List of Common Essential Oils
Essential oils are created by extracting the oil of plants. They have therapeutic qualities and a beautiful long-lasting fragrance. When making soap, don’t confuse them with the cheaper versions called ‘fragrance oils’ or ‘perfume oils’. Here’s a good article describing what to look for in essential oils.
Essential oils are used in aromatherapy and are very useful in creating natural handmade soaps. Remember that true essential oils are very potent and need to be handled with care. Store them in glass bottles in a dark, cool place.
- Anise – sweet, licorice type smell. Used as a mood lifter
- Basil – helps as a skin toner and to control acne
- Bergamot – calming, earthy scent with antiseptic qualities. Mixes well with other scents.
- Cardamom – spicy scent in the ginger family
- Carrot seed – anti-aging
- Cedarwood – astringent properties that make it good for oily skin
- Cinnamon – sweet, spicy scent we’re all familiar with. Has some anti-oxidant properties.
- Citronella – lemony smell used to repel mosquitoes
- Clove – strong, spicy smell with antiseptic qualities
- Coriander – mixes well with other spicy scents and is rejuvenating
- Eucalyptus – good for clearing nasal passages, anti-fungal, insect repellant
- Fennel – lifts your mood
- Frankincense – nice woodsy scent. Good toner for aging skin
- Geranium – light floral scent
- Grapefruit – uplifting citrusy scent, helps with dull skin
- Jasmine – floral scent that’s good for all skin types
- Juniper berries – helps with eczema and acne
- Lavender – very calming scent used a lot for babies. Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
- Lemon – perennial favorite citrus scent. Antiseptic and uplifting
- Lime – another citrus scent with sweet undertones. Mixes well with others
- Marjoram – helps with sleeping
- Myrrh – musky scent. Helps with aging skin.
- Orange – bright, cheerful citrus scent, anti-depressant
- Patchouli – sensual fragrance with many good qualities for all skin types
- Pennyroyal – goes well with sage, rosemary and eucalyptus
- Peppermint – very invigorating smell we all love
- Pine - woodsy and antiseptic
- Rose – floral scent that helps with relaxing
- Rosemary – herbal scent that’s used as an astrigent
- Sage - common sage has a spicy scent. Not for use by pregnant women
- Sandalwood – nice spicy scent. Mature trees are becoming scarce and some eco-conscious soapmakers don’t use it anymore.
- Spearmint – milder than peppermint but still uplifting
- Tea Tree – medicinal and anti-fungal qualities. Helps soothe irritated skin
- Vanilla – warm, rich scent that enhances and blends well with others
- Ylang ylang – exotic floral scent that’s fresh and delicate. Helps with depression and anxiety
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