are essential oils safe for your skin?

Essential oils are a popular ingredient in natural skincare, and for good reason. They can give a product a beautiful natural scent and some have properties that can be beneficial to the skin.

But natural doesn't automatically mean that it's safe for everyone.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, so a little goes a long way. The type of oil, how much is used, and whether it is being used in a product that is washed off or left on the skin all make a difference.

are some essential oils safer than others?

Yes. Some essential oils have a long history of use in skincare and are generally considered to be gentler when properly diluted. Lavender, frankincense and cedarwood are examples that are commonly used in skincare.

That doesn't mean that everyone will tolerate them. Any essential oil can potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction, particularly when used in high concentrations.

Some oils also require extra care. Certain citrus oils, for example, can cause photosensitivity when applied to skin that is subsequently exposed to sunlight. That's one reason I carefully consider not only how an essential oil smells, but also how appropriate it is for the product I'm making.

pet safety

It's also worth remembering that what's safe for people isn't necessarily safe for our pets. Some essential oils can be harmful to cats and dogs, particularly when they are exposed to concentrated oils. It's best to keep essential oils safely away from pets and avoid applying concentrated oils directly onto our furry friends.

natural doesn't mean irritation-free

I believe that natural skincare should be about choosing ingredients thoughtfully, rather than simply assuming that everything natural is automatically better. When I use essential oils, I choose them with the product in mind and I follow the safety guidelines to be sure to use them at appropriate levels.

And sometimes, the best scent is simply the one that doesn't overpower you. I love creating soaps with natural scents that are noticeable without being overwhelming.

why do some scents last longer than others?

If you've ever noticed that the scent of one soap seems to linger while another disappears quite quickly, there's a good reason for that.

Essential oils have different evaporation rates. Some are very light and volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly. Citrus oils such as lemon and orange tend to be in this category. Others, such as patchouli, cedarwood and vetiver are heavier oils and evaporate more slowly, allowing their scent to linger much longer.

This is also why essential oils are often blended together. A lighter oil can provide that lovely first impression, while a heavier oil helps anchor the scent and gives it staying power.

Essential oils can be a wonderful part of natural skincare. The key is knowing your ingredients, understanding how they behave, and using them thoughtfully.

That's the approach I take when choosing the ingredients that go into twigs n dirt products — pure and simple.