The 5 Best Essential Oils for Skin
Essential oils are a natural and effective way to care for your skin, offering benefits like hydration, soothing irritation, and fighting signs of aging. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. In this post, you’ll discover the 5 best essential oils for skin and how to use them for a healthy, radiant glow.
The Best Essential Oils for Skin
Essential oils have become a huge part of my life over the years. I use them for a variety of purposes. They’re an essential part of my skincare routine. So I wanted to share with you the best essential oils for skin.
(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure statement here.)
I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before using essential oils on children under 5 or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Please do not ask me for medical advice. Click here to read my full disclaimer.
Essential Oils for Skincare
Essential oils can help improve the skin in many ways. Some are good for acne and pimples. Some are good for fine lines and aging. You can treat a variety of skin conditions with essential oils.
I’ve almost completely replaced all my old (toxin-filled) skincare products with DIY versions made with essential oils. And guess what? They work just as well, if not better.
I recommend checking out my DIY under-eye roller made with essential oils! It’s amazing for erasing fine lines and reducing puffiness. I also have a homemade face serum for glowing skin that you will love as well!
The Best Essential Oils for the Skin
Below you will find my absolute favorite essential oils to use on the skin. In my opinion, they are the best. I’ve tried other essential oils that are supposed to be good for the skin, but they haven’t worked as well as these essential oils!
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is not called the king of essential oils for nothing! It is so amazingly versatile. Whatever issue you’re having, frankincense has got you covered.
It is my all-time favorite essential oil for the skin. I’m in my late 30s now, and I need all the help I can get!
It can heal and restore damaged skin, reduce the appearance of scars, lighten dark spots, and improve skin tone and elasticity. It can also slow the signs of aging by preventing and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Frankincense essential oil can also help prevent acne and reduce the appearance of pores.
Lavender Essential Oil
Next time you’re at your favorite beauty supply store, take a look at the ingredient labels of some of the skincare products. You’ll discover lavender essential oil is used in many popular serums and creams.
That’s because it does wonders for the skin.
Lavender essential oil possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. In addition to treating acne and reducing wrinkles, it can also soothe and heal a sunburn.
I recommend checking out my DIY sunburn spray made with lavender essential oil!
It can also eliminate itching associated with bug bites. Check out my bug bite roller blend recipe made with lavender essential oil!
Whatever skin-related issue you’ve got going on, I can almost guarantee that lavender essential oil can help!
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil isn’t primarily used for anti-aging, but it is excellent for acne-prone skin. It’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Tea tree essential oil contains compounds that have been shown to kill certain fungi, bacteria, and viruses (source).
Recent studies have shown that tea tree essential oil significantly improved mild to moderate acne (source). It can also treat wounds, dandruff, infections, and a wide range of other conditions.
Tea tree essential oil is a potent oil and should be used with caution. Do not use on deep wounds or around the eyes. Be sure to dilute properly!
Rose Essential Oil
Genuine, pure rose essential oil can be pretty pricey, but it is worth every penny! Especially when it comes to skincare, a little goes a long way.
Fun fact: It takes 12,000 rose petals to produce a 5ml bottle of rose essential oil. That explains why it’s so expensive!
Rose essential oil can balance out the moisture in the skin and promote an even skin tone. It has also been shown in recent studies to affect acne. You can click here to read all about the study.
Rose essential oil also contains antioxidant properties that can help combat free radicals and slow down the visible signs of aging.
Warning: Rose essential oil can stimulate menstrual flow. Never use while pregnant!
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum essential oil has many benefits for the skin. It can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Helichrysum essential oil can also promote healthy skin cell regeneration, giving you that healthy, youthful glow.
In addition to its anti-aging benefits, helichrysum can also help combat acne. According to recent studies, helichrysum essential oil contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it an effective acne treatment.
Where Should I Buy Essential Oils?
Not all essential oils are created equally. Many are made with synthetic chemicals and fillers. But don’t let that scare you. Many different essential oil companies produce high-quality oils.
I love Eden’s Garden, Plant Therapy, and Simply Earth. All of these brands sell high-quality oils at very affordable prices.
If you decide to buy from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to receive a free $45 Simply Earth gift card with the purchase of your first recipe box.
If you are unfamiliar with Simply Earth or their recipe box, you can check out previous boxes here.
If you order now with the code above, you will receive the recipe box, a big bonus box, and a $45 Simply Earth gift card—all for only $29.99 (new customers only)!
Tips for Using Essential Oils on the Skin
Always exercise caution when trying new essential oils, especially when applying them to the skin. Essential oils are highly potent and can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
If you have never used the above essential oils on your skin before, I recommend starting with a minimal amount on a small area and waiting 24 hours to see how your skin reacts.
You should also always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. You can also dilute them in a face wash, face cream, lotion, or serum.
Lastly, some essential oils—especially citrus oils like lemon, lime, and bergamot—are phototoxic and can cause burns or skin discoloration in sunlight.
You should avoid sun exposure for at least 12–24 hours after using these oils on exposed skin.
How to Use Essential Oils for Skincare
Essential oils can be used in various ways for skincare. It really depends on your skin type and what skin issues you’re experiencing.
If you’re struggling with acne, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite face wash or face cream and apply it as usual. Just be sure to avoid your eyes and any open wounds.
You can do the same for anti-aging. Simply add a few drops of one of the oils listed above to your favorite night cream or serum, and gently apply to your face.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils are a simple, powerful way to support your skin’s health using the best of what nature has to offer. Whether you’re targeting dryness, irritation, or signs of aging, the right oils can make a noticeable difference in your skincare routine.
By choosing high-quality oils and using them safely, you can enjoy glowing, balanced, and radiant skin—naturally. Ready to give your skin a plant-powered boost? Start with one of these top five and see the difference for yourself!
As I mentioned earlier, please use caution when trying new essential oils. I’m not a dermatologist or skincare expert. I’m just sharing things I’ve tried that have worked for me, and I hope they work for you too!
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns below!
