Using Essential Oils in Natural Beauty Products

Essential oils are one of the most popular natural additions to a skincare routine — but they’re also one of the easiest to use incorrectly.

Essential oils vs. carrier oils — know the difference

There are two main categories of oils used in natural beauty: essential oils (concentrated, aromatic plant extracts, distilled or cold-pressed from flowers, leaves, bark, or roots) and carrier oils, sometimes called botanical oils (fat-based oils like jojoba, grapeseed, or rosehip seed oil, with little aroma of their own). Carrier oils moisturize and nourish on their own; essential oils are far more concentrated and are meant to be diluted into a carrier oil, not applied directly to skin.

Safety basics

• Always dilute. Essential oils are potent enough to cause irritation or allergic reactions applied directly to skin. Mix a few drops into a carrier oil before use.
• Patch test first. Apply the diluted blend to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before using it more broadly — discontinue immediately if you see any reaction.
• Watch for photosensitivity. Certain essential oils — citrus oils especially (bergamot, lemon, lime) — can make skin more reactive to sunlight, increasing the risk of irritation or sun damage. Check labels and avoid sun exposure on treated skin until you know how your skin responds.
• Buy pure, unadulterated oils. Cheaper essential oils are sometimes cut with synthetic fillers or lower-quality substitutes, which reduces both effectiveness and predictability of how your skin will react.

A few specific oils worth making note of

• Lavender — widely used for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties; often included in skincare for its soothing effect on irritated skin.
• Rose — contains antioxidants and is commonly used to support hydration in dry or mature skin.
• Frankincense — traditionally valued in skincare for helping even out the look of skin tone and blemishes, often used as a spot treatment.
• Helichrysum — known in aromatherapy circles for supporting skin healing, with anti-inflammatory properties.

A note on coconut oil specifically

Coconut oil is often praised for helping with skin conditions like eczema, and there is some research suggesting it can help (though it shouldn’t replace a prescribed treatment). However, claims that applying coconut oil topically calms “the nervous system” or reduces anxiety go beyond what’s actually supported. That kind of effect is more associated with aromatherapy (scent, inhaled) than a topical skin application. Also worth noting: coconut oil is comedogenic and generally not recommended if you’re acne-prone.

Shopping and using essential oils strategically

Research before you buy — not every oil works for every person or every skin type. Look for reputable sources of high-quality, pure oils, and if you’re new to essential oils or have sensitive skin or allergies, a dermatologist can give you advice specific to you .

Note: This content is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional dermatological or medical advice. Please see our full Disclaimer.