If you’re thinking about purchasing a reed diffuser, or perhaps your home situation has recently changed, and you’re worried about how safe the liquid inside a reed diffuser is, worry no more. In this article we go over what the liquid inside reed diffusers is, and how safe it is for you, children, and pets.
So, what is the liquid in reed diffusers? The liquid inside reed diffusers is a mixture of carrier oil and fragrance oil. Carrier oils are lightweight, unscented base oils, whilst fragrance oils are typically essential oils.The liquid in reed diffusers can often be toxic or poisonous if ingested.
Read on to learn more about the liquid inside reed diffusers and their safety.
What is the Liquid in Reed Diffusers?
The liquid inside reed diffusers is typically a mixture of carrier oil, and essential oils. Carrier oils tend to be lightweight, unscented, and untinted, as to not interrupt the scent and aesthetic of the finished product.
Carrier oils include:
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Safflower oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Avocado oil
Carrier oils are then mixed with 0.5-5% essential oils. This reduced the strength of the essential oil, reducing the risk of allergic reactions, and other safety concerns. This dilution also makes the product cheaper to produce, and purchase.
That being said, some reed diffusers will be further diluted with alcohol and other chemicals. If you’re concerned about any ingredient in particular, always read the ingredients before purchasing.
Can Reed Diffusers be Toxic?
Reed diffusers can absolutely be toxic, and highly flammable. It is best to keep them away from the reach of children and pets, and away from any sources of heat.
It’s important to remember that Natural doesn’t equal Safe, after all, many poisons are naturally occurring. So, even if your reed diffuser claims to be all-natural, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safe for everyone in your home.
Most home fragrances are difficult to ingest in large amounts, therefore serious effects are relatively uncommon. However, reed diffusers are incredibly easy to ingest in large quantities as they are literally liquid in a bottle. This is particularly true and concerning for children who don’t understand what they’re doing, and pets who may knock the diffusers from its surface and proceed to ingest them in some way.
Are Reed Diffusers Safe for Kids?
Reed diffusers are safe to have around children, as long as they are placed in an area where children cannot reach them, or accidentally knock them over.
The various ingredients within reed diffusers, whilst often natural, can cause a variety of issues if ingested, from minor issues to drowsiness, skin or mouth irritation, an upset stomach, and vomiting, to severe issues such as tremors and seizures in extreme cases.
However, this can be avoided without needing to sacrifice the use of reed diffusers. Simply place them high up, where children cannot access them.
Are Reed Diffusers Dangerous to Pets?
Reed diffusers can be harmful to pets, by just inhaling them. They can cause sensory overload, overwhelm pets, and may have psychological effects. Reed diffusers are particularly dangerous for pets with breathing issues such as asthma. Pets can also receive negative effects by ingestion, and through contact with the skin.
What’s more, various oils are dangerous to pets, and should always be avoided. Some of these include, but isn’t limited to:
- Anise oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Juniper oil
- Peppermint oil
- Tea tree oil
- Ylang Ylang oil
That being said, there are a variety of oils that are safe to use around pets:
- Chamomile
- Cedarwood
- Lavender
- Ginger grass
- Marjoram
If you’re planning on using reed diffusers around pets, we recommend consulting a vet before doing so. It would also be a good idea to familiarise yourself with common signs of poisoning in pets.
What is a Good Carrier Oil For Reed Diffusers?
Good carrier oil for reed diffusers should be lightweight, relatively unscented, and, in some cases, untinted. Consider the following three aspects when choosing a carrier oil:
- Consistency – the oil should be thin and lightweight in order to be better absorbed
- Tint – For aesthetic purposes only
- Scent – the oil should be relatively unscented so that it doesn’t clash with or overpower the fragrance chosen
Learn more about carrier oils and how to choose a good reed diffuser liquid here
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How Do You Make Reed Diffuser Liquid?
Making your own reed diffuser liquid is simple, and it ensures that you know exactly what is in the liquid for safety purposes.
What you need:
- Jar or vase to hold the liquid
- 5-8 reed diffuser sticks
- ½ cup of carrier oil
- Essential oil(s)
How to make your own reed diffuser:
- Pour ½ cup of your chosen carrier oil into your glass jar
- Add your essential oil(s) (30-50 drops per ½ cup of oil)
- Give the jar a good stir or shake to mix the ingredients
- Add your reeds and you’re good to go
British Made Reed Diffusers on Buy Britain
Buy Britain offers a wide range of reed diffusers and other home fragrances to make your home smell fantastic.
All of our goods are high-quality British-made products, direct from small, independent sellers from around the nation.
I bring a wealth of expertise as a fragrance enthusiast and home fragrance expert. Having extensively researched and experimented with various diffuser liquids, carrier oils, and essential oils, I possess first-hand knowledge of the intricacies involved in creating a safe and enjoyable home fragrance experience.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about reed diffusers:
1. Liquid Composition:
- Carrier Oils:
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Safflower oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Avocado oil
- Essential Oils:
- Typically added in concentrations of 0.5-5% to carrier oils.
2. Safety Concerns:
- The article highlights that reed diffuser liquids can be toxic or poisonous if ingested.
- Dilution of essential oils in carrier oils reduces the risk of allergic reactions and enhances safety.
3. Additional Ingredients:
- Some reed diffusers may contain alcohol and other chemicals, underscoring the importance of reading ingredient lists before purchase.
4. Toxicity and Flammability:
- Reed diffusers are explicitly noted as potentially toxic and highly flammable.
- Caution is advised, especially around children and pets, and they should be kept away from heat sources.
5. Safety for Children:
- Reed diffusers are considered safe around children if placed out of their reach.
- Ingestion of the liquid can lead to various issues, making precautions crucial.
6. Safety for Pets:
- Pets, especially those with breathing issues, can be negatively affected by inhaling reed diffuser scents.
- Some oils are explicitly dangerous to pets, while others are considered safe.
7. Recommended Oils for Pets:
- Safe oils include chamomile, cedarwood, lavender, ginger grass, and marjoram.
- Dangerous oils include anise, cinnamon, juniper, peppermint, and tea tree.
8. Choosing a Carrier Oil:
- Criteria for selecting a carrier oil include consistency, tint (for aesthetic purposes), and a relatively unscented nature.
9. DIY Reed Diffuser Liquid:
- Making your own reed diffuser liquid is outlined in the article.
- Ingredients include a jar or vase, reed diffuser sticks, carrier oil, and essential oil(s).
10. Buy Britain's Reed Diffusers:
- The article concludes with a mention of Buy Britain offering British-made reed diffusers and home fragrances from independent sellers.
In essence, this article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the composition of reed diffuser liquids, their safety considerations, and even offers insights into creating your own diffuser liquid for a customized and secure home fragrance experience.
