Essential Oils in Skincare: A Balanced Perspective
Essential oils are beloved in the natural health community for their potential physical, emotional, and even spiritual benefits. You'll find them everywhere, from natural grocers to wellness shops, and many people swear by their favorite brands.
They're seen as a more natural way to scent products than artificial fragrances, and they're used for everything from aromatherapy to massage to household cleaning.
But not everyone is on board. Some people have sensitive skin or scent aversions, while others have concerns about the safety, efficacy, or sustainability of essential oils. At Hands Organic Skincare, we understand and respect these concerns.
The Essential Oil Debate
The low-tox community is divided on the use of essential oils. Some champion them for their potential health benefits and as a natural alternative to synthetic fragrances. Others avoid them altogether. So, what's the truth?
- Yes, essential oils are naturally occurring. But it takes a significant amount of raw material to extract them, raising questions about sustainability.
- Yes, essential oils are seen as therapeutic. However, they only represent a small part of the whole plant, primarily the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the scent.
- Yes, essential oils may be safer than fragrances. But they can still irritate the skin and cause other reactions if not used carefully.
Our Mindful Approach at Hands Organic Skincare
At Hands Organic Skincare, we use essential oils thoughtfully and sparingly. We:
- Source small quantities: We order essential oils in small batches, only as needed.
- Focus on scent, not therapy: We don't rely on essential oils for their therapeutic claims. Instead, we use house-crafted, whole-plant infusions to capture a wider range of beneficial plant constituents.
- Minimize usage: In each formula, we strive to use minimal amounts of essential oils or leave them out entirely.
- Choose wisely: We avoid exotic, overharvested, or sacred essential oils, and prioritize those that are gentle on sensitive skin.
- Offer essential oil-free options: Many of our customers are sensitive to scent and certain ingredients, so we've formulated a wide range of essential oil-free products.
Whole-Plant Infusions: A Holistic Alternative
We believe that whole-plant infusions offer a more holistic and sustainable way to harness the healing power of plants. These infusions are made by steeping plant material (leaves, roots, flowers) in a carrier oil, like organic jojoba or olive oil, to extract a wider range of beneficial constituents than essential oils alone.
Benefits of Whole-Plant Infusions:
- Richer in nutrients and beneficial compounds
- Gentler on the skin
- More sustainable production
Essential Oil-Free Products at Hands Organic Skincare
Out of our 32 current products, 19 are essential oil-free and made with our hand-crafted, house-made whole-plant botanical infusions.
Explore our Essential Oil-Free Collection Below.
Your Skin, Your Choice
Whether you choose to use essential oils or not is a personal decision. At Hands Organic Skincare, we offer a variety of options to suit your needs and preferences. We're committed to transparency and providing you with the information you need to make informed choices about your skincare.
