As your body’s outer armour, your skin goes through a lot - and it needs the right care to keep it looking and feeling healthy. From changing weather and pollution to stress and diet, your skin is constantly exposed to external and internal pressures.
Essential oils are a great natural option for creating smooth, clean and glowing skin. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, the right oils can help soothe irritation, balance excess oil and restore hydration.
In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best essential oils for skin, how they support different skin types, and how to use them safely as part of your everyday routine. Afterwards, you’ll know which essential oils can keep your skin happier for longer.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Skin
The search for the perfect skincare routine can often feel overwhelming. There is a wealth of products in the market that claim to solve common skin issues such as acne, ageing, dry skin and so much more.
But if you’re looking for a natural solution, there are several essential oils that are good for the skin and can benefit your skincare regime. Some soothe and calm the skin while others rejuvenate and pep it up – each essential oil helps the skin in different ways, depending on its natural properties and the benefits they deliver.
Some of the more popular benefits of essential oils for skin include:
Introducing essential oils into a daily routine is easy - you just need to know which ones are best for what purpose and find the right one for your needs.
Best Essential Oils For Skin
Every essential oil has versatile properties, meaning that the same oil may be used to support the skin in different ways.
So, which essential oils are good for the skin? From soothing inflammation to reducing wrinkles, here are some of our favourite essential oils for skin:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil is said to be one of the most beneficial oils for skin. No wonder it’s such a common ingredient in skincare products, well-known for treating different skin complaints such as acne, scarring, redness and wrinkles.
Thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, many people use Lavender for skin care to unclog pores and kill bacteria that can cause acne breakouts or blemishes.
When using Lavender Essential Oil on skin, many people find it helps tone and rebalance the complexion while supporting the skin’s healing process. Its antifungal and anti-inflammatory qualities may also help treat skin issues like eczema.
Because Lavender works in harmony with the skins natural oils, it can calm dryness without over-stripping, making it suitable for both oily and sensitive skin types.
Its antioxidant properties further help defend the skin against environmental stressors like pollution and sun exposure.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense Essential Oil is widely considered one of the best essential oils for skin, especially for anti-ageing purposes. Often called ‘liquid gold for the face’, it’s one of the most recommended essential oils for supporting a smoother, more balanced complexion.
When using essential oils on skin, Frankincense stands out for its ability to reduce the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, stretch marks and scars. It also helps balance oil production, making it suitable for dry, oily and mature skin types alike.
With natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Frankincense remains a popular choice in skincare for promoting clearer, calmer and more refined-looking skin.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Few oils have earned the reputation Tea Tree Oil has in natural skincare. Among the best Essential Oils Australia is known for, Tea Tree continues to stand out for its powerful purifying action – so when it comes to reliable, results-driven Essential Oils for skin, it’s hard to overlook.
When properly diluted and applied topically, it’s commonly used to help reduce blemishes, soothe insect bites, calm sunburn and support minor skin irritations such as eczema and cold sores. Its strong antibacterial and antifungal properties make it particularly effective for clarifying and purifying the skin.
With additional anti-inflammatory and healing qualities, Tea Tree Essential Oil remains a staple in natural skincare for keeping skin clear, balanced and protected.
Rose Essential Oil
If your skin needs something gentle yet deeply nourishing, Rose Essential Oil is often considered one of the most beneficial oils for skin. Its balanced composition makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or inflamed complexions - a perfect example of how good oils and skin can work in harmony.
Naturally rich in antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent properties, Rose Oil helps calm redness and refine the appearance of pores. Its antimicrobial activity and natural Vitamin C content also support a brighter, more even-looking complexion, helping to reduce the appearance of scars, pigmentation and dark spots.
Rose Oil is particularly effective for mature skin, as its antioxidant properties help smooth texture, soften fine lines and restore radiance. At the same time, it delivers lasting hydration, making it a beautiful option for concerns such as dryness, eczema, rosacea and general sensitivity.
Peppermint Essential Oil
If you’re exploring good oils and skin support, Peppermint Oil is a standout for its cooling and clarifying properties and is often listed among the best essential oils for refreshing and revitalising the skin.
Thanks to its natural antiseptic and antibacterial qualities, Peppermint oil and skin care go hand in hand when it comes to cleansing pores and reducing surface bacteria. Its signature cooling sensation helps soothe irritation, calm redness and ease inflammation, making it particularly helpful for overheated or sun-exposed skin.
