Soap Scents: Creating Myrcene-Free Fragrances

Myrcene is a terpene with a musky, earthy scent. It is commonly found in commercially grown cannabis, hops, and mangos. While it is not commercially marketed for its scent, it is popular in the perfume and cosmetics industries. Myrcene has a variety of reported health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, pain relief, and a sedative effect on the body.

Due to the presence of estragole, myrcene, and styrene, essential oils are not considered safe for the skin. As a result, some people prefer to use unscented soap to avoid potential health risks. However, others enjoy the scent of soap and find it to be a major factor in their purchasing decisions.

There is a market for both scented and unscented soaps, and the preference depends on the target consumer base. Some popular brands that offer unscented soap include Dr. Bronner's, Dove, and Seventh Generation.

Myrcene is found in many commercial fragrances and cosmetics

Myrcene is a monoterpene, a colorless oil that occurs widely in essential oils. It is often produced commercially by the pyrolysis of β-pinene, which is obtained from turpentine. It is rarely obtained directly from plants, though it can be extracted from many of them, including verbena, wild thyme, cannabis, hops, lemon grass, mango, and cardamom.

Myrcene is commonly used in the commercial perfume and cosmetics industry as an intermediary for other ingredients. It has a pleasant odor but is rarely used directly due to its instability in the air. Instead, it is highly valued as an intermediary for the preparation of other fragrance and flavor chemicals, such as menthol, citral, and geraniol.

Myrcene is also the primary terpene in hops, contributing a peppery and balsam aroma to beer. It is also found in herbal medicines, such as lemongrass tea, which has a tranquilizing effect.

In 2015, California added beta-myrcene to its list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Despite this, myrcene is still commonly used in commercial fragrances and cosmetics due to its pleasant odor and ability to act as an intermediary for other ingredients.

It has a woody, earthy, musky scent

Creating a woody, earthy, and musky scent in soap can be achieved without the use of myrcene, a terpene commonly found in cannabis, mangos, and herbs. While myrcene is known for its earthy and musky scent, there are alternative fragrance sources that can be used to create similar aromas.

One approach is to explore essential oils and absolutes derived from natural sources. Cedarwood, sandalwood, pine, guaiac wood, oakmoss, patchouli, and vetiver are excellent options for adding woody notes to your soap. These oils capture the essence of the forest, with warm, balsamic, sweet, smoky, and earthy aromas. For a deeper, earthy scent, consider using patchouli, cedarwood, vetiver, oakmoss, or sandalwood. These oils provide a rich, complex base that is reminiscent of damp forests and adds a natural touch to your blend.

Additionally, you can incorporate spices and herbs to enhance the overall fragrance. Black pepper, sage, and rosemary can add depth and character to your woody scent, while also providing a refreshing and invigorating experience.

When crafting your soap fragrance, it's important to understand the different notes that create a well-rounded scent. Top notes are light and evaporate quickly, providing the initial impression. Middle notes, also known as heart notes, last longer and define the core character of the fragrance. Base notes are the longest-lasting scents and provide depth, often serving as the foundation of the scent.

For a woody, earthy, and musky fragrance, you can combine various notes to create a sophisticated and alluring aroma. Invigorating top notes such as grapefruit, bergamot, or green apple can offer a refreshing start. Middle notes of herbs and spices, like sage or black pepper, add complexity. Finally, base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, or pine provide a robust foundation, while smoky or resinous elements like frankincense or myrrh enhance the overall complexity.

It's worth noting that the absence of fragrance in soap products also has its market. Some consumers prefer unscented soaps due to sensitive skin or specific smell preferences. However, the majority of buyers tend to be drawn to scented soaps, making fragrance an essential aspect of the soap-selling business.

It is present in cannabis, hops, mangos, herbs, and spices

Myrcene, or β-myrcene, is a monoterpene. It is a colourless oil that occurs widely in essential oils and has a pleasant, earthy, fruity, and clove-like aroma. It is produced mainly semi-synthetically from the Myrcia shrub, from which it gets its name.

Myrcene is found in many plants, including cannabis, hops, mangos, herbs, and spices such as bay leaves, cardamom, and wild thyme. It is the most common terpene in modern cannabis strains, comprising an average of 20% of the terpene makeup. It is also the most abundant terpene in hops and is a primary substance in dry-hopped beers, giving them a spicy or peppery taste.

Myrcene has a calming and sedative effect on the body and is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-ageing properties. It is used as a flavouring and aroma agent in the food and beverage industry and as an intermediate in the production of fragrances.

While myrcene is safe if consumed at a level common for food use, the U.S. FDA withdrew its authorization for the use of synthetic myrcene as a flavouring substance in October 2018. This decision was based on studies that showed an increased incidence of kidney and liver neoplasms in rodents.

Myrcene has a calming and sedative effect on the body

Myrcene is a naturally occurring terpene with a distinctive earthy, musky aroma and a hint of spice. It is found in various plants, herbs, and fruits, including cannabis, hops, lemongrass, mangoes, bay leaves, thyme, and cardamom. Myrcene is a dominant terpene in cannabis, comprising around 20% of the terpene makeup of modern commercial strains, and is known for its calming and sedative effects on the body.

Myrcene has a range of therapeutic benefits due to its medicinal properties. It acts as an analgesic, providing natural pain relief by interacting with the body's pain receptors. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and associated pain. Additionally, myrcene is known for its sedative effects, promoting relaxation and better sleep. It can help calm the mind and body, reduce stress and anxiety, and contribute to a restful night's sleep.

Myrcene also has antioxidant and anti-ageing properties. It combats oxidative stress, helping to slow down the ageing process and maintain youthful, healthy skin and tissues. Furthermore, myrcene has been found to have potential anti-tumor properties, encouraging anti-metastatic activity and contributing to tumour death in a 2015 study.

In cannabis, myrcene plays a crucial role in the entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create unique effects. Myrcene enhances the absorption of other terpenes and cannabinoids, boosting their therapeutic benefits. Strains high in myrcene are known for their calming, relaxing, and powerful high. The amount of myrcene present in a strain influences its effects. A myrcene concentration exceeding 0.5% results in a more soothing, calming effect, while a concentration below 0.5% leads to more joyful or mood-boosting effects.

Myrcene is also believed to increase appetite by enhancing the effects of THC, which is known to stimulate hunger. Additionally, myrcene interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), influencing how other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, affect the body. When paired with CBD, myrcene provides deeper relaxation and calmness without causing intoxication.

It is used in herbal medicine to make lemongrass tea

Myrcene is a terpene found in many plants, including cannabis, mangos, and herbs. It has an earthy, musky scent and is often used in perfumes and cosmetics. While it is not commercially marketed for its scent, it is commonly found in cannabis and beer-making.

Lemongrass is a plant in the grass family, with over 100 species, and is commonly used in foods and medicine. Lemongrass tea is a folk remedy that has been used for various medicinal purposes. Here are some of the potential benefits of lemongrass tea, supported by research:

• Antioxidant properties: Lemongrass contains antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals in the body, which may prevent disease and reduce inflammation.
• Antimicrobial properties: Citral, one of the main components of lemongrass, exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it effective against certain bacteria and fungi.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Lemongrass contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation, which is a contributing factor to many health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
• Cancer risk reduction: The citral in lemongrass is thought to have anticancer abilities, either by directly causing cancer cell death or by boosting the immune system.
• Healthy digestion: Lemongrass tea is a natural remedy for digestive issues, and studies suggest it may also help protect the stomach lining from damage caused by aspirin and alcohol.
• Diuretic effects: Lemongrass acts as a diuretic, increasing urine output and helping rid the body of excess fluid and sodium.
• Blood pressure reduction: Studies indicate that lemongrass may help lower systolic blood pressure and reduce heart rate, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.
• Cholesterol regulation: Lemongrass extracts have been found to prevent cholesterol absorption in the gut, but more studies are required to understand its impact on human cholesterol levels.
• Weight loss: Lemongrass tea is used as a detox drink to boost metabolism and aid weight loss, although more scientific research is needed to support this claim.
• Menstrual cramp relief: Lemongrass tea is a natural remedy for menstrual cramps, bloating, and hot flashes, as it promotes the formation of milk in breasts and stimulates menstrual flow.

To make lemongrass tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 to 3 teaspoons of fresh or dried lemongrass and steep for at least 5 minutes. You can enjoy it hot or add ice cubes for a refreshing drink.

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