Essential

Oils

In essence, essential oils are plant-derived compounds that are extracted for their health benefits and scent via cold pressing, distillation or similar techniques. Because of their potency, it is not usually recommended to apply them directly to the skin. Make sure to dilute them first.

PLEASE NOTE: if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or are suffering from any medical conditions, or are in any doubt, always consult a medical practitioner.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is very popular in skincare due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is notably used to treat those prone to excess oil and acne since it is known to have a calming effect on the skin, and is therefore held in high regard for its ability to promote a smooth, toned complexion that’s free from inflammation and redness. Though it can be applied directly to the face, it’s also beneficial when diluted with non-comedogenic oils or even just water. Tea tree oil contains the compound terpinen-4-ol which has been reported to boost white blood cell activity, thus helping to kill various viruses, fungi and bacteria whilst also triggering a healing reaction in the skin.

Rose

Rose essential oil has many benefits when it comes to the skin. An anti-inflammatory oil, rose is very calming and is commonly utilized in anti-aging products to help rejuvenate the complexion. This, in addition to rose being an antimicrobial oil, goes towards treating and cleansing problem skin such as those prone to acne. It contains an impressive variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which contribute to helping to boost skin health. Rose is naturally astringent and antiseptic with emollient qualities which make it ideal for treating dry, cracked skin or that which is sensitive. Reported to promote cell regeneration, this essential oil is truly an anti-aging ally.

Lavender

Arguably one of the most well-known essential oils to grace the market, lavender oil is instantly recognizable for its calming scent and healing properties. Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial, lavender oil can help to cool the skin and boost its healing response, notably when applied to wounds or utilized to address various inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Extremely soothing, lavender is able to provide conditioning and toning effects to the skin when applied topically or added to skincare products.

Orange

Rejuvenating, antibacterial and antimicrobial, orange oil is a great skincare asset when it comes to obtaining clear skin. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, orange oil is reported to help safeguard the skin against harmful environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage. Not only this, but orange oil aids in boosting the production of collagen and encouraging the skin’s restoration process. Naturally astringent, orange oil is especially good for helping to control oily and acne-prone skin by toning and balancing it in addition to killing blemish-promoting bacteria without stripping the skin. Due to its ability to increase circulation, orange oil has received praise when combined with a carrier oil for massage purposes. Improved circulation has been shown to have a positive anti-aging influence. This in conjunction with orange oil’s astringent and collagen-boosting properties make for an effective, uplifting treatment.

Eucalyptus

Toning and antiseptic, eucalyptus is a potent oil with many uses. It is great at cleansing the skin and unclogging the pores by removing impurities like grime and dead skin cells from them. Said to help boost the production of collagen, eucalyptus essential oil has antioxidant properties that promote skin health. An anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial oil, eucalyptus is good for soothing and toning the skin as well as healing it. It has also even been reported to help reduce the visibility of spider veins. This essential oil is said to be beneficial for safeguarding the skin against environmental stressors like pollution, UV damage and other such toxins that can take a toll on the skin. It’s said to boost the immune system by helping to kill harmful bacteria, both airborne and on surfaces. Such antimicrobial properties have seen it utilized as a treatment for acne-prone skin and breakouts. It should be noted that this oil is best diluted prior to topical use, however, since it is very potent, and its raw form may cause skin irritation.

Sandalwood

Famous for its earthy, woody scent, sandalwood has grown roots in the skincare world. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and revitalizing, sandalwood essential oil has shown great potential in helping to not only balance out sebum production but also act as a natural sunscreen. Multiple studies have been conducted on sandalwood’s effectiveness in protecting the skin against damage from UV rays, which is instrumental in promoting more youthful skin. Sandalwood is popular amongst both men and women – its antiseptic properties make it a much sought-after oil as it aids in killing the bacteria responsible for breakouts and also acts as a soothing treatment for razor burn.

Cedarwood

Revitalizing and uplifting, cedarwood oil is great for the skin. Cedarwood’s calming effect on the skin can be attributed to its high content of sequiterpines – compounds found in cedarwood – their potent anti-inflammatory properties known to help aid in combating redness and irritation. As such, they are very useful in treating a variety of skin conditions that include such symptoms. Antiseptic and antifungal, it’s great at helping to balance the skin, notably those with oily or acne-prone skin types. Its astringent qualities are reported to alleviate breakouts and boost the dermal healing process. When applying to the skin, it’s recommended that cedarwood is diluted with a non-comedogenic carrier oil due to its potency.

