10 Best Essential Oils For Skincare

This post about the benefits of essential oils for skincare is written by Trysh from Pure Path.

I use essential oils a lot in my DIY beauty products, but my main motivation to choose one over the other is usually how much I love the scent.

Each essential oil actually comes with its own set of benefits. If you know which one to choose, you might be able to kiss goodbye to that skin issue that’s been haunting you forever!

Trysh shares her favorite essential oils for skincare to treat all kinds of issues, from rosacea to psoriasis. Number one in the list below probably surprised ME the most!

How To choose the best essential oils for your skin type

No matter your age or skin concerns, there’s a good chance you’re looking for products that will work well for your skin type and give you a healthy complexion for years to come.

If you’re looking for natural alternatives to conventional skin care, there are a variety of essential oils that could prove helpful. Whether you want to balance the oils in your skin, nourish it to prevent dryness, need help tackling eczema or rosacea, there is an essential oil you can add to your beauty routine that will help you achieve the beautiful complexion you’ve always wanted.

The 10 best essential oils for skincare are:

1. Basil
2. Clary Sage
3. Frankincense
4. Geranium
5. Lavender
6. Lemongrass
7. Neroli
8. Roman Chamomile
9. Tea Tree
10. Ylang Ylang

It’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before trying out a new essential oil, esepcially if you have sensitive skin.

1. Basil Oil

– For sensitive skin
– To treat sunburned skin

If you’ve been in the sun for extended periods of time, basil oil can be used to treat sunburned skin. The oil is also ideal for sensitive skin and can be combined with a carrier oil like avocado or olive oil as a natural treatment for mosquito bites.

You can even apply basil oil (with carrier oil) to the skin before going outside in the spring and summer to prevent insect bites, however, facial use is not recommended.

A patch test is also recommended before using basil oil.

2. Clary Sage

– For aging skin and oily/acne prone skin
– Reduces puffiness

This soothing oil can reduce inflammation in the skin and prevent the puffiness that can sometimes occur around the eyes. Clary sage also contains antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, potentially reducing the signs of aging.

Another benefit of clary sage essential oil is that it helps to control sebum production, which is particularly helpful if you have oily, acne prone skin.

3. Frankincense

– Helps balance skin tone
– Fades dark spots

Frankincense has been used as a natural beauty treatment for centuries, and thoroughly cleanses the skin. This oil also helps to balance skin tone and can get help to fade dark spots with consistent use.

Frankincense can be used as an astringent after cleansing the face, and is also an effective diuretic and digestive aid, which can also help you to achieve clearer skin.

4. Geranium

– For oily skin
– helps control acne

If you have very oily skin, geranium can balance the oil in your skin, which can help to control your acne. The oil can be used as an astringent since it thoroughly conditions the skin and can be added to a gentle moisturizer to prevent excess oil production throughout the day.

5. Lavender Oil

– For sensitive skin
– Has antibacterial properties

The most popular and versatile essential oil on the market, lavender oil helps to soothe the skin and prevent redness. This is especially important for individuals with sensitive skin and rosacea. Lavender also helps to calm eczema and has antibacterial properties that get rid of the bacteria on the skin that contributes to acne.

You can use lavender oil combined with witch hazel as a nighttime toner to improve your skin and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Simply pour a few drops of lavender oil in your witch hazel or mix with rosewater for a toner to balance the skin after cleansing.

6. Lemongrass

– Balances the skin
– Earthy, citrus scent

Lemongrass makes the skin especially radiant and gives your complexion a natural glow. This essential oil also safely removes impurities from the face and has an earthy, citrus scent that invigorates the senses.

It can easily be added to a liquid skin cleanser to improve the look of your skin and can be added to witch hazel as a toner that balances the skin.

7. Neroli

– For sensitive and aging skin
– Improves elasticity

Neroli is a wonderful oil to use for deep cleansing and clarity if you have sensitive skin. This oil is also known for its ability to regenerate skin cells and improve elasticity making it beneficial for delaying the aging process – firming and revitalizing the skin for a more youthful appearance.

8. Roman Chamomile

– For sensitive and acne prone skin
– Soothes inflammation

Roman chamomile is known for its relaxing properties, and the tea of its flowers is often used to calm the nervous system and soothe external inflammation on the surface of the skin.

Roman chamomile is also a natural treatment for eczema and rosacea and helps to rid the skin of acne-causing bacteria.

To use roman chamomile oil, mix 3 to 4 drops with a carrier such as coconut oil. However, when using it on your face, use 2 drops with a non comedogenic oil such as argan or rosehip oil.

9. Tea Tree Oil

– For acne prone skin
– Removes bacteria from cuts and scrapes

Tea tree oil is often recommended for people who suffer from severe acne. Tea tree can also remove bacteria from cuts and scrapes and helps to prevent infection. The oil can also be combined with glycerin and rosewater for a daily facial cleanser.

Tea tree oil is often preferred over traditional acne treatments like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, because conventional acne cleansers often contain fillers and harmful ingredients that can damage the skin over time.

Studies have also shown that tea tree oil can work just as well as well reputed acne products such as those containing benzoyl peroxide. Furthermore, tea tree oil presented less side effects.

10. Ylang Ylang

– For oily and acne prone skin
– Moisturizes the skin

Ylang Ylang oil is great for balancing your skin’s oil production, and can reduce acne flare-ups.

The oil also promotes the growth of cells, so it’s an effective natural treatment if you suffer from psoriasis. Ylang Ylang also moisturizes the skin without clogging the pores, making it a great oil for people with oily skin to use during the colder months.

Ylang ylang is also an effective home remedy for treating head lice when combined with anise and coconut oil to create a spray.

Bonus: Rose Absolute (also called rose water)

Rose water isn’t an essential oil but it is a byproduct of making rose essential oil. It is called an absolute or hydrosol and it is what remains after steam distillation of rose petals.

Even though it is a byproduct, it has its own host of benefits and has been used in skincare since the days of Cleopatra.

Rose water is great for your skin primarily because it helps to maintain the skins natural pH balance and control excess oil. It also has a long list of other skin benefits such as being an anti-inflammatory and moisturizing.

Trysh Sutton is a wife, mother, strategic leader and teacher. She runs a website called Pure Path Essential Oils, which is a naturopathic wellness site that promotes healthy living and healing through the use of essential oils and sustainable living.