Collection: 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
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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
Dilution for tropical use: 5% maximal
Safety: No known issues
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Lemon
Aromas: fresh, sharp, sweet, fruity citrus
Aromatic Note: Top
Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Citrus
Safe Age: >1
Shelf Life: 2 years
Dilution for tropical use: 2% maximal
Safety: Phototoxic - Avoid sun exposure after topical application. Use with caution on sensitive skin.
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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.
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Peppermint
Aromas: cool and refreshing
Aromatic Note: Top
Fragrance Wheel: Fresh / Aromatic
Safe Age: >6
Shelf Life: 4 years
Dilution for tropical use: 5% maximal
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding; may cause skin irritation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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Vanilla
Aromas: sweet with a creamy, warm
Aromatic Note: Base
Fragrance Wheel: Oriental
Safe Age: >2
Shelf Life: 3 -5 years
Dilution for tropical use: 5% maximal
Safety: Considered safe.
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Grapefruit
Aromas: Warm, fresh, sharp, sweet, citrus.
Aromatic Note: Top
Fragrance Wheel: Fresh & Citrus
Safe Age: >1
Shelf Life: 1-2 years
Dilution for tropical use: 4% maximal
Safety: It can cause skin sensitivity when exposed to sunlight, so it's advisable to avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours after application.
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Red Pine
Aromas: woody, earthy, evergreen scent similar to natural turpentine.
Aromatic Note: Top
Fragrance Wheel: Woody
Safe Age: >1
Shelf Life: 2-3 years
Dilution for tropical use: 1% maximal
Safety: Should not be used by individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Avoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
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Cistus / Rock Rose
Aromas: A subtle hint of honey-like sweetness and earthy undertones
Aromatic Note: Middle
Fragrance Wheel: Oriental
Safe Age: >6
Shelf Life: 3 years
Dilution for tropical use: 0.6% maximal
Safety: It may cause skin sensitization in some individuals, so it's advisable to perform a patch test before widespread use. Use with caution during pregnancy.
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Copaiba
Aromas:warm, woody aroma with subtle hints of sweet honey and a resinous undertone.
Note: Base
Fragrance Wheel: Woody
Safe Age: >1
Shelf Life: 3 years
Dilution for tropical use: 2.5% maximal
Safety: Avoid from applying on damaged skin
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Clove Bud
Aromas: warm & spicy
Note: Middle
Fragrance Wheel: Oriental
Safe Age: >6
Shelf Life: 4 years
Dilution for tropical use: 0.5% maximal
Safety: Avoid applying to broken or irritated skin.
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Birch
Aromas: Sharp, balsamic, minty, sweet, and similar to Wintergreen
Note: Top
Fragrance Wheel: Leather
Safe Age: >6
Shelf Life: 5 years
Dilution for tropical use: 2.5% maximal
Safety: Avoid if on blood thinners, are about to have surgery, have bleeding disorders, have salicylate deficiency, seizure disorder, or ADD/ADHD.
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