We take a lot of care to craft products that are nourishing and safe for all types of skin! One way we boost the therapeutic properties of our four-ingredient bars of soap is by adding essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain aroma compounds from plants. “Essentially”, they are the essence of the plant from which they are derived. Essential oils need to be diluted before applying them to the skin and we think our goat milk soap is the perfect way to do that! The essential oils used in our goat milk soaps are chosen and added for their specific aromatherapeutic properties.

 

These oils have been used for centuries and are generally extracted through the process of distillation, often by using steam. From health and beauty products such as perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps to flavoring food and drinks to simply adding a burst of all-natural scent to household cleaning products, essential oils have recently become more widely utilized.

 

We use many different essential oils in our soaps. Here’s a list of the more common essential oils we add to our goat milk soap and other skincare products, the beneficial properties they offer the skin, and how we use them.

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• Bergamot 

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the rinds of the fruit and has been shown to possess analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant and sedative characteristics.

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One study shows that when inhaled or topically applied, the bright scent of bergamot can have mood-lifting effects. Yet another study found that bergamot essential oil is responsible for increases in skin collagen content and the promotion of hair growth. Promising research is ongoing concerning bergamot and its analgesic effect on chronic pain.

 

Studies have shown that bergamot essential oil may possess strong chemopreventive abilities as its compounds promote apoptosis. Apoptosis is the body’s natural and vital process of dead cell turnover. This makes bergamot a potentially powerful cancer-fighter.

 

Bergamot brings all of its therapeutic potential when we blend it with sweet orange essential oil to bring you a fresh and bright scent profile.

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• Geranium

Geranium essential oil is steam-extracted primarily from the leaves and stems of the geranium plant. The oil contains enzymes that help regulate the production of skin oils. This makes it versatile for all types of skin, particularly dry skin. However, its astringent abilities help to balance the production of sebum in the skin, making it an ideal essential oil to use on oily and dry skin as well.

 

Geranium oil is non-irritating and non-toxic making it an ideal essential oil to use on eczema and dermatitis. One study has shown that geranium oil has anti-inflammatory properties. This, combined with its pleasant and uplifting aroma, make it a perfect addition to natural skincare products.

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• Lavender

Lavender is a staple of the essential oil universe. Its ability to calm and relax has been known for centuries. The soothing scent of lavender can quickly ease stress, anxiety and even reduce headaches. It can almost guarantee a good night’s sleep.

 

Lavender is beneficial for the skin, too. According to one 2016 study, lavender essential oil is a collagen booster and aids in healing skin tissues. It also has antibacterial properties which make it helpful in fighting acne. Additionally, terpenoids, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, are present in lavender essential oil and have powerful antioxidant qualities. We love lavender essential oil which is why you’ll find it in a variety of the skincare products we make!

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• Orange

We love the zesty smell of a freshly squeezed orange! This sweet citrus essential oil is harvested from the skin of the fruit and offers a variety of therapeutic properties. Orange essential oil can provide effective relief from internal and external inflammation. This makes it a reliable agent in combating acne and dermatitis. It has also been shown to help relax muscle spasms. In recent studies, just inhaling orange essential oil has been shown to relieve symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. While also invigorating, orange essential oil is a powerful relaxant.