Cosmetic Ingredients 101: Four Fast Facts About Essential Oils In Skincare By Jenny Leazer
Have you ever been told that you should avoid skincare that contains essential oils? In recent years, as more people have become concerned about the ingredients in their products, essential oils have gotten a bit of a bad rap.
However, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Rather than avoiding essential oils altogether a better approach is to be choosy with which oils you use and how you use them. Here’s what you need to know:
Fact #1: Not all essential oils are harmful in skincare
While it is true that some essential oils can be very potent and irritating to the skin, it is a misconception that they don’t belong in skincare at all. The risk of having an adverse reaction to essential oils will often have more to do with how they are used and in what concentration.
It also depends on the type of oil used. For example, while citrus oils can be included in skincare products in moderation, applying the pure oil directly to your skin may result in redness, itching, increased sun sensitivity, or a rash.
Fact #2: When used correctly essential oils have many positive skin benefits
Because they are primarily derived from plants – including flowers, leaves, and seeds – essential oils are naturally rich in nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants. Therefore, when included in cosmetic formulas they have the potential to deliver the same benefits as other botanicals, feeding the skin and supporting healthy function.
Additionally, essential oils can be used as an alternative to synthetic fragrances in products, adding a natural subtle scent to the formula and even a bit of aromatherapy enhancement.
Fact #3: Different oils can be used to address different skin types
To really see results from essential oil-infused skincare, it’s important to understand that each oil will have its own unique properties for addressing various skin concerns.
For oily or acne-prone skin, we like rosemary, tea tree, and lemongrass which are known for their ability to promote balanced oil production and fight bacteria. Meanwhile, dry or sensitive skin will respond better to options like lavender, sandalwood, and frankincense that help calm inflammation and encourage healthy moisture levels. Most skin types can also benefit from rose, carrot seed, or clary sage which target uneven skin tone and signs of aging.
Fact #4: Quality and quantity matters
If you want to use essential oils in your skincare and avoid any negative effects, the good news is that you absolutely can! The best way to do so is to first, enjoy them in moderation and secondly, look to reputable makers who use only the highest quality essential oils.
At Jessica’s Skincare Laboratories, we carefully source all of our ingredients to ensure their efficacy and include them in our formulas intentionally for maximum benefit. If you’re curious to try for yourself, a great place to start is our Tea Tree Lavender Sheet Mask. It features our favorite essential oils for gently clarifying and calming struggling skin without causing irritation.
However, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Rather than avoiding essential oils altogether a better approach is to be choosy with which oils you use and how you use them. Here’s what you need to know:
Fact #1: Not all essential oils are harmful in skincare
While it is true that some essential oils can be very potent and irritating to the skin, it is a misconception that they don’t belong in skincare at all. The risk of having an adverse reaction to essential oils will often have more to do with how they are used and in what concentration.
It also depends on the type of oil used. For example, while citrus oils can be included in skincare products in moderation, applying the pure oil directly to your skin may result in redness, itching, increased sun sensitivity, or a rash.
Fact #2: When used correctly essential oils have many positive skin benefits
Because they are primarily derived from plants – including flowers, leaves, and seeds – essential oils are naturally rich in nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants. Therefore, when included in cosmetic formulas they have the potential to deliver the same benefits as other botanicals, feeding the skin and supporting healthy function.
Additionally, essential oils can be used as an alternative to synthetic fragrances in products, adding a natural subtle scent to the formula and even a bit of aromatherapy enhancement.
Fact #3: Different oils can be used to address different skin types
To really see results from essential oil-infused skincare, it’s important to understand that each oil will have its own unique properties for addressing various skin concerns.
For oily or acne-prone skin, we like rosemary, tea tree, and lemongrass which are known for their ability to promote balanced oil production and fight bacteria. Meanwhile, dry or sensitive skin will respond better to options like lavender, sandalwood, and frankincense that help calm inflammation and encourage healthy moisture levels. Most skin types can also benefit from rose, carrot seed, or clary sage which target uneven skin tone and signs of aging.
Fact #4: Quality and quantity matters
If you want to use essential oils in your skincare and avoid any negative effects, the good news is that you absolutely can! The best way to do so is to first, enjoy them in moderation and secondly, look to reputable makers who use only the highest quality essential oils.
At Jessica’s Skincare Laboratories, we carefully source all of our ingredients to ensure their efficacy and include them in our formulas intentionally for maximum benefit. If you’re curious to try for yourself, a great place to start is our Tea Tree Lavender Sheet Mask. It features our favorite essential oils for gently clarifying and calming struggling skin without causing irritation.
