Oils in Lush soaps

[LeadedCactus83]

Hey folks!

I'm fostering a BP for a local rescue and they set me up with a proper enclosure and all the goods that are needed. I've never owned any snake before, but having said that, I've been reading and researching and I can contact the rescue staff immediately if I need to.

I know that tree oils are bad for snakes, but I have a collection of Lush soaps and two of them have cedar and pine in them. I haven't handled him at all since he was dropped off on Monday and I'd like him to settle in properly.

My main question is could I still use the soaps, or should I shelf them/give them away? Maybe avoid handling him while I am using that particular bar?
Also, are there any other oils that should be avoided? I don't want to hurt him.

If I have to give up my Lush addiction, then so be it.

Thanks!

[MJ_Bosley]

Safest bet, put away the special soaps. Usually when you wash your hands a mixture of water and you scrubbing them will wash the soap away along with the dirtiness, leaving the scent behind. That makes it safe. If it leaves any unnatural oils on your skin, oils that weren't already on your skin, don't let it touch the snake. If you use any natural sticks from outside in your terrarium, make sure you bake them at 200 degrees F for at least two hours so they are sanitary and safe for the reptile.

[Lizardlicks]

I personally wouldn't be spending any money at Lush anyway. They contribute funding to and set up charity sales for HSUS (an organization directly opposed to pet ownership that has targeted the reptile hobby specifically) and Compassion Works International (an organization that slanders and spreads misinformation on zoo conservation efforts in order to defund them and shut them down).


Get your bath bombs and soap bars through local farmer's markets or support home producers through Etsy. Just as good if not better products and you're supporting small business instead of lobbyist groups.

[mlededee]

Stay away from products that contain essential oils, especially tree oils and citrus oils. Those oils are left behind on your skin and/or absorbed into your skin and you don't want that to come into contact with the snake.

[LeadedCactus83]

I personally wouldn't be spending any money at Lush anyway. They contribute funding to and set up charity sales for HSUS (an organization directly opposed to pet ownership that has targeted the reptile hobby specifically) and Compassion Works International (an organization that slanders and spreads misinformation on zoo conservation efforts in order to defund them and shut them down).

Get your bath bombs and soap bars through local farmer's markets or support home producers through Etsy. Just as good if not better products and you're supporting small business instead of lobbyist groups.

Huh, I didn't know that. That's good to keep in consideration for the future. I like that they are fair trade and their skin care has helped my skin so much, but maybe I'll have to cut back on their products. Too bad, though. The Lemony Flutter is the only thing that revives my hands in the dead of winter.

[LeadedCactus83]

Stay away from products that contain essential oils, especially tree oils and citrus oils. Those oils are left behind on your skin and/or absorbed into your skin and you don't want that to come into contact with the snake.

So no snake should ever be exposed to any essential oil? What about regular oils (castor, coconut, olive, cocoa butter, etc?)

[bcr229]

So no snake should ever be exposed to any essential oil? What about regular oils (castor, coconut, olive, cocoa butter, etc?)

The "edible" oils should be fine, it's just the ones that contain phenols and/or natural insecticides should be avoided.

[mlededee]

So no snake should ever be exposed to any essential oil? What about regular oils (castor, coconut, olive, cocoa butter, etc?)

Castor, coconut, and olive oils are not essential oils. Some people actually do consume essential oils, but that is another topic entirely. Essential oils are extremely concentrated as compared to other oils which is part of what makes them dangerous to reptiles, but as mentioned it is also because some of them contain phenols. If a body product lists "lemon oil", "tea tree oil" or anything like that in the ingredients it is referring to an essential oil. Oils that you would use with methods of dilution, diffusing, or in aromatherapy are essential oils. Generally speaking if you wash your hands with plain soap that isn't citrus or tree oil scented prior to handling your snake you should be okay.

[LeadedCactus83]

Castor, coconut, and olive oils are not essential oils. Some people actually do consume essential oils, but that is another topic entirely. Essential oils are extremely concentrated as compared to other oils which is part of what makes them dangerous to reptiles, but as mentioned it is also because some of them contain phenols. If a body product lists "lemon oil", "tea tree oil" or anything like that in the ingredients it is referring to an essential oil. Oils that you would use with methods of dilution, diffusing, or in aromatherapy are essential oils. Generally speaking if you wash your hands with plain soap that isn't citrus or tree oil scented prior to handling your snake you should be okay.

Okay, so I need a new body wash too lol.
One final thing: when and ingredient is listed as an extract (I.e. lavandula angustifolia extract, aka lavender extract) is that also an essential oil?

[mlededee]

Extracts are not exactly the same thing as essential oils and tend to not be nearly as strong, but you should still use caution with them. Still avoiding tree and citrus extracts.