Essential Oil 101

Learn the basics of essential oils such as their scent, shelf life, safe usage for different ages, and how to use them safely

Aromatic

  • True Lavender

    Aromas: floral, fresh, herbaceous and sometimes slightly fruity or slightly camphorous.
    Aromatic Note: Top & Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Aromatic
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 6 years
    Safety: No known issues

  • Lemon

    Aromas: fresh, sharp, sweet, fruity citrus
    Aromatic Note: Top
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Citrus
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 2 years
    Safety: Phototoxic - Avoid sun exposure after topical application. Use with caution on sensitive skin.

  • Sweet Orange

    Aromas:fresh, fruity sweet, light, fresh and citrus,
    Aromatic Note: Top
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Citrus
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 2 years
    Safety: Use a 1.5% maximal dilution for topical application. Older, oxidised oils increase potential for skin irritation.

  • Peppermint

    Aromas: cool and refreshing
    Aromatic Note: Top
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Aromatic
    Safe Age: >6
    Shelf Life: 4 years
    Safety: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding; may cause skin irritation.

  • Tea Tree

    Aromas: fresh, slightly pungent woody aroma, and strong medicinal smell
    Aromatic Note: Top & Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Aromatic
    Safe Age: >2
    Shelf Life: 3 years
    Safety: Can cause burns if applied neat.

  • Bergamot

    Aromas: citrus, sweet, lemony, floral (neroli-like), peppery and herbaceous
    (lavender-like) notes.
    Aromatic Note: Top
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Citrus
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 4 years
    Safety: Phototoxic - Avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds for up to 12 hours after applying Bergamot to the skin.

  • Litsea Cubeba / May Chang

    Aromas: lemony, fruity, and vibrant, similar to lemongrass or lemon verbena.
    Aromatic Note: Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Citrus
    Safe Age: >6
    Shelf Life: 3 years
    Safety: It is a strong sensitiser, avoid use on broken or sensitive skin. It may affect diabetes.

  • Cedarwood

    Aromas: warm, woodsy aroma with hints of resin and citrus.
    Aromatic Note: Base
    Fragrance Wheel: Woody
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 8 years or more
    Safety: Generally considered safe for use.

  • Patchouli

    Aromas: Rich, earthy aroma,and slightly sweet aroma, with a musky undertone.
    Aromatic Note: Base
    Fragrance Wheel: Ambery (The term "oriental" is being replaced with "ambery.")
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 8 - 20 years
    Safety: Considered safe.

  • Ylang-Ylang

    Aromas: strong, sweet, floral
    Aromatic Note: Middle & Base
    Fragrance Wheel: Floral Oriental & Ambery (The term "oriental" is being replaced with "ambery.")
    Safe Age: >6
    Shelf Life: 5 years
    Safety: Possible skin sensitization.Use a maximum dilution of 0.8% for topical
    applications. Do not use it on inflamed or sensitive skin or on dermatitis.

  • Melissa Pure / Roller Blend

    Aromas: citrusy aroma with sweet, herbaceous undertones.
    Aromatic Note: Top & Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Green & Citrus
    Safe Age: >6
    Shelf Life: 3 years for pure oil.
    Safety: May cause skin sensitisation in some individuals. Do not use it during pregnancy.

  • Clary Sage

    Aromas: earthy, herbaceous, floral and slightly fruity.
    Aromatic Note: Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh & Aromatic
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 5 years
    Safety: No known issues

  • Frankincense

    Aromas: fresh, woody, balsamic, slightly spicy and fruity.
    Aromatic Note: Base
    Fragrance Wheel: Soft Oriental & Ambery (The term "oriental" is being replaced with "ambery."
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 3 years
    Safety: No known issues

  • Eucalyptus Blue Gum

    Aromas: fresh, medicinal, woody and earthy.
    Aromatic Note: Top
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh & Green
    Safe Age: >3
    Shelf Life: 3 years
    Safety: If oxidised, it may cause irritation or sensitisation. It is too strong to use with babies or children under ten years old on their faces or in a steam. Use with caution on children between 5-10 years old and also with asthmatics.

  • Rose Geranium

    Aromas: sweet, floral, and rosy notes and hints of citrus and green undertones.
    Aromatic Note: Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Floral
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 5 years
    Safety: Avoid during pregnancy; Use caution if you have a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers.

  • Rosemary

    Aromas: strong, fresh, herbal, resinous, woody
    Aromatic Note: Top & Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh & Aromatic
    Safe Age: >6
    Shelf Life: 5 years
    Safety: Avoid using it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Can stimulate menstruation and Do not apply any rosemary to or near the face of infants or children under 5 years old. (Use with caution for children between 5-10 years
    old. )

  • Ginger

    Aromas: warm, spicy, and woody aroma with a hint of sweetness.
    Aromatic Note: Middle & Base
    Fragrance Wheel: Ambery (The term "oriental" is being replaced with "ambery.")
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 5 years
    Safety: It may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin

  • Catmint/Catnip

    Aromas: herbaceous with a subdued mint aroma
    Aromatic Note: Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh & Aromatic
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 3 years
    Safety: It is generally safe but should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Perform a patch test and exercise caution if allergic to Lamiaceae family.

  • Ravensara Pure / Roller Blends

    Aromas: fresh, medicinal, eucalyptus-like, slightly sweet and fruity.
    Aromatic Note: Top
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh & Aromatic
    Safe Age: >10
    Shelf Life: 3 years
    Safety: Considered safe.

  • Coriander

    Aromas: fresh, sweet, spicy, woody, fruity, herbal, citrus
    Aromatic Note: Top & Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Fresh & Green
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 3 years
    Safety: No known issues

  • Cypress

    Aromas: woody, resinous, balsamic, smoky
    Aromatic Note: Middle
    Fragrance Wheel: Woody
    Safe Age: >1
    Shelf Life: 3 years
    Safety: If oxidized, it may cause skin irritation or sensitization. Take care when using with asthmatics because cypress can be either very helpful with bronchial asthma or irritating.
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