FREE shipping on orders over $50

ESSENTIAL OILS

Given their skyrocketing popularity in recent times, it might be hard for you to believe but Essential Oils aren’t a new concept.. They have been around for thousands of years, and were first discovered in ancient Egypt. Known for their strong healing effects on mind and body, essential oils have been a staple ingredient in natural medicine and a skincare favourite. Their widespread use and controversial status have raised several questions around their use. You’ll find answers to some of the most pressing questions here…  

WHAT EXACTLY ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Essential Oils | Shea Butter XO
Essential Oils

Essential oils can help various conditions such as stress, fatigue, and muscle pains. They can also help promote better sleep and reduce wrinkles. They can also help promote healthy and youthful skin by acting upon acne and wrinkles.

The therapeutic effects of essential oils can vary depending on the properties they contain. Some of these can help relieve various conditions such as headaches and fatigue. However, different oils can also help different skin conditions. Some of these contain antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, while others have high antioxidant capabilities.

Depending on the complexity of the extracted compounds, different extraction processes may be used. Some of these include steam distillation, water distillation, CO2 extraction, enfleurage, and maceration.

Although these processes are generally considered to be acceptable, water distillation and steam distillation are only used for stronger compounds due to the high pressure and heat that can affect the volatile structures in the extract.

ARE ESSENTIAL OIL FAMILIES THE SAME AS ESSENTIAL OIL NOTES?

Another confusion surrounding the classification of essential oils is how they are categorized into families and notes. In most cases, a family refers to an essential oil’s structure while a note is a characteristic of the oil.

Essential oils are classified into 8 main groups, or families, based on their flavour and the nature of the scent namely, Citrus, Floral, Minty, Spicy, Musky (Resinous), Woody (Earthy), Herbaceous and Camphoraceous.

In some cases, essential oils are grouped together based on the volatility of their phytochemicals. This method determines the duration of the scent’s duration. There are three types of notes that are commonly used in the production of essential oils: Top, Middle, and Base. The oils with the top notes tend to evaporate the fastest, while those with the middle notes follow.

A thorough understanding of the families and notes of essential oils is a must when creating formulations with essential oils.

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK?

We’ve all heard about the powerful healing properties of essential oils. However, how exactly do you use them? There are various ways to do this, and the main one is by inhalation. However, if you’re looking to treat a specific issue, then topical application or ingestion is the best choice.

  1. Inhalation…

The molecules of essential oils can trigger the activation of the limbic and olfactory systems of the brain. This is because the connection between the senses is responsible for recalling childhood memories. Aside from being able to smell, the limbic system also regulates multiple other factors such as heart rate, breathing, and stress levels.

The molecules that are used to make essential oils come into contact with the lungs, which can help treat various respiratory tract issues. Inhaling their scent can also help promote a healthy and psychological well-being.

  1. Topical Application…

When it comes to external physical issues, such as muscle pain, burns, and acne, topical application is the best choice. The oil molecules can then seep into the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream. This is the reason why it’s so obvious that using essential oils for skincare is the best way to go.

  1. Ingestion…

One way to absorb essential oils is by swallowing them in a liquid. Doing so is considered the least safe method, as it can potentially cause adverse effects. However, experts warn that this method is not advised by most aromatherapists and health experts. The oils’ high concentration could also lead to toxic effects if consumed in large quantities.

HOW TO DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF AN ESSENTIAL OIL?

Contrary to popular belief, oils that are essential are not only organic. They can also be made from plants that are grown without harmful chemicals. This ensures that the quality of the oil does not change even if the plant that it comes from is grown using an organic method.

The purity of an essential oil can have a significant effect on its properties and effects. This is because it does not contain synthetic additives or preservatives. The lack of these additives can also be a true indication of an oil’s quality.

Shea butter XO uses 100 percent pure and unadulterated essential oils that have been ethically sourced from certified suppliers.

ESSENTIAL OILS OFFERED BY Shea butter XO AND THEIR SKIN BENEFITS

According to the claims made by essential oils, they can help regenerate the skin and improve its appearance. They can also help diminish the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and promote cell turnover. Aside from being used in cosmetics, essential oils can also be found in various other products.

Lavender Essential Oil – One of the most powerful oils that can help improve the appearance of acne is lavender oil, which can also help minimize the appearance of scars and wrinkles. While its non-comedogenic properties can help combat acne, its cell regeneration properties can also help fight against the signs of ageing.


Moringa Essential Oil – One of the most popular essential oils in the skincare industry is moringa oil, which has anti-aging properties. Not only does it help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but it also helps keep skin looking young and healthy. Its high antioxidant content also helps protect the skin from free radicals, and it can also help treat acne.


Tea Tree Essential Oil – Another popular ingredient in the skincare industry is tea tree oil, which can often be found in face cleansers and creams. It can help treat acne and other skin conditions by acting as an effective antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Its various anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also contribute to the healing properties of the oil. Because of its ability to soothe and control skin oiliness, tea tree oil is also very useful in treating psoriasis and eczema.


Peppermint Essential Oil – One of the most commonly used essential oils for treating rosacea is peppermint, which can help alleviate the symptoms of this condition. It can also help treat other skin conditions such as oiliness and acne by acting as an effective antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Its antimicrobial properties can also help clear the pores and control the secretion of harmful chemicals.


Rosemary Essential Oil – The benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil are its ability to balance the production of sebum on the skin. It can also help treat various skin conditions such as acne and inflammation.


Eucalyptus Essential Oil – One of the best ways to treat acne is by using eucalyptus essential oil, which has a powerful cleansing and disinfecting properties. In addition to fighting the bacteria and impurities that cause breakouts, this oil can also help improve the appearance of skin.


Neroli Essential Oil – Although Neroli Essential Oil isn’t as popular as some of the other products in the skincare and cosmetic industries, it still has the potential to improve the appearance of your skin. This oil can help nourish and tone your skin, and it can also help prevent it from getting damaged. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help treat acne.


Patchouli Essential Oil – One of the most effective oils for combating the signs of ageing is Patchouli Essential Oil. It can help boost the levels of oxygen in the body and slow down the appearance of the skin. It can also help regenerate healthy skin cells, which can help in the reduction of scars and blemishes. The oil’s creamy properties can also help improve the texture of the skin.


Rosehip Essential Oil – Aside from being a hydrating and anti-aging agent, Rosehip oil can also help improve the appearance of the skin by reducing hyperpigmentation. It can also help tone and condition the skin.


CAUTION: Although essential oils can be incredibly effective at healing wounds, they should always be used with caution as they can potentially cause harm. To avoid this, our products are made with high-quality oils that have been carefully selected by our suppliers.

The oils we offer are safe to use by anyone. They can be combined with each other to create a unique blend. Although the oils we use come with no potential harm, if there’s a better combination than the one that you’ve selected, we’ll let you know and recommend a better one.

NOTE: Shea butter XO currently offers blends- pre-made and/or custom- with essential oils that have been mentioned here. If and when we add more essential oils to our inventory, we shall update this list.

Our Featured product: