The Truth About Essential Oils in Skincare: Are They Right for You?

The Truth About Essential Oils in Skincare: Are They Right for You?

The Truth About Essential Oils in Skincare: Are They Right for You?

Essential oils aren't new. For centuries, people have sought radiant, healthy skin through a variety of methods—some inspiring, others questionable (lead and arsenic, anyone?) Thankfully, today we turn to nature’s treasures—essential oils—to harness their aromatic and therapeutic power. 

But today, essential oils are everywhere—celebrated for their therapeutic and aromatic properties. With this surge in popularity comes a wave of misinformation, including claims that essential oils are either miraculous cures or dangerous irritants. Let’s cut through the noise and uncover the truth about using essential oils in skincare.

What Are Essential Oils, Really?

Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from plants—leaves, flowers, bark, and roots. Each oil is packed with natural compounds that work harmoniously to deliver therapeutic benefits, from soothing inflammation to promoting cell renewal.

At The Rose Tree, we see essential oils as more than just skincare ingredients. They’re an opportunity to care for our skin holistically, combining natural science with self-care.

Extracted from various parts of plants like flowers, leaves, and bark, essential oils are highly concentrated liquids containing the plant's volatile aromatic compounds.

These oils deliver potent therapeutic benefits due to their unique blend of natural chemicals, each offering specific properties for addressing various skin concerns.

Essential oils are sometimes described romantically as the 'life force' of the plant or the 'spirit'. What we do know about essential oils is that they are extremely complex organic compounds and are made up of many other molecules, including ketones, terpenes, esters and aldehydes. And from within these complex molecules comes a plethora of benefits, aromatically and therapeutically.

The Heritage of Essential Oils and Historical Use in Skin Care.

Essential oils hold a rich history, with their use in skincare documented for millennia. From the fragrant baths of Cleopatra to the medicinal salves of ancient healers, these potent essences have played a significant role in promoting skin health and beauty.

Their popularity continues to surge in the modern era, thanks to their natural and often more gentle approach to skincare compared to many synthetic ingredients.

The Real Benefits of Essential Oils for Skin

Pure, high quality, essential oils can play a significant part in supporting skin care, both from a therapeutic perspective and aromatic perspective.

The benefits of essential oils for skin are multifaceted. They can:

  • Soothe irritated skin: Essential oils like lavender and chamomile possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them excellent for calming redness and reducing the discomfort of conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
  • Combat acne and breakout prone skin: Essential oils with antibacterial and astringent properties include rosemary and bergamot which can help fight acne-causing bacteria and cleanse pores, reducing breakouts and promoting clearer skin.
  • Promote cell regeneration: Frankincense, rose and neroli essential oils amongst others, with their potent antioxidants, can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by encouraging collagen production and cell renewal.
  • Balance dryness and oiliness: Essential oils like geranium and rosemary can help regulate sebum production, keeping oily skin in check and preventing dryness in sensitive skin.

These benefits are only possible when essential oils are pure, fresh, and used in the correct concentrations—principles we prioritise in all of our formulations.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Sensitive Skin?  

Absolutely—but only when used properly. Essential oils are powerful, and while they can benefit sensitive skin, they must be handled with care. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  1. Dilution is Key: Always blend essential oils with a carrier oil, like jojoba, to reduce the risk of irritation.
  2. Patch Test: Test any new product on a small area of skin before applying it to your face.
  3. Know Your Triggers: If you’re sensitive to certain oils or allergens, check the ingredient list.

In my experience, the vast majority of customers with sensitive skin thrive with products containing essential oils. At The Rose Tree, we ensure all our formulations abide by strict UK regulations to provide you with safe, effective skincare.

That said if you know you are sensitive to specific essential oils you should avoid them.  The other caveat is that with sensitive skin and any new product or ingredient, it makes sense to do a patch test and see if your skin reacts.

While there will always be people who are sensitive to specific essential oils, there will be many more who can safely use and benefit from essential oils, whether that be in skin care or simply their aromatic benefits.

The Role of Allergens in Essential Oils

Did you know that essential oils naturally contain compounds like geraniol and linalool, which must be declared as allergens in the UK? These tiny components bring immense benefits but can cause issues for a small number of people.

That’s why professional skincare brands take care to list allergens and use oils within safe dermal limits. Transparency and patch testing are your best allies in avoiding any unpleasant surprises.

What About "Essential Oil-Free" Formulas?

Some brands now market "essential oil-free" skincare as gentler alternatives. While this may suit some skin types, it doesn’t mean essential oils are unsafe. In fact, when formulated professionally, essential oils can enhance skin health, balance, and overall wellness.

Why We Believe in Essential Oils

At The Rose Tree, we’ve seen the power of essential oils to transform skin—and lives. Beyond their skincare benefits, their aromatic properties can provide a moment of calm in our hectic lives, reducing stress and supporting emotional wellness.

Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, soothe sensitive skin, or simply indulge in a little self-care, essential oils can be your best-kept secret.

Discover the Difference for Yourself

At The Rose Tree, we create luxurious, natural skincare designed for real women—especially those over 40. Our products harness the power of essential oils in safe, balanced formulations that work harmoniously with your skin.

Ready to explore the benefits of essential oils? Discover our collection at www.therosetree.co.uk and find your perfect match.

What’s your experience with essential oils? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


Don't take our word for it

★★★★★

The relief of applying the Rose and Frankincense Radiance cream, topped with a light layer of the Marshmallow and Frangipani Intense Balm was a revelation! My skin is soft, it's calm, it's hydrated. No itching, no bumps... it feels protected and happy.

Helen

Radiance Cream with Rose & Frankincense

★★★★★

It took a long time for me to find a good moisturiser for my 93 year old very dry sensitive skin. Then I found Marshmallow and Frangipani Balm at Rose Tree! It has made my skin very soft and moisturised at last!

Jean

Intensive Balm with Marshmallow & Frangipani

★★★★★

What a little cracker, most cleansers leave my skin dry and taut, not this one! What a change, soft, hydrated skin and that’s just after cleansing!

Annabelle

Carrot & Mango Cleansing Butter

★★★★★

Life changing! Given that I wash up endlessly - we have a busy cafe, I have tried all the ‘best’ hand creams. This one beats them all!

Annabelle

Soothing Hand Balm

★★★★★

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Los Angeles, CA

About Us

I'm Olga, a plant obsessed 50ish woman based in Devon.

I got so fed up with the beauty products being offered to me:

Anti-ageing everything. Made up words. A 20 step face skin routine which no woman ever would have time to follow. Not to mention the latest 'hero' ingredient that would change my life.

And so I decided to create something different.