Geranium

Harvested from the leaves of the geranium plant, geranium oil is a revitalizing oil that’s used to repair, cool and treat skin issues like acne. Naturally cooling, geranium is helpful in protecting the skin against sun damage due to its healing properties which also make it effective for wound healing. Its rejuvenating qualities are very rewarding when looking to improve the appearance of mature skin due to it being able to promote the regeneration of skin cells. Naturally anti-inflammatory with antiseptic capabilities, geranium is also reportedly successful in treating acne. Able to help balance out and restore the skin, this floral oil is touted to be a favorable oil for both oily and dry skin types.

Ylang Ylang

Musky and floral, ylang ylang is a healing flower that has been utilized for years to add both scent and skin health-boosting benefits to products the world over. A very balancing oil, ylang ylang is suitable for all skin types, but especially for mature, dry and acne-prone skin types. This is because it not only helps in controlling the skin’s sebum production, but it provides toning and restorative effects. Rich with antioxidant-powered benefits, ylang ylang is said to help combat free radical damage which in itself is strongly linked to premature dermal aging. Restorative by nature, this oil also helps to rejuvenate the skin and therefore improve its appearance.

Patchouli

Like lavender, patchouli is very beneficial when it comes to healing and revitalizing the skin. A woody, pungent oil, patchouli is a great antiseptic with antifungal effects, both of which make it effective when used to treat acne, wounds and regulate skin prone to excess oil production while helping to tone and tighten. It can help fade scars, age-related lines and even reduce the visibility of spider veins. Patchouli is also an effective stress-reliever – another perk that also contributes to its overall anti-aging benefits, since stress is known to negatively affect the skin and thus have an impact on its natural aging process. Patchouli has shown potential when used to treat dermal inflammation. Several studies have also been conducted on its ability to protect against UV damage, with favorable results.

Chamomile

First and foremost known for its benefits when used as a herbal tea, chamomile essential oil is extracted from this plant to provide anti-inflammatory advantages when used on the skin. Such soothing effects can be attributed to the naturally occurring anti-inflammatories that chamomile contains which are apigenin and bisabolol. These combine to produce a similar effect to anti-inflammatory medication that you would typically take to reduce pain and fever brought on by inflammation. When applied topically, chamomile oil has been reported to increase the skin’s healing response and as such is famed for its ability to calm and treat the skin. Aside from this, chamomile is also a beneficial toner due to the gently astringent qualities it possesses which help to gently cleanse the skin while its antibacterial properties get to work on soothing and rejuvenating the skin. As such, chamomile is also said to help alleviate breakouts. Hailed for being extremely gentle on the skin, chamomile is suitable for all skin types including those prone to sensitivity.

Lemon

Revitalizing and uplifting, lemon essential oil is known for both its scent and its brightening effects when used on the skin. Due to lemon oil’s antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities, it is useful in treating various dermal issues like acne, excess sebum production and spider veins as well as age-related lines. It’s worth noting that citrus oils in general tend to heighten the skin’s sensitivity to UV, which is why it’s pivotal not to apply it prior to direct sun exposure. It’s recommended, if applied topically, to mix lemon essential oil with a non-comedogenic carrier oil of your choice to dilute its potency a bit. Because of its vitamin C content, lemon is a great anti-aging oil. Vitamin C is recognized for its ability to boost collagen production, and so utilizing the power of lemon can help to promote softer, more supple skin.

Grapefruit

A detoxifying and refreshing oil, grapefruit has received praise for its circulation-boosting capabilities which directly aid in fighting puffiness that stems from water retention. Its antiseptic properties make it useful when combating excess oil on oilier skin types including those prone to acne and breakouts. Gently toning, grapefruit oil can help to tighten pores and improve the appearance of the skin. The antimicrobial properties of grapefruit oil have been said to aid in killing harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi as well as having biofilm-diluting capabilities which is why it’s so effective at cleansing away dirt on both the face and surfaces of the home. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants including vitamin C, lycopene, beta-carotene and flavanones, this zesty fruit has been reported to help safeguard skin cells against free radical damage, reduce inflammation and improve the complexion.

Frankincense

Fragrant frankincense goes way beyond its use as a traditional festive oil. Revitalizing to the skin, frankincense has been commended for its anti-aging powers for many years. Known to promote glowing skin, this essential oil contains boswellic acid which actively increases the skin’s healing response as well as reducing inflammation. This makes it very useful when used in skincare products since it also goes towards softening the appearance of age-related lines, scars and even blemishes on the skin. With antiseptic properties on its side, frankincense is also famed for its ability to cleanse and tone the skin in addition to providing an overall soothing effect on both the skin and mind.

