Essential oils are a seriously amazing natural ingredient. They can be used for everything from aromatherapy to soothe skin, as a DIY perfume and to fight visible signs of aging. Here, we list twelve of our favorite oils to use — and why — plus a suggested DIY recipe to bring the spa to your home. To get started with using them in your beauty routine, we suggest beginning with one of our essential oil trios – they're the perfect way to explore the multitude of beautifying benefits of three luxurious oils, curated by us.
Lavender
Lavender helps heal skin irritations and can be used for all skin types. It can cleanse cuts and scrapes, and also calm down stressed skin.
Recipe to try: Soothe and cool skin with a lavender lemonade body spray
Geranium
Geranium is a versatile oil that balances oil production, conditions skin and is great for all skin types. Geranium can be added to moisturizers to help with over and under production of oil.
Recipe to try: Add geranium to mineral water for a moisturizing face mist
Basil
Basil is perfect for soothing insect bites and is safe for sensitive skin.
Recipe to try: Apply directly to an insect bite or sting, and if you are feeling sore from an extra hard workout, add a few drops into a massage oil and massage tired muscles.
Frankincense
If you are treating aging skin, have elasticity concerns, or want to regenerate skin cells, frankincense is your ideal oil. It can help with pigmentation, as well as tone and tighten skin.
Recipe to try: Make your own hand sanitizer + antiseptic spray
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang is great for treating oily or acne prone skin while still helping stimulate cell growth to fight the effects of aging.
Recipe to try: Add ylang ylang to almond oil for a moisturizing face oil for oily skin
Lemongrass
Acne and large pores can be difficult to treat, and lemongrass is highly effective for both conditions. Lemongrass can also be used as an astringent, skin toner, and is great at enhancing skin’s glow.
Recipe to try: Lemongrass body lotion is great for skin and repel bugs naturally
Cypress
Cypress oil can not only help repair capillary vein damage often found around the nose area, but it shrinks swollen blood vessels. This essential oil is also a good choice to use as an astringent.
Recipe to try: Add cypress to homemade deodorant for a naturally spicy aroma. Avoid using if pregnant.
Tea Tree
Tea tree has long been celebrated for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. This means it’s a first choice for oily and acne-prone skin. Tea tree oil can also treat minor cuts and scrapes.
Recipe to try: Dilute with water and dab on blemishes as an all-natural acne spot treatment.
Juniper
Juniper is a cleansing oil, when diluted (as is always necessary) and applied to wounds it can speed healing time and help prevent infections.
Recipe to try: Minimize the appearance of cellulite with a by massaging juniper oil to detoxify skin and increase circulation.
Chamomile
Chamomile can treat a variety of skin conditions which include: cracked, acneic, eczema, inflammation, sensitive skin and rosacea.
Recipe to try: Relax in a homemade bubble bath that won’t irritate your skin
Clary Sage
Various benefits to skin health can be observed when using clary sage. It not only can fight the signs of aging and reduce puffiness, but it also regulates production of oil for both dry and oily skin.
Recipe to try: Try a DIY deep hair conditioner to strengthen and repair hair
Neroli
Neroli is a wonderful essential oil used to treat devitalized, mature, aging, and sensitive skin types. You can also use neroli as a sensual, all-natural perfume.
Recipe to try: Make an anti-stretch mark oil with avocado oil and neroli