Essential Oils in Face Care: A Thoughtful, Intentional Approach

You may have seen articles claiming that essential oils should “never” be used on the face. These pieces are often written with strong language and good intentions — but they don’t always tell the full story.

Essential oils are powerful plant allies. When used carelessly, they can irritate. When used intentionally and gently, they can be both supportive to the skin and deeply regulating to the nervous system.

Why do some people avoid essential oils in facial products

The concern around essential oils is not unfounded. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant compounds. In skincare, problems tend to arise when they are:

Used at too high a percentage, stacked across many products used daily, and applied to already compromised or reactive skin.

Over time, repeated overexposure can lead to irritation or sensitization — especially for those with rosacea, eczema, or very sensitive skin.

This is why many dermatologists and cosmetic chemists take a firm stance against them altogether.

The part that often gets left out of the conversation

Essential oils have been used topically, ceremonially, and medicinally for thousands of years across cultures — long before modern synthetic fragrance or isolated chemical actives existed.

When they are used:

Properly diluted

Paired with nourishing carrier oils

Selected for skin compatibility

Applied with intention rather than excess

…many people tolerate them beautifully and experience benefits that go beyond the skin, like aromatherapy. So the main takeaway should be that essential oils are not “bad”, but they are potent.

The aromatherapy experience: skin + nervous system

Skincare doesn’t happen in isolation. Our skin and nervous system are deeply connected. We could all guess that stress and skin irritations are probably linked. Essential oils can help here. When used intentionally, essential oils can support relaxation and stress regulation, create a grounding ritual at the start or end of the day, encourage slower, more mindful self-care.

For many people, this ritual component is not superficial — it’s regulating. I'm a busy Mom, and I'm not saying that proudly. I'd love to feel slowed down and not so busy. I have noticed that when I use my face oil (Revive) I get excited. It's a mini moment of calm and aromatherapy for me. And it feels so good and my entire face looks way better immediately. 

The scent of a carefully chosen botanical blend can signal safety, calm, and presence. That matters.

Our approach: intentional, minimal, respectful

We use essential oils only when they serve a purpose — never as filler fragrance.

In our face oil, we chose:

Frankincense for its long history of use in skin rejuvenation and ritual

Lavender for its calming and skin-supportive properties

Jasmine for its gentle, uplifting aromatic profile

These oils are among the most traditionally face-appropriate essential oils. Used at low, carefully calculated percentage and balanced with nourishing, skin-supportive carrier oils. Every decision is intentional and that is how you safely and effectively use essential oils.

If you would like an essential oil free version of the Revive Face Oil we are able to custom make that for you. Please reach out and we'll happy to help.