Myrrh

Mythical myrrh rises above its role in scripture to be hailed as an anti-aging hero. Like its aromatic counterpart frankincense, myrrh has antiseptic properties that help to tone and rejuvenate the skin by boosting its repair response. Myrrh has been found to be surprisingly powerful in helping to combat free radical damage, with one particular study reporting that myrrh proved to be more potent than vitamin E in such a process. Myrrh is a very softening oil which is especially advantageous for skin prone to dryness, such as mature skin. That being said, due to myrrh’s antiseptic and healing qualities, it’s also a great oil to use to help control acne and breakouts without causing any dermal irritation.

Neroli

Sweetly aromatic, neroli oil is derived from bitter orange tree blossoms and is employed in skincare products and routines for its various beneficial properties. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and able to provide pain-relieving effects, neroli is helpful in targeting acne-prone skin and general breakouts. It is also reported to help reduce the visibility of age spots, scars and even wrinkles due to being able to trigger skin cell regeneration. Such anti-aging qualities make it a coveted essential oil in facial spritzes, creams and serums.

Helichrysum

Dubbed the ‘curry plant’ due to its distinctive scent, helichrysum has seen many uses in treating a variety of ailments from skin conditions to wound healing and infections. Helichrysum essential oil is soothing to the skin, able to calm inflammation. This in addition to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties help to prevent infection and, therefore, increase the speed at which wounds heal. It is a rather potent oil, and therefore it is advised that it is not applied to large areas of the skin undiluted. Also known as the ‘immortal’ plant, helichrysum oil is said to aid in the regeneration of skin cells, leaving the skin with a youthful glow. Utilized to treat age spots, it is also known to improve the overall complexion.

Petitgrain

The humble orange tree is one that is worthy of a crown when it comes to skincare. While neroli oil is distilled from its flowers and orange oil from the fruit’s rind, petitgrain oil is drawn from its leaves and twigs. Toning and cleansing, petitgrain oil is beloved for its soothing and antiseptic qualities which go towards balancing sebum production, controlling breakouts and brightening the skin. While useful in treating oily skin, it’s also beneficial for treating dry skin that’s prone to cracking due to its hydrating properties. An antibacterial oil, petitgrain is great at fighting bacteria, notably on areas of the body that are prone to perspiration.

Palmarosa

Likened to roses in scent, palmarosa essential oil is what is known as cytophylactic. In other words, it is able to help trigger the growth of cells, going so far as promoting cellular recycling. Naturally hydrating, palmarosa is perhaps most notably recognized for helping to soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and even those prone to acne. Due to such properties, it’s useful in combating age-related wrinkles. One of the most prominent compounds found in palmarosa oil is geraniol, the purpose of which is to rewrite cellular memory that has been subject to damage. As such, it aids in triggering cellular regeneration which goes towards the healing of DNA that’s been impaired.

Clary Sage

Earthy and slightly floral, clary sage is a gentle herb that has been renowned for its healing effects for many years. This essential oil is said to help boost circulation, and is therefore known to promote a revitalized complexion while addressing problem areas such as uneven pigmentation. Clary sage essential oil contains linalyl acetate, an ester that actively aids in reducing inflammation in the skin, soothing and helping to heal it. This, and its ability to regulate hormones and help with controlling the skin’s sebum production have seen it receive praise as a treatment for breakouts. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties have seen it prove effective against several strains of bacteria, further making it useful at fighting potentially harmful external stressors.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a pungent herb that has received recognition not just in cooking, but as a beneficial skincare ingredient. Rosemary essential oil is anti-inflammatory with antioxidant effects, the latter of which can be attributed to its content of carnosic acid – a powerful antioxidant that has showcased its potential in safeguarding skin cells against UVA damage. Such qualities make it a great anti-aging ingredient, added to by its abilities in helping to combat oxidative stress and soothe dermal inflammation, which aid in softening the appearance of wrinkles. Due to being beneficial in helping to fight the production of excess sebum, rosemary essential oil has been reported to be a good choice for oiler skin types and those suffering from acne. Antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal, rosemary helps to combat unwanted bacteria on the skin, cleanse clogged pores and promotes firmer skin. It can be quite drying, however, and so is not recommended to be applied to dry skin in large quantities.

