People often ask me why I choose essential oils for my products, especially when they’ve seen advice to avoid them if they have sensitive skin. Essential oils are concentrated and deserve care, and some people may react, but a broad warning doesn’t tell the whole story. As a qualified aromatherapist, I consider each oil, how it’s used and what it brings to a blend.
Different oils have different properties. Research has explored particular oils and uses, although the evidence varies. I don’t see them as miracle cures, but I don’t think they should all be dismissed with one broad warning either. I believe in understanding each oil, using it thoughtfully and enjoying the whole experience. And for me, the aroma matters just as much as the therapeutic side: a breath of a favourite scent can be a little pause, a moment to slow down, a spa in a little bottle.
How the magic happens
There’s a lovely bit of plant craft behind every essential oil. Many are made by steam distillation: steam passes through the plant material and carries its aromatic molecules with it. As the vapour cools, the oil can be separated and collected.
Citrus oils are often made differently. Their aromatic oil sits in tiny pockets in the peel, which can be gently pressed or expressed, often called cold pressing. The plant part and the way its aroma is gathered help give each oil its own character.
French lavender has always been a favourite of mine. When I was a child, we would visit the South of France. I remember visiting a perfumery in Grasse, and running through fields of lavender. That scent has stayed with me ever since. Even now, it takes me straight back to those early memories. That’s the magic of scent: sometimes one breath can take you somewhere you’ve loved.
A little care makes a difference
Essential oils are concentrated, so more is not better. In my own blends, I use them at levels well below the recommended maximum for their intended use. That’s a considered choice, but everyone is different, and careful use can’t rule out sensitivity altogether.
There’s another detail people don’t always hear about: oxidation. Some naturally occurring fragrance components, including limonene and linalool, can change over time when exposed to air and light. The compounds formed as they oxidise may be more likely to trigger a contact allergy in someone who is sensitised. It’s not that oxidation creates the original components, but that it can change them.
That’s why I choose dark, UV-protective bottles. They help limit light exposure and slow oxidation. They don’t stop it completely, so I keep bottles closed and away from heat and direct sunlight too.
I don’t add synthetic perfume to my products. I want the aroma to come from the botanicals themselves, and I choose essential oils thoughtfully for the character they bring to a blend. That’s a personal choice that feels right for the way I make my products. Natural doesn’t mean suitable for everyone, though, which is why I’m careful about what I use and how much.
What about pregnancy?
Pregnancy doesn’t automatically mean every essential oil is off limits. As a qualified aromatherapist, I consider the particular oil, how it will be used, the stage of pregnancy and the individual. Some oils or methods of use aren’t appropriate at certain stages, so advice needs to be specific rather than a blanket yes or no. If you have individual health concerns, it’s sensible to speak with your maternity healthcare professional too.
For me, aromatherapy is the care and knowledge behind each choice, and the pleasure of an aroma that means something to you. A little bottle can hold a whole lot of plant, a little moment of calm, and sometimes a memory you’ve carried since childhood.
With love, Clare x
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Essential oils are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a healthcare professional.