When properly diluted and applied topically, Peppermint Oil can also create a mild analgesic effect, helping to relieve discomfort associated with minor skin complaints and sunburn. For a fresh, clean and invigorated feel, it remains a popular addition to natural skincare routines.
Note that there are several types of Peppermint Oil – including Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Arvensis) and Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita) - and they all have the same calming effect on skin thanks to key constituent, menthol.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
If you’re looking for gentle yet effective essential oils for skin, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil is often considered one of the best essential oils for calming sensitive or reactive skin - and is therefore a wise place to start.
Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, Roman Chamomile helps calm redness, irritation and acne-prone skin. Its natural antiseptic qualities support clearer pores, while its calming nature helps tone and lightly moisturise without overwhelming the skin.
When using essential oils on the face, Roman Chamomile is especially valued for delicate or problem-prone complexions. It’s often used to help ease rosacea, rashes, eczema and general irritation, making it a go-to oil for restoring balance and comfort.
Using essential oils on skin
Essential oils are highly potent, and it is recommended to dilute them in a carrier oil before topical application (on the skin).
Potency levels vary from one oil to the next. When using essential oils for skin support, follow the guidelines specific to the oil, as follows:
- Lavender Oil: 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and 1% dilution for facial application.
- Frankincense Oil: 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and 1% dilution for facial application.
- Tea Tree Oil: 1 – 2% dilution for skin application and 0.5 - 1% dilution for facial application.
- Rose Oil: 1 – 2% dilution for skin application and 1% dilution for facial application.
- Peppermint Oil: 1 – 2% dilution for skin application and 1% dilution for facial application.
- Roman Chamomile Oil: 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and 1% dilution for facial application.
Topical Dilution Guides
Popular Ways to Use Essential Oils on Skin
Skin serum: Blend 30ml of carrier oil such as Jojoba with 2 drops each of Frankincense and Lavender, plus 1 drop of Rose Essential Oil. Add to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply to the face once a day.
Blemish treatment: Combine 1 tsp carrier oil such as Jojoba with 1 drop each of Tea Tree and Frankincense Essential Oils. Mix well and apply directly to blemishes using a cotton bud daily.
Body Oil: For smoother skin and a radiant glow, combine 30ml Sweet Almond Oil and 10ml Jojoba Oil with 3 drops of Lavender, Frankincense and Rose Essential Oils. Add to a glass bottle, shake well and massage into damp skin after showering to help seal in hydration.
Other Tips For HEALTHY SKIN
While essential oils for skin can play a powerful role in supporting a clearer, more balanced complexion, they work best as part of a consistent, well-rounded routine. Healthy skin is rarely about one single product — it’s about the small habits you practise every day.
Alongside natural oils, you may also benefit from the following simple skincare foundations (always speak to your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure what’s right for you):
- Moisturise after washing your face to help lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier.
- Wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to prevent premature ageing and sun damage.
- Develop a gentle cleansing routine that suits your skin type without over-stripping natural oils.
- Drink plenty of water to support hydration from within.
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to nourish your skin at a cellular level.
- Consider targeted supplements if recommended by a healthcare professional.
When you combine supportive lifestyle habits with the right skincare choices, you give your skin the best chance to look healthy, resilient and radiant.
Where To Buy Essential Oils For Skin
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!
Essential Oil Safety
While essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
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In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
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Avoid using Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
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We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
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Essential Oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Follow our recommended dilution guidelines for safe use of essential oils.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.
FAQs
Are Rose and Rose Geranium Essential Oil the same thing?
No, Rose and Rose Geranium Essential Oils are not the same as they derive from different plants and contain different properties.
Although they share a similar floral aroma and are both valued in skincare, Rose Oil is typically more luxurious and hydrating, while Rose Geranium is often used to help balance oil production and support combination or oily skin types.
Is Peppermint Oil good for skin conditions like acne?
Peppermint Oil can be helpful for certain skin concerns when properly diluted. Thanks to its antibacterial and cooling properties, it may support acne-prone skin by helping to cleanse pores and reduce surface bacteria. Its natural cooling effect can also soothe irritation and redness. However, because Peppermint Oil is quite potent, it should always be diluted in a carrier oil and patch tested before applying to sensitive or reactive skin.