The Science Behind Our Essential Oils

We love blending our all-natural cold-pressed moringa oil with other natural ingredients to bring you the finest skincare products that target your needs. One of our favorite ways to enhance our recipes is with the use of different essential oils, each of which bring their own fantastic properties to address the specific needs of your hair and skin.

So much more than just aromatic, essential oils have been used for their medicinal properties since practically the beginning of history. Some kill bacteria and fungi, others aid in circulation and metabolism, and still others can help increase milk production in pregnant and nursing mothers. Focusing on different extraction methods and different parts of the plants, proponents of essential oil isolate the richest components of a plant's oils to create potent tonics for every ailment. 

With hundreds of uniquely useful essential oils to choose from, we’re constantly exploring different combinations to create the ideal mixture of complimentary ingredients. Here are a few of our favorite essential oils, and the chemistry behind why we use them:

Peppermint Oil (found in our Refresh Face · Body · Hair Oil)

Peppermint is one of those beautiful plants that’s good for just about everything—from a sore throat tonic to throwing in a festive mojito! But in addition to putting it in your body, it’s great to use on your body as well. High in esters and monoterpenes (a key ingredient in essential oils), and with antiviral and antifungal properties, peppermint oil is extremely soothing, and perfect for combating hair-related issues like dandruff and lice. We use it in our hair treatment to gently relieve and repair itchy, irritated scalps.

Lavender Oil (found in our Tranquility Face · Body · Hair Oil)

Lavender is one of the gentlest essential oils, okay to use on even the most sensitive skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help mend damaged skin, and because it’s fungicidal, it’s thought to help reduce the frequency of yeast infections. Like peppermint oil, lavender is rich in esters, which are calming and helpful in combating insomnia, anxiety, and stress. You can lather lavender all over to reap the benefits of this ingredient, which is why you’ll find it in so many of our moisturizers and soaps.

Neroli Oil (found in our Passion Face · Body · Hair Oil and Rejuvenating Body Polish)

Neroli oil is actually derived from the same plant as orange blossom essential oil—only differing in the method of extraction. Neroli, the subtler of the two scents, is a great boost to your immune system. It can help stave off colds, while promoting circulation and metabolic activity. But the most common use of neroli oil is in anti-blemish creams. This incredible oil helps marks and scars on the skin fade, while stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Dab it on your face to reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars, or use it combined with an exfoliant to brighten new skin as you slough off the old.

Lemongrass Oil (found in our Alive Face · Body · Hair Oil)

Lemongrass is another excellent soothing agent due to its high concentration of aldehydes, which like esters are calming to the nervous system. It’s also an astringent with the added benefit of encouraging healthy hair growth. Lemongrass essential oil is great for use on oily, itchy, or thinning hair.