How to use essential oils?

What is essential oil?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural essence, aroma, and benefits of flowers, herbs, and other botanicals. Used for centuries in wellness, beauty, and aromatherapy rituals, these potent oils can support relaxation, improve mood, and even enhance your skincare routine. Whether you're a seasoned essential oil enthusiast or just starting your exploration, these versatile, nature-inspired oils offer endless possibilities to incorporate into your daily lifestyle.

Essential oils for skin care

It's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before using essential oils on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or existing conditions.

Certain essential oils can support clearer, calmer, and more radiant skin when diluted properly with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Here are some examples and their potential benefits:

• Lavender: Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender oil can be beneficial for reducing redness, minor irritations, and promoting relaxation. It's often used in nighttime skincare routines.
• Tea Tree Oil: Celebrated for its potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is often used in diluted form to target blemishes and acne-prone skin.
• Frankincense: Revered for its potential to promote skin rejuvenation, reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines, and offer a sense of calm.
• Rosehip Oil (Technically a carrier oil, rich in essential fatty acids): Excellent for moisturizing, promoting skin regeneration, and reducing the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation.
• Chamomile (German and Roman): Known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.

Important Considerations:

• Dilution is Key: Always dilute essential oils properly. A common starting point is a 1-3% dilution (1-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil).
• Patch Test: Before applying any essential oil blend to a large area of your skin, perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area (like the inside of your forearm) and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
• Sun Sensitivity: Some essential oils, particularly citrus oils like bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit, can increase sun sensitivity (phototoxicity). Avoid applying these oils to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight.

Best essential oil perfumes

Essential oil-based perfumes offer a natural alternative to synthetic fragrances, often with skin-loving benefits. Not only do they smell divine, but they’re also free from artificial additives, letting the true beauty of botanical fragrances shine through. Ulta Beauty offers a variety of roll-on blends that are alcohol free and designed for long-lasting wear.

How to make your own perfume from essential oils?

You can also experiment with combining oils to create your own blend. Dilute your blend in a carrier oil like coconut oil in a roll-on bottle or a small glass vial.

Essential oils in bath

Adding essential oils to your bath can enhance relaxation and skin nourishment. Add a few drops to a carrier oil, unscented bath oil, or even Epsom salts before mixing into warm water. Try lavender or eucalyptus for a spa-like soak, peppermint for muscle relief, or citrus oils to help energize and uplift your mood. Never add essential oils directly to the water without diluting, as they can irritate skin.

At Ulta Beauty, you can also find bath products such as bath foams, Epsom salts, and bath bombs that are already infused with essential oils from brands including NEOM Wellbeing and Dr Teal’s.

Essential oils in shower

Even if you’re not a bath person, essential oils can still upgrade your shower routine into a spa-like ritual. You can enjoy essential oils in the shower by adding a few drops to the shower floor (away from the direct stream), using shower steamers, or placing oils on a washcloth for an aromatic burst. Eucalyptus and peppermint oils are especially popular for their energizing and sinus-clearing effects, while citrus or floral oils can help refresh your senses in the morning.

Best essential oils for diffuser

Diffusing essential oils is a popular way to enjoy their aromatherapeutic benefits at home. The "best" oils depend on the mood or effect you want to achieve:

• For Relaxation and Sleep:
  • Lavender
  • Chamomile (Roman)
  • Sandalwood
  • Ylang-Ylang
  • Cedarwood
• For Energy and Focus:
  • Peppermint
  • Rosemary
  • Lemon
  • Sweet Orange
  • Eucalyptus
• For Uplifting Mood:
  • Bergamot
  • Grapefruit
  • Sweet Orange
  • Ylang-Ylang
• For Purifying the Air:
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lemon
  • Rosemary
• For Creating a Cozy Atmosphere:
  • Cinnamon Bark
  • Clove Bud
  • Frankincense

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between perfume oil and essential oil?

Perfume oils are crafted blends designed for fragrance, often combining natural and synthetic ingredients to create long-lasting, wearable scents. Essential oils, on the other hand, are pure plant extracts that are highly concentrated and retain the natural aroma of their source. While perfume oils aim to provide a pleasant scent for personal use, essential oils have a broader range of wellness benefits, including relaxation, balance, and skincare support.

Where to put essential oils?

Depending on your goal, you can apply diluted essential oils to pulse points (wrists, neck, temples), your chest, or soles of your feet. For skincare benefits, apply to the face or body as part of your beauty routine. You can also add them to a diffuser, bath, or body lotion for aromatherapy or hydration.

What essential oils smell good as perfume?

Many essential oils are naturally fragrant and work beautifully as perfume. Favorites include sweet and floral notes like jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, and neroli; fresh and bright scents like bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon; and deep, woody tones like sandalwood and cedarwood. These oils can be worn solo or layered to create a custom scent.

Can you use essential oil on skin?

Yes, but only when properly diluted with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. Essential oils are potent and should not be applied directly to the skin. Always patch test on a small area and consult your dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or skin conditions.

How to use essential oil on skin?

To use essential oils on your skin, mix 1–2 drops of essential oil with about a teaspoon of a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, or coconut oil. Gently massage the blend into clean, dry skin. Popular uses include applying tea tree oil to blemishes, lavender oil to calm irritation, or frankincense oil to help smooth fine lines.

Sources:

Healthline

Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

Ohio State Health & Discovery

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