Ida's Soap Box

I love reading labels! I began reading product labels with the word “vanilla” in their title. What surprised me was how many products claimed to be made with “vanilla essential oil.”  Because there is no such thing as "vanilla essential oil.”  There are vanilla extracts, vanilla infusions, vanilla absolutes and vanilla fragrance oils—but no vanilla essential oil!

Shea Butter, also known as African Karite butter, comes from the fruit kernels of the Karite Nut (Butyrospermum parkii) tree found in the savannahs of central Africa and has been used across the African continent for centuries. Its scientific name, Butyrospermum parkii, is derived from the Greek words boutyron, which means "butter" and sperma, which means "seed."

Don’t be fooled by pretty packaging, natural looking displays, and "natural" logos. What you think you see, is often not what you get! Sadly, many companies are not selling "organic" or "natural" products, they are simply selling the WORDS "organic" and "natural." They know that the right packaging and the right message sells—even if it is not true.

To make olive oil, the ripe olives and pits are crushed. From the olive mash comes olive oil. The method by which the oil is extracted determines the quality of that oil. All olive oils are not created equal!