Essential Oils In Skincare: What’s All The Fuss About?

Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE the internet, too – but, with so much information (and, ahem, misinformation) out there, we get that it can all get a little confusing. So, we’ve decided it’s time to set the story straight about one of the most chatted about skincare ingredients out there: essential oils, or, as we like to say, EOs.

Hold up – what even ARE essential oils?!

Essential oils are a concentrated liquid or plant extract that’s been naturally cultivated and steam-distilled, but which still retains the natural smell and flavour/essence of its source. Essentially (#sorrynotsorry) they take some of the best bits of nature’s favourite creations and pack them into a powerful little liquid form.

A little background on EOs.

Though EOs have been commonly used for aromatherapy and within skincare formulations for a long time, lately there has been a lot of talk about whether they safe to use on your skin.

The truth of the matter is, pure EOs, which have been professionally formulated, do assist the skin in proper function and health [1] – in fact, they can (and do!) contain a huge array of healing and skin-supporting benefits. [2] And, because all the products that we release are backed by years of research, testing, and expertise, we know that each and every ingredient that goes into your favourite Lulu & Marula goodies, including EOs, is there because it’s going to give your skin the love and pampering that it deserves.

So, what’s all the fuss about?

Of course, because they’re so powerful, EOs must be used at specific concentrations, must be pure and unadulterated, and must not be past their shelf life. [3] When people decide to embark on a little DIY skincare wizardry – when essential oils are used in too high of a concentration, or if they’re impure (eek!), oxidised (ahh!), or just downright fake (no thanks!) then they definitely can be sensitising, damaging, and even dangerous.

It’s true that EOs do contain some potential allergens – but, they are not sensitizing to all people. In fact (and you know how we LOVE a good fact) most people have no issue at all with pure, organic, and unadulterated EOs (the only kind we use!) and actually find them extremely therapeutic, anti-inflammatory [4], and regenerating on that gorgeous skin of yours.

What can I expect from the EOs in my fave L&M products?

You’ll be happy to know that we only use EOs in a very safe concentration that has been formulated correctly and with loads of testing behind it. [5] Yup, that’s right, just picture us in our lab coats when you imagine Lulu & Marula being created, because that’s how seriously we take your skincare!

On top of this, we only use EOs in very minimal and more-than-safe concentrations, because we believe in the therapeutic benefits of scent, the effect that they have on mood, and of course the positive impact that they have for your skin.

For example, we use only the best, purest, kindest tea tree oil in both our Purifying Mask & Polish, and our Purifying Treatment Oil. Why? Because tea tree oil is antibacterial, which is brilliant at killing the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (a key component of nasty pimples) and helping to clear skin and keep you looking acne-free and oh-so-happy. [6] Plus, the relaxing scent of tea tree oil can help to promote a sense of calm, especially when you’re enjoying a well-deserved face mask or massaging in your treatment oil at the end of a long day.

One final essential thought

If you already know that you have an allergic reaction to EOs, then sadly our range may just not be for you. As with any new skincare product, we advise that you do a patch test before you dive in face first, but we hope you’ll find, as most people do, that the Lulu & Marula way is just what your gorgeous face needs.

Team L&M x

References
[1] Aruoma O.I. Free radicals, oxidative stress, and antioxidants in human health and disease. J. Am.
Oil Chem. Soc. 1998;75:199–212. doi: 10.1007/s11746-998-0032-9.
[2] http://www.journalrepository.org/media/journals/EJMP_13/2012/Dec/1354795022-
Bertuzzi%20et%20al_312012EJMP1987.pdf
[3] http://info.achs.edu/blog/debunking-dangerous-myths-about-essential-oils
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221400851730010X
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10082788
[6] https://labmuffin.com/fact-check-does-tea-tree-oil-work/