in your everyday environment that you CAN'T avoid.) That is pretty much it. That is why I said to do your homework first. That way, you know what to avoid of the FOs. Make yourself a chart of what you are exposed to(both of the FOs, and your environmental exposures) and when the allergies hit. That will help you narrow down the list yourself. I figured out I was allergic to certain FOs from the fact that I had a reaction every time I went to a certain patient's house that had potpourri. I just got the name of each one I reacted to from them, and added that to my no-no list.

 

[Dahila]

specialist will check you for countless allergies.

 

[dixiedragon]

Ugh. That stinks.

I am wondering if there are forums for allergy sufferers? Maybe they will have some more specific advice? I would email WSP with a list of the FOs that are bothering you and a list of the ones that aren't - maybe they can narrow down a single ingredient?