Soothe your ailments naturally? Discover how essential oils and aromatherapy are used by cosmetic companies.

Anxiety, stress, headaches, respiratory issues… There are so many everyday ailments that disrupt our well-being. Feel like you’ve tried everything to ease them? What if we told you that many of these discomforts can be relieved with the help of essential oils?

There are dozens of options out there, so it’s important to know which oil to use and when. In this article, you’ll discover the benefits of aromatherapy, and how our cosmetic company integrates this natural method into its products.

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant extracts, usually in the form of essential oils, to prevent or relieve physical or emotional complaints. Humans have used essential oils for their healing properties for centuries, especially in ancient civilizations such as China, Egypt, and India. However, the modern version of aromatherapy as we know it today only emerged in the early 20th century.Even a dermocosmetic company can benefit from using aromatherapy today.

But how are essential oils actually extracted? Also known as plant essences, essential oils are obtained through mechanical processes like dry distillation or steam distillation of aromatic plants (like lavender, chamomile, thyme) or specific parts of plants (such as flowers, roots, fruits, etc.). These oils contain hundreds of terpene and aromatic molecules that are particularly beneficial to health. This stage is often carried out by a company specializing in cosmetic formulation.

Essential oils vary widely in composition and properties depending on the plant source. They can be used orally, topically, or via diffusion. But they can also be incorporated as active ingredients in a cosmetic product by a professional formulator. In every case, caution is required.

Use With Caution!

Just because essential oils come from plants and are natural does not mean they’re automatically safe for your health. Essential oils are highly potent and must be used with great precision and in very small amounts.

Aromatherapy is a natural form of treatment, but that doesn’t mean it’s gentle. On the contrary, essential oils are extremely powerful substances. This is why cosmetic companies must properly train their formulators on how to use them safely. Some oils are dermocaustic (can burn the skin), others are allergenic or photosensitizing (making the skin more sensitive to UV rays). Some are even neurotoxic or hepatotoxic, potentially causing nausea, seizures, or liver strain.

When used correctly and in appropriate doses, however, essential oils can be incredibly effective. The dosage is usually expressed in drops, from 2 to 10, depending on the oil. They must always be diluted in a carrier (such as a vegetable oil) before application. Whether in a bath, a diffuser, orally, topically, or in cosmetics, you must know how to use them properly. Cosmetic brands working with essential oils must also perform tolerance testing to ensure safe concentration levels in their formulas.

Examples of Essential Oils and Their Benefits

There are over 200 types of essential oils. Here are a few with well-known properties:

Peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita): High in menthol, it offers excellent pain relief. Often used for headaches, digestive issues, and nasal congestion.

Tarragon oil (Estragon): Contains estragole; antispasmodic and anti-allergic. Soothes cramps, period pain, and hay fever symptoms.

Chamomile oil: Calms irritated skin (allergies, itching, eczema, psoriasis, acne). Widely used in facial care due to its soothing properties.

Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris with Thuyanol): Antiseptic and anti-infectious. Stimulates immunity and supports circulation (e.g., for heavy legs).

Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia): Regenerates and heals skin. Calming and anti-inflammatory.

Lemon verbena oil: A strong antioxidant that protects against skin aging. Tones and stimulates the skin. Popular in cosmetic formulations.

Yarrow oil (Achillea Millefolium): Hemostatic, relieves itching, and stimulates circulation thanks to its monoterpenes.

When Cosmetic Companies Get Involved

Many essential oils can be used as powerful actives in cosmetic formulas. Whether for skin or hair care, they can address issues like acne, wrinkles, scars, excessive sweating, dandruff, or oily scalp. Their targeted action makes them especially popular among beauty brands!

For example, a cosmetic company might use: Fragonia for purifying oily skin, rose oil for anti-aging, atlas cedar for dandruff, ylang-Ylang for shiny hair, clary sage for oily hair, geranium for skin concerns like eczema or stretch marks.

More and more beauty and perfume brands are embracing aromatherapy to create unique, multifunctional care products. For instance, combining essential oils in a shampoo with a scalp massage offers a relaxing experience. When used in skincare, they broaden the product’s effectiveness while aligning with the green and clean beauty trend. They also allow formulators to replace potentially harmful synthetic chemicals.

One example is Anybrand Cosmetic, inspired by the haircare brand Hairborist, which applies aromatherapy principles in its product development. Anybrand formulates personalized cosmetic products using the benefits of essential oils.

Final Thought: Knowledge Is Key

Using essential oils effectively requires deep knowledge and training. If you’re thinking of using them yourself, make sure you’re properly informed — or better yet, seek guidance from a professional.

Our advice? Choose skincare or cosmetic products made by a specialized cosmetic company experienced in aromatherapy, and preferably, certified organic too..