Oregano

Oregano is a good essential oil to have on your anti-aging radar. Rich in antioxidants, oregano essential oil also contains vitamin A, C, E and K, all of which combine to help boost radiance and dermal elasticity. It contains various compounds such as thymol, rosmarinic acid and carvacrol. Thymol is antifungal and is known to help defend the body against harmful toxins. Rosmarinic acid is a potent antioxidant that aids in shielding the skin against harmful free radicals. Carvacrol, on the other hand, is the most prevalent phenol in this essential oil and its primary role is to prevent the growth of various strains of bacteria. Such compounds make it a valuable asset in promoting healthier skin and, thus, more youthful looking skin. Oregano has been linked to the reduction of inflammation with various studies outlining such effects as well as its pain-relieving potential, the latter linked to its content of carvacrol.

Lemongrass

Naturally astringent, lemongrass is a refreshing essential oil that’s effective at toning the skin. Its potent antiseptic qualities come in useful when treating a variety of dermal wounds and conditions including acne, helping to protect the skin and reduce pain. Antibacterial, fungicidal and antimicrobial, it’s reported to be great at combating oily and acne-prone skin by fighting bacteria and tightening the pores. Said to help impede oxidative stress and free radical damage due to its potent antioxidant qualities, lemongrass essential oil is a useful anti-aging ingredient. Lemongrass essential oil contains limonene which has been heralded as a natural skin lightener, boosting radiance and cleansing pores of excess dirt.

Jasmine

Though primarily treasured for its scent, jasmine has proven an effective ingredient in many skincare products. This essential oil has antibacterial properties that deem it a good treatment for drier skin types and those suffering from conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Naturally antibacterial, jasmine has shown great promise in the skincare world – it can help to boost skin cell turnover, an aspect that has seen it gain favor as an ingredient in anti-aging products. It’s also known to aid in combating dermal and hormonal imbalances as well as being a fantastic stress-buster. An anti-inflammatory oil, jasmine has a soothing effect on the skin which makes it a good oil to use on sensitive skin, and also on scars to reduce their visibility.

Clove

Cherished for its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities in Ayurvedic medicine, clove essential oil is known to assist in reducing dermal redness and irritation as well as blemishes and the appearance of scars. It’s also reported to help combat the on-set of acne by helping to fight against bacteria on the skin. This reaction is a result of clove essential oil containing the compound eugenol. As such, it’s a great oil to aid in cleansing the skin by unclogging pores which ultimately results in helping to safeguard the skin against subsequent blemishes. Clove essential oil is reported to prove effective in treating sagging skin, actively working towards reducing dermal wrinkles and fine lines and promoting softer skin. A stimulating oil, clove is also known to boost circulation which contributes to more revitalized, youthful-looking complexion.

Star Anise

Though it might not take precedence at the forefront of your mind when you think of anti-aging essential oils, star anise has actually proven useful when used in skincare products. Star anise contains naturally-occurring tannins, and these are praised for their ability to aid in promoting firmer skin and thus reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also home to anethole – a compound found in this essential oil that’s known to have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal capabilities. Star anise essential oil is reported to be able to sink deeply into the skin tissue which helps deliver such benefits more effectively to the skin and boost its appearance.

Benzoin

Likened to vanilla in scent, benzoin essential oil is derived from the resin of the Styrax species of tree. Its rejuvenating properties have seen it used in facial serums to help reduce lines and wrinkles on the face as well as aid in protecting it. Antiseptic by nature, benzoin essential oil helps to promote dermal healing and is beneficial for treating skin that has become irritated and dry. It is said to promote dermal elasticity and boost circulation, both of which make it a great addition to anti-aging skincare products. Also able to help combat acne, benzoin’s antiseptic qualities are toning and soothing when applied to the skin, albeit not in its neat form.

Nutmeg

Bountiful in antioxidants and plant pigments, nutmeg essential oil also boasts various naturally-occurring compounds that contribute to boosting the skin’s youth such as caffeic, protocatechuic and ferulic acids. They help to provide protection against harmful stressors like oxidative stress and free radicals. Nutmeg has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, from helping to reduce pain to calming inflammation. Such alleviating effects make it a valuable addition to skincare products. Sabiene, a chemical compound found in nutmeg, is recognized for its anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory capabilities. It has shown potential in helping to calm dermal irritation which further aids in promoting a healthy, more youthful complexion.