Exploring Essential Oils: Desert Night

I was busy inputting inventory into our manufacturing software while Mike was mixing oils. I asked Mike, "what does the desert smell like at night?" "Like dirt and juniper and cooling air," he said, as if it was obvious. What was obvious to me is that he's been thinking about that a lot. As an artist and a chef, Mike things about all kinds of things I never do. "What does blue smell like?" "What color is curiosity?" So, Desert Night Essential Oil blend from Soaps for Good was designed yesterday afternoon in foggy, chilly, Portland, Oregon.

The first attempt at Desert Night used Mountain Rose's Calming Blend as the starting point. With Organic Lavender, Organic Vetiver, Organic Clary Sage, and Blue Tansy. It's a deliciously herbaceous yet floral blend. To that Mike added Organic Australian Sandalwood, Organic Juniper, and Organic Myrrh.

The blend was lovely, with the deep notes of Myrrh and Vetiver, but it was just too floral and green to call forth a night in the desert. So Mike set that aside, sniffed some coffee beans and set out again. This time, he nailed it: Litsea, Clary Sage, Scotch Pine, and Juniper.

Personally, I think the Litsea is the secret, magical note in this blend.

The first use of Desert Night will be in a palm-free Olive Oil soap base. Add a comment if you'd like to test our trial batch.

Some of the Essential Oils we Explored

Organic Australian Sandalwood - Santalum spicatum

Source: Australia
Note: Base
Process: steam distilled from heart wood
Profile: deep earthy scent with sweetness
Use: Deepen a blend; can be easily overwhelmed
Blends Well With:

• Citrus: Bergamot, Neroli, Lemon, Litsea
• Floral: Ylang Ylang Geranium, Rose, Palmarosa
• Woody:  Juniper, Pine, Cypress, Ho wood
• Earthy: Vetiver, Patchouli
• Spicy: Black Pepper, Cinnamon
• Herbaceous: Clary Sage

Note from our provider: 

The sandalwood cultivation plantations in Western Australia work closely with indigenous harvesters and regional conservation groups to reduce impact on native wildlife. They are also committed to reducing fresh water usage and utilize ashes from their boilers to balance soil health. 

Organic Myrrh Commiphora myrrha
Source: France
Note: Base
Process: steam distilled
Profile: earthy, spicy, and soft. 

Blends Well With:

• Citrus: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli
• Floral: Ylang Ylang Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Palmarosa
• Woody:  Juniper, Pine, Cypress, Sandalwood
• Earthy: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Tea Tree
• Spicy: Clove
• Herbaceous: Rosemary 
  
  

Organic Vetiver -Vetiveria zizanioides

Source: Madagascar
Note: Base
Process: steam distilled from the roots
Profile: warm, sweet, woody, and earthy aroma with a touch of smoke

Blends Well With:

• Citrus: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Neroli
• Floral: Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, 
• Woody:  Fir Needle, Rosewood, Cedar
• Earthy: Coriander, Oak Moss
• Spicy: Black Pepper, 
• Herbaceous: Rosemary, Clary Sage

 

Organic Juniper - Juniperus communis

Source: India
Note: middle 
Process: steam distilled from the berries
Profile: clean, woody, spicy, balsamic vinegar.

Blends Well With:

• Citrus: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli
• Floral: Ylang Ylang Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Palmarosa
• Woody:  Fir Needle, Pine, Cypress, Sandalwood
• Earthy: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Tea Tree
• Spicy: Clove, Anise
• Herbaceous: Rosemary, Bay Laurel

So that's our Exploring Essential Oil: Desert Night journey. Let us know your favorite Essential Oils and what you like to blend with them.  We'll be adding all the Essential Oil information we can on the website when launch the first soaps.

Thanks for joining us,

Val, Mike, and Eva, our mascot