There has been a LOT of talk on the soap, cosmetics and toiletry blogs lately about the Safe Cosmetics Bill of 2010. A lot! I can see why people are interested in it; we all want to be able to trust the products that we put on our bodies on a daily basis. That's probably the #1 reason that people start making their own soap in the first place - they want a more natural soap solution that's kinder to their skin than traditional soaps...and now, many of us are small business owners who manufacture soap and cosmetics. However, as I've said in many conversations on ingredients like soap making base oils and essential oils, just because something is natural does it mean it's safe to use on our skin. And just because something is synthetic, does it mean it's bad for us. Tell us what do you think? Will this affect you? Will this affect your business?

The loudest voice in the debate has come from a video called "The Story of Cosmetics" - a seemingly innocuous video full of scary things about the products we use. It presents cosmetics and toiletry products as full of carcinogens and toxins - that we must be protected from! Thank goodness that a rebuttal/critique video has come along to give another voice to the debate. I'm presenting both videos here. Take a few minutes to watch them...with an open mind. There are a number of links to other blog posts below that have more information as well. After you view the videos, please take a moment to give us your thoughts about "The Story of Cosmetics", "The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010" and how you feel about the products you use and or make - either as a consumer or as a small business person.

The Story of Cosmetics - The Original Argument

Link to the full size video

The Story of Cosmetics - The Critique

Link to the full size video

Where to learn more:

Information, links and Discussion on the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010

Petition to Oppose the Act

The Safe Cosmetic Act of 2010 is Not the Solution

Links and Quotes Regarding the Impact of the Safe Cosmetics Act 2010

Donna Maria Coles Johnson's Indie Business Blog on The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010

Statement by Lezlee Westine President and CEO of the Personal Care Products Council

Statement by Kathleen Dezio, Spokeswoman On "The Story of Cosmetics"

The Revealing Truth of the Money Trail of EWG

Cyclomethicone is a silicone oil that is incredibly versatile in a number of bath and body recipes. But one of the easiest, and most amazing, uses of it is as a "dry" oil spray or roll-on. Looking for easy portable aromatherapy? This will do it. Are you (or a customer) so in love with a particular fragrance or essential oil blend that you/they want to wear it all day? Perfect! OR...are you spending more time outside, you can make up a batch with some natural mosquito repelling essential oils and have a handy way to keep the bugs off. If you have sensitive skin, you can substitute lemon eucalyptus or lemongrass for the citronella. You'll smell great too!

Nancy R. Cohen / Getty Images

Probably no single essential oil is more widely used in soap making and candle making as lavender. It is used by itself, in blends, in both soap and candles, and in a myriad of other bath and body products. It has wonderful aromatherapy benefits and (to me at least) just plain smells nice. People all over the world cultivate and celebrate lavender. Here is a collection of articles, information, history and projects that all feature wonderful lavender essential oil.

C Squared Studios / Getty Images

I'm headed to Austin today to speak at a gathering of Texas soapmakers. My topic is "Saponification, superfatting and synergy." I'm going to talk about how different oils (and the fatty acids that make them up) each give different qualities to your soap recipes. Each oil (more correctly, each fatty acid - oils contain a mix of fatty acids) imparts different qualities to the final soap - creating a soap recipe is the art of balancing them to create the perfect bar of soap. From apricot to wheat germ oil...with coconut, hemp and olive oil in between...there are dozens of oils you can use in your soap. Each one contributes its own unique fatty acid makeup, and hence, its own unique qualities to your soap.