Essential Oils For Homemade Cosmetics

Essential oils are not limited to being used as fragrances only. These potent essences can be used in cosmetics, supplying the skin with precious nutrients. A word of warning: essential oils should never be used in their undiluted state when being applied to the skin.

Why use essential oils in cosmetics?

Essential oils are primarily used in natural cosmetics due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. They also serve as natural preserving agents. Alongside all these benefits, essential oils have a positive effect on the human organism.

It is important to note that the quality of essential oils is vital when they are being used for homemade cosmetics. Only pure essential oils will have the positive effects listed above, thus it is advised to practise caution with the selection of the essential oils chosen. Oils may lead to irritation or even allergic reactions.

Essential oils are highly effective substances that possess an array of different effects:

The fragrance emanated from the oil affects the limbic system in the brain, e.g. by processing feeling. Therefore, some oils have a mood-enhancing effect.

Individual molecules are transported into the bloodstream through the skin where they are integrated into the cell membrane, influencing bodily processes. As a result, these molecules can promote the renewal of cells or stimulate the metabolic processes.

Homemade cosmetics application tips:

First and foremost, it is advised to avoid essential oils coming into contact with mucous membranes or the eyes. Also, avoid applying essential oils to the skin in their undiluted state. Always wear protective clothing such as gloves and safety goggles. The concentration level of essential oils should not exceed 0.5%.

The following group of people should avoid the use of essential oils as these may lead to allergic reactions:

• allergy sufferers
• those prone to epilepsy
• pregnant women
• babies and children
• the elderly and/or those with a weak immune system
• if you suffer from high blood pressure

Consult your dermatologist before using essential oils.

Below we have partially listed the essential oils that are generally well tolerated by the skin, only showing a low risk of possibly causing irritation. However, it is warned that allergic reactions may still occur.

Application for	Suitable Oils
normal skin	lavender rose rose geranium
oily skin and combination skin	cistrose myrtle rose geranium vetiver
problematic skin & acne	manuka myrrh myrtle rosewood tea tree
dry or mature skin	carrot seed linaloe rose rose geranium rosewood vetiver incense ylang-ylang
irritated skin	benzoin siam immortelle manuka patchouli Rose Geranium yarrow
cellulite	blood orange niaouli palmarosa rosemary sandalwood juniper cypress