Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair, and Skin Care

At the time of its publication in 1992, this book was probably one of the best available for use of essential oils and botanicals for skin care. Unfortunately, we have learned a lot about phototoxic essential oils and the need for preservatives since the date of publication. This book contains unsafe recommendations for use of phototoxic, cold-pressed citrus oils (such as lemon oil for tanning). Use of a phototoxic oil prior to going into the sun does not result in tanning - it can result in severe, blistering sunburn, and even permanent skin discoloration in some instances. The book also has multiple recipes that incorporate water without any form of a preservative - or even any mention that a preservative might be needed. Any creations that incorporate water without a preservative will IMMEDIATELY start growing bacteria, whether they are refrigerated or not. The author suggests they will have a shelf-life of 2-3 months. They will not. Anything not used within 2-3 DAYS will be ripe with "nasties" - even if you cannot see or smell them. Would you really want to put something like that on your face? This book desperately needs to be updated to meet present level of knowledge within the aromatherapy and cosmetic formulation fields.-Kathy Wilcox, Certified Aromatherapist

I can't believe that I haven't written a review for this book yet...(Bad Amazon Purchaser). If you're interested in making your beauty products, this book is a great place to start. You might have to purchase some of the ingredients listed in some of the recipes or, if you're like me, you already have some. Either way, you could either follow the book's recipes or you can tweak them, like I do. I think the section on EOs is especially helpful as there are charts that you can easily look at to see what oils do what and corresponds to what type hair/skin you have. I will say that I wish there was more hair care information, as it mostly deals with skin, but all-in-all, a good book to delve into making your own beauty products.

Especially for the beginner to intermediate aromatherapist and cosmetics maker, this book is an excellent resource. It's organized well and gives a quick description of most of the oils one would find themselves using to make potent, functional products. Lots of great recipes, though don't expect to be handed the methods for creating soaps, lotions, etc. This is more about proper usage of oils and their functions. I always have this book handy. While in no way is it a comprehensive source for all oils and all treatments, it remains one of my favorite resources for quick reference, even after several years.

I ordered this book hoping to find more information and different recipes for skin and hair care. I was somewhat disappointed with the content of the book, as the explanations weren't terribly detailed. I also found the measurements difficult, because many of the recipes call for quantities to be in grams instead of teaspoons or tablespoons, etc. I wound up returning it after a couple of days. It just wasn't what I was looking for at all.

Lots of new information on essential oil I didn't know.

Excellent resource for beginner with a wealth of information and recipes!!

Great book & seller

I found this book very helpful for my soap and lotion business. Erich Keller makes interesting suggestions for the use of skin care products and for combinations of essential oils. There are also recipes included. It goes beyond the usual skin care book.

If you are looking for a bit more theory with cosmetics, this book is for you. It is well written and explains well all the scientific side of cosmetics.

In perfect condition! Thanks!

lots of helpful info

Not at all helpful

Good book