Essential Oils

Essential oils aren’t just for aromatherapy—they’re powerful natural cleaners, too. In this guide, learn how antibacterial and antifungal essential oils like lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus can replace harsh chemicals in your cleaning routine. Plus, find out why our organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils are perfect for a safe, effective, and eco-friendly home.

Lavender essential oil does more than smell amazing—it calms, balances, and restores the skin while soothing the mind. Learn how this versatile botanical supports clear, healthy, and radiant skin with Simple Body’s lavender-infused favorites.

As someone who is passionate about natural skincare, I've always been drawn to the use of essential oils in my daily routine. These potent plant-based oils are packed with beneficial properties that can help to nourish and protect the skin, and they can also provide a range of therapeutic benefits.   One of the main reasons I love using essential oils in my skincare routine is their ability to provide targeted support for specific skin concerns. For example, tea tree oil is a powerful acne-fighter thanks to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It can be used as a spot treatment or added to a toner or moisturizer to help prevent breakouts and soothe irritated skin.   Lavender oil is another essential oil that's great for the skin. Its calming, soothing scent can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it a great addition to a bedtime skincare routine. It's also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation, making it perfect for treating acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.   In addition to their targeted benefits, essential oils can also provide a range of general skincare benefits. For example, many essential oils are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from free radical damage. This damage can be caused by things like pollution, UV rays, and other environmental factors, and it can lead to premature aging and other skin concerns. Antioxidants can help to neutralize these free radicals, protecting the skin from damage and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.   Essential oils should be diluted with carrier oils to avoid burning your skin. Use carrier oils like jojoba oil and grapeseed oil, which are similar in structure to the natural oils produced by our skin, so they can help to regulate oil production and prevent breakouts. This makes them a great choice for people with oily or combination skin, who may struggle with excess oil production and clogged pores.   In addition to their skincare benefits, essential oils can also provide therapeutic benefits. For example, peppermint oil has a cooling, refreshing effect that can help to energize and invigorate the senses. It can also help to relieve headaches and muscle aches, making it a great addition to a massage oil or bath blend.   Another reason I love using essential oils in my skincare routine is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of ways, from adding a few drops to your moisturizer or toner, to using them in DIY skincare recipes. They can also be blended together to create custom blends that are tailored to your specific skincare needs. For example, you can mix lavender oil with tea tree oil for a blend that's perfect for acne-prone skin, or add a few drops of peppermint oil to your moisturizer for a refreshing, energizing boost.   Overall, I believe that essential oils play a vital role in natural skincare. They provide targeted benefits for specific skin concerns, as well as general skincare benefits like antioxidant protection and oil regulation. Plus, they're versatile and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. If you haven't already, I highly recommend giving essential oils a try in your skincare routine. You'll be amazed at the results! xoxoJewels

You may notice that many Simple Body products contain Lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oil, and it's not just because it smells amazing! There are so many benefits to incorporating this beautiful-smelling oil into your life. Let's discuss a few of these reasons, along with what to know before choosing products made with it. Lavender Essential oil Lavender L. angustifolia originates in the mountains of the Mediterranean and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Other commonly used plants in this family include Clary Sage Salvia sclarea, Peppermint Mentha xpiperita, and Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis. Manufacturers use several varieties of Lavender to distill essential oil within the genus Lavandula. For this reason, the Latin name (italicized words) should always be included on the label when purchasing essential oil or products with Lavender as an ingredient. Knowing this is important because the benefits and precautions will vary depending on the variety of Lavender you choose. For example, Lavandin Lavandula xintermedia (Spike Lavender) has a higher percentage of Camphor than Lavender L. angustifolia. Camphor is actually stimulating, not sedating, so using this oil before bed will most likely not result in a good night's sleep. So, always purchase essential oils from a trusted manufacturer with proper labeling and storage methods. Physical Benefits There are so many reasons why Lavender L. angustifolia and skincare go hand in hand. Even its' name comes from the Latin word lavare, meaning "to wash." Some properties that make it exceptional in your skincare routine include its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and astringent properties. What does that mean? An antimicrobial can destroy or suppress microorganisms like those found in acne. The antiseptic action helps prevent decay and aids in cell regeneration, and an astringent contracts tissues to help firm and decrease moisture loss. You can see why Lavender L. angustifolia essential oil is a key ingredient in skincare products, especially for people with combination skin. Individuals with Combination skin often experience too much oil in the T zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry skin everywhere else. Combination skin requires a unique line-up of skincare products designed to moisturize yet address the oiliness of the T zone. Simple Body has the answer! Lavender Foaming Face Wash, Clean Sweep Toner, Daily Face Cream, and Beauty Balm for your morning skincare routine, and a French Green clay mask, Lavender Bamboo Face Polish, and pumpkin enzyme mask 1-2 times a week to exfoliate dead skin cells that can clog your pores. Other Benefits Lavender L. angustifolia essential oil also has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-reliever), antispasmodic (relax muscles), and nervine (tones and heals nerves) properties. These properties are why you will find this essential oil in products designed to reduce anxiety. Several peer-reviewed research studies have backed its versatility. Recently, researchers Akgül et al. (2021) found that children with second-degree burns who inhaled Lavender L. angustifolia essential oil for 15 minutes before changing their wound dressing had decreased pain levels, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure. And unlike antianxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and sleep aids, it doesn't have adverse side effects like dependence or withdrawal symptoms. To sum up, Lavender L. angustifolia has many benefits and medicinal uses for your skin and beyond. It can reduce scarring, stretch marks, sun damage, skin growths, and varicose veins. You can also use it on insect bites and burns to relieve pain. Used in a regular skin routine, it can effectively reduce acne, tone skin, and help regenerate new skin cells. It can also reduce anxiety, help you sleep, and relax muscles. So, as you can see, Lavender is more than just a pretty-smelling flower. It's a botanical powerhouse! References Ardahan Akgül, E., Karakul, A., Altın, A., Doğan, P., Hoşgör, M., & Oral, A. (2021). Effectiveness of lavender inhalation aromatherapy on pain level and vital signs in children with burns: a randomized controlled trial. Complementary therapies in medicine, 60, 102758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102758