Natural skincare. What essential oils suit your skin type and how to apply them.

Adapt your skincare to your skin. Personalise your cosmetics, and make them yourself if you like. With a few very basic ingredients you can create nourishing, high-quality skincare at home, tailored exactly to what your skin needs.

Essential oils in cosmetics

Essential oils have been used in cosmetics for centuries. Their benefits for the skin are well documented and chosen depending on the skin type or the result you are looking for. For a gentle start to personalising your skincare, add a few drops of essential oil to a face cream you already trust, or buy a plain, unscented natural cream and add your favourite oil to it.

If you prefer applying oil directly, choose a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba. Natural skincare is very much a journey of self-discovery, so allow yourself to experiment. Beyond the visible effects on the skin, notice the scent of each oil and how it shifts your mood. Your nose is a reliable guide, and in time you will know what suits you.

How to use essential oils safely on skin

Essential oils are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way and they should always be treated with care.

• Never apply neat (undiluted) essential oils directly to the skin, as this may cause irritation. Always dilute them in a carrier oil or cream first.
• Patch test a small amount on the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use.
• Essential oils are for external use only and should not be ingested.
• Before using an oil, take a moment to smell it. If you do not enjoy the scent, simply choose another.

How many drops to use

As a general guide, for every 100 ml of cream or carrier oil use roughly 20 drops of essential oil in total. To begin with, avoid blending more than three different oils at once, so you can still distinguish the individual fragrances and effects. Start with small batches while you find the combinations you love.

Essential oils by skin type

Dry skin

Clary sage essential oil
Frankincense essential oil
Geranium essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Jasmine essential oil
Myrrh essential oil
Patchouli essential oil
Roman Chamomile essential oil
Rose essential oil
Sandalwood essential oil
Ylang ylang essential oil

Dry skin tends to benefit from richer, more nourishing oils. Frankincense and rose are traditionally valued for mature, dry complexions, while a richer carrier such as jojoba helps lock in moisture.

Sensitive skin

Frankincense essential oil
Geranium essential oil
Jasmine essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Rose essential oil
Sandalwood essential oil

If your skin is reactive, keep blends simple and dilutions low. Lavender and Roman chamomile are among the gentlest options, and a patch test is especially important here.

Oily skin

Clary sage essential oil
Frankincense essential oil
Geranium essential oil
Patchouli essential oil
Peppermint essential oil
Roman Chamomile essential oil
Rosemary essential oil
Sandalwood essential oil
Tea tree essential oil
Ylang ylang essential oil

For oilier or blemish-prone skin, lighter carrier oils such as jojoba (which closely mimics the skin's own sebum) work well, paired with balancing oils like geranium and tea tree.

Mature skin

Frankincense essential oil
Geranium essential oil
Jasmine essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Myrrh essential oil
Patchouli essential oil
Rose essential oil
Rosemary essential oil
Sandalwood essential oil
Ylang ylang essential oil

Mature skin is often drawn to the deeper, resinous notes of frankincense and myrrh alongside the floral richness of rose, all traditionally favoured in skincare blends.

FAQs

Can I put essential oils directly on my face?

No. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted in a carrier oil or cream before applying to the skin to avoid irritation.

How many drops of essential oil should I add to my cream?

As a general guide, use around 20 drops of essential oil in total per 100 ml of cream or carrier oil, and start with fewer if your skin is sensitive.

Which carrier oils work best for the face?

Jojoba is a popular all-rounder because it is light and similar to the skin's natural sebum, while coconut and olive oil offer richer options for drier skin.

How do I know if an essential oil suits my skin?

Patch test a diluted amount on the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If there is no redness or irritation, it can usually be used more widely.

Can I mix several essential oils together?

Yes, but to begin with keep to no more than three oils per blend so you can clearly tell the scents and effects apart and adjust to your liking.