Top Essential Oils and Carrier Oils

Cedarwood oil benefits the skin by its sedating ability to relieve itching. It has a woody and fruity aroma with honey overtones. Its astringent action is good for acne, oily skin, eczema, and dandruff and is also a good insect and vermin repellent. It can help with chest and urinary infections and acts as a general tonic. It makes a great addition to massage oils as it aids in reducing cellulite and removal of body fat. Its properties include anti-fungal, anti-putrefactive, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, insecticide, regenerative, sedative, and tonic.

Eucalyptus has a clear, sharp, herbaceous, and camphorous aroma. Eucalyptus is cleansing, purifying, invigorating, and balancing. It is great for use in facial steam and clears congested and blemished skin. It has a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body, helping reduce fevers, migraines, and malaria. Eucalyptus oil is also very helpful in supporting the immune system (particularly the respiratory tract), as well as reducing headaches or muscular pains.

Bergamot has a light, fresh, floral citrus aroma that is uplifting, rejuvenating, calming, and balancing. Commonly used in cosmetics to help balance oily skin, prevent acne, and help relieve skin irritations such as psoriasis and eczema. It is said to help alleviate fatigue due to stress, restore appetite, improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and reduce fever as well as repel insects. Use carefully in skin preparations as citrus oils are known photosensitizers.

Frankincense has a rich, woody, earthy aroma with a deeply grounding nuance. It has been used for centuries for meditation and spiritual practices and is prized for its many medicinal and spiritual applications. It is also one of the few anti-tumoral therapeutic essential oils and is a useful expectorant, intended to aid bronchial congestive problems. In skincare formulations, Frankincense is said to help refresh dull and aging complexions. Its properties include analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, and vulnerary.

Lavender essential oil has a light fresh aroma that is floral, light, with woody undertones. The most popular essential oil, it has a long list of applications dating back to antiquity- in fact, the word "lavender" comes from the Latin 'lavera,' meaning to wash. It is suitable for all skin types and is used to prevent scarring, stretch marks, and to slow the development of wrinkles. It is also known to moisturize dry scalp and hair. Aromatherapists use it to treat rheumatism, sprains, respiratory problems, abdominal cramps, depression, insomnia, tension-related problems, burns, sun-damaged skin, and various types of skin infections. It is particularly effective in treating headaches and migraines.

Lemon has a fresh, uplifting, and citrus-y aroma. It is a pleasant and functional addition to cleaning formulations and air fresheners due to its disinfectant, antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It helps to clean and cut grease and stains and remove gum while imparting a pleasant citrus aroma. It also helps improve micro-circulation, immune function, and helps with digestive problems. For hair and skincare formulations, the astringency of Lemon makes it useful for combating oily skin and hair. Within holistic aromatherapy, the bright, citrus scent is stimulating, but it also is said to aid in focus and concentration. It is often used by spas and incorporated into body massage oils, body wraps and salt soaks.

A nostalgic scent for many, Patchouli is heavy, sweet, and spicy. It is relaxing, soothing, and is believed to be an aphrodisiac. Patchouli oil helps heal infections and insect bites and lessens stress-related problems and addictions. It is great for balancing acne-prone, inflamed, cracked, or mature skin. Patchouli also aids in the treatment of oily skin, hair, scalp disorders, eczema, and wrinkles.

Peppermint has a fresh, minty, sweet, herbaceous aroma. Its healing application extends to nervous disorders, the respiratory tract, muscle aches and pains, and skin problems. It is not only very refreshing but stimulating as well. Aromatherapists use Peppermint in treating asthma, nausea, colic, cramps, colds, fevers, fainting, headaches, mental fatigue, flatulence, and nausea. Peppermint may also help certain emotional conditions, such as depression, shock, migraines, nervous stress, vertigo, and faintness. It is useful in general respiratory disorders as well, whether they are caused by microbes or allergies. Peppermint is known to relieve pain from toothaches, rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular pains, and painful menstrual cycles, due to its effects on the circulatory system.

Rosemary has a herbaceous, sweet, and slightly camphorous aroma that is clarifying and invigorating. It is a stimulant and used to help sharpen memory and clear the mind as well as increase mental awareness. It can aid in increasing circulation and relieving pain in the joints. Rosemary is also said to help control dandruff, oily scalp, and skin, acne, and is said to encourage hair growth.

Sweet Orange has a fresh, sweet, uplifting, and orange aroma. It is an energizing oil that can help ease stress and anxiety. In skin care formulations, it can be helpful as a toner and in blends intended for oily skin. In household cleaning, it can help cut through grease and because of its antibacterial properties, it makes a wonderful addition to homemade cleaners.

Tea Tree has a warm, spicy, medicinal, and pungent aroma. It is a very powerful immune stimulant, helping fight infections and promote clear skin. A natural antiseptic, bactericide, fungicide, and anti-viral with anesthetic qualities, it is still gentle enough for everyday usage. Unlike most other antiseptic preparations, it can be used without causing an imbalance of the natural bacterial flora on the skin. It makes a good oil to diffuse during cold and flu season to help purify the air.

Ylang Ylang has a sweet, floral aroma, similar to Jasmine. It has a sedative effect and is often used for spiritual balancing, nervous tension, and to aid with depression. It is known to be an aphrodisiac and can assist in balancing hormones, PMS and menopausal symptoms, making it a good addition to blends for women. In skincare, it can be used as a facial toner to help balance oily skin.

Baobab Oil is rich in vitamins A, C and E, sterols, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients help skin regain its elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This oil makes an excellent addition to skin care products for its anti-aging properties and UV protection. Baobab Oil is moisturizing and absorbs quickly making it beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne. Excellent for all skin types.

Castor oil is a natural humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep skin hydrated. It is rich in essential fatty acids and can be soothing for a variety of skin conditions. The oil has a high viscosity, making it good to use for hair treatments or to make DIY formulations thicker.

Jojoba Oil is unique in that it is comprised of liquid wax esters that closely resemble the body’s sebum (protects the skin and keeps it supple). For this reason, it is considered the best oil to use on the skin. It quickly absorbs, leaves no greasy feeling, won’t clog pores or cause allergic reactions. It has excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, protecting the skin from free radicals and bacteria. Excellent for all skin types.