List of essential oil and its uses

Essential oils have been quite the talk of the town off late. They have always been an integral part of aromatherapy but now, they are also gaining a lot of popularity in the cosmetics industry with their extensive use in skin and hair care products. But, what are essential oils?

Essential oils are plant oils that are extracted from the aromatic parts of the plant such as the root, leaves, bark, and other sections carrying aroma. These oils capture the true essence of the plant in terms of its effects, scent, and flavor. They are potent, have a strong, distinct aroma, and are highly volatile substances.

Typically it takes 3 to 4 coconuts to extract 50ML of coconut oil (carrier oil) while it takes around 3 pounds of lavender flower to produce just 15ML of lavender oil (essential oil). That is why essential oils are highly concentrated and require extreme caution especially prior to topical use.

How are essential oils extracted?

There are many methods known to extract essential oils, but the purest oils are produced by employing steam distillation. Steam distillation is basically a separation process of two immiscible liquids. A steam current is used to isolate two compounds basis their varying sensitivity to temperature.

Steam distillation helps to separate the compounds at a lower temperature as compared to other methods of extraction hence avoiding the decomposition of compounds due to high temperatures. This ensures that the nutrient profile of these delicate oils remains intact and is not degraded due to excess heat.

Essential oil benefits

Essential oils are not just used in personal care products for their natural heavenly fragrances but also for their myriad of skin and hair care benefits. When used within their dermal limits, essential oils can be extremely beneficial for the overall health of your skin and scalp. Studies have shown that essential oils possess natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and are known to help with various skin concerns.

List of essential oils -

Here are our top 6 list of essential oils and their uses -

1. Rosemary essential oil -
   known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, rosemary oil helps balance sebum production and reduce the occurrence of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. It also helps in stimulating blood circulation to the scalp thereby supporting new hair growth as well as control hair fall.
   
   Check out Juicy Chemistry’s range of products made with the goodness of 100% pure rosemary oil here.
2. Lavender essential oil -
   the highly versatile lavender oil acts as a mild antiseptic, disinfectant, and has anti-fungal properties. It helps soothe irritated skin and lock moisture in dry skin. It also helps with itchy and dandruff-prone scalp and nourishes the follicles.
   
   Check out Juicy Chemistry’s range of products made with the goodness of 100% pure lavender oil here.
3. Tea tree essential oil -
   sourced directly from artisanal communities of Australia, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of tea tree oil make it the most sought-after oil for acne-prone skin and dandruff-prone scalp. Tea Tree helps refresh, stimulate and deep cleanse the skin and scalp.
   
   Check out Juicy Chemistry’s range of products made with the goodness of 100% pure tea tree oil here.
4. Peppermint essential oil -
   with a minty and refreshing scent, peppermint oil is known to be an effective anti-fungal agent and also has natural astringent properties. It helps with soothing acne-prone skin and stimulating the scalp. It also provides relief from dry and itchy scalp.
   
   Check out Juicy Chemistry’s range of products made with the goodness of 100% pure peppermint oil here.
5. Blood orange essential oil -
   with high content of vitamin C, this essential oil helps in boosting collagen production, stimulate circulation, balance sebum production, and support tissue regeneration.
   
   Check out Juicy Chemistry’s range of products made with the goodness of 100% pure blood orange oil here.
6. Tuscany lemon essential oil -
   this lemony-fresh essential oil helps with evening out the skin tone by reducing the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation. Its powerful antibacterial and astringent properties help rejuvenate tired and dull-looking skin.
   
   Check out Juicy Chemistry’s range of products made with the goodness of 100% pure blood orange oil here.

How to choose the right essential oil?

There are a variety of essential oils available in the market but remember, not all are the same. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right essential oil for yourself -

• Identify your skin and scalp type. Ascertain what specific concerns you need to take care of
• Identify the essential oil that possesses the relevant properties to take care of your concerns
• Check the method of extraction. Steam distilled essential oils are known to retain their nutrient profile post-extraction
• Look for certification - check if the label reads Certified Organic or Certified Natural
• If it is certified, check if it is certified from a credible organization or not
• Read the ingredients list. The pure essential oil will have only one ingredient on the list.
• Check for country of origin

Things to remember:

• Essential oils are highly concentrated and volatile substances. It is NOT advised to use them directly onto the skin or scalp and MUST BE diluted using a carrier oil within its dermal limit.
• If you are planning to make your own blend for topical use, we recommend taking professional advice and take utmost caution.
• If you are pregnant, we recommend consulting your physician prior to using essential oils in your skin and hair care products.
• PATCH TEST is highly recommended whenever you are trying a new product. If your skin is sensitive, we recommend continuing the patch test for a week before actually using it.