Are you eager to explore essential oils, but feeling overwhelmed about choosing the right ones—or even wondering how to use them safely? You’re not alone! I’m Susan, and with over 25 years of experience crafting soaps and natural skincare with essential oils, I’m here to guide you step by step. In this post Essential Oils 101, I’ll share why essential oils are amazing, introduce my top five picks for beginners, and give you the safety tips you need to start confidently.
Watch this short video below to hear my explain more about these oils and how to use them.
Why People Love Essential Oils
Essential oils are more than just pleasant fragrances—they’re versatile, natural tools for self-care and wellness. Here are some popular ways people use them:
- Aromatherapy: Diffuse oils to enhance mood, calm the mind, or boost energy
- Skincare & Body Care: Add oils to lotions, serums, or soaps to nourish skin and promote relaxation
- Household Uses: Use oils in cleaning sprays or fabric mists for a natural, fragrant clean
In short, essential oils offer holistic benefits—mind, body, and home.
Essential Oils 101 or My Top 5 Beginner Essential Oils
1. Lavender
The quintessential starter oil—safe and versatile.
- Benefits: Promotes calmness and better sleep, soothes burns/insect bites, nourishes both dry and oily skin, repels insects
- Why it’s safe: Mild enough for babies and most skin types; a true all-rounder
2. Eucalyptus
Fresh, crisp, and respiratory-friendly.
- Uses: Clear sinuses when diffused or used in shower soaps
- Safety note: Only for topical or inhalation use—never ingest, as it can be toxic internally
3. Geranium
Floral, balanced, and uplifting.
- Skincare: Ideal for hormonal or uneven skin
- Mental health: Supports emotional balance and eases stress
4. Peppermint
Cooling, invigorating, and focused.
- Uses: Enhances alertness, eases headaches/nausea, jump-starts your day
- Caution: Very potent—avoid widespread skin application; reserve for hands, feet, lips, or dilute well
5. Rosemary
Herbal, clarifying, and hair-friendly.
- Traditionally hailed for memory; in oil form, it thrives in hair and scalp applications
- Great for: Oily scalp, dandruff, and promoting hair vitality with a gentle energy boost
Safety: An Important Part of Essential Oils 101
- Dilute, always.
- Combine essential oils with carrier oils (like almond, olive, or safflower)
- Ideal ratio: 2% essential oil to 98% carrier oil—just a couple of drops in a carrier is plenty
- A little goes a long way.
- Apply oils once or twice daily—no constant reapplication
- I usually use them morning and night for a nourishing routine
- Know your pets!
- Cats can’t process essential oils; even topical use can be harmful
- Dogs may react poorly to certain oils (like tea tree)—always check before use
- Skip internal use unless expert-guided.
- Except for very specific, vetted uses (like a drop in water), always avoid ingesting oils.
Easy Ways to Incorporate Your Top 5
- Diffuse lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint for mood or focus
- Add to skincare: mix lavender + geranium into your face serum; rosemary into hair oil
- Make a soap or shower melt with eucalyptus (think spa in your shower!)
- DIY lip balms: a hint of spearmint or peppermint for fresh, soft lips
- Silk spray: blend lavender or rosemary into a linen spray for relaxation or clarity
If you want some already done for you products with essential oils we offer the following:
We have soaps created with each of the essential oils listed here. The primary product we make using geranium essential beside a soap is our Susan’s Own Face Serum. If you are looking for peppermint, in addition to soaps and shampoos, we also offer a Peppermint (and a Spearmint) Lip Balm.
Want More? Download Your FREE Glow Ritual!
Ready to use essential oils confidently? Grab our free “Glow Ritual” kit—a downloadable guide that walks you through safe routines, includes videos, and outlines skincare blends using essential oils. It goes into a lot more detail than this brief overview in Essential Oils 101. Don’t miss it!
Have Questions? Reach Out!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below:
- What essential oil are you curious about?
- Want a recipe for an eye mask, face serum, or relaxing bath oil?
Leave a comment—I love helping you explore natural skincare and holistic self-care!
Final Thoughts
Recap of Essential Oils 101 – – These five essential oils—lavender, eucalyptus, geranium, peppermint, and rosemary—form a well-rounded, easy-entry collection for anyone new to essential oils. They’re accessible, multipurpose, and most importantly, safe when used thoughtfully:
- Start with small doses, dilute properly, and always prioritize skin safety
- Avoid unintended usage—like internal use or exposure to pets
Essential oils can elevate your self-care routine and enhance your everyday moments. Here’s to discovering nature’s best—naturally!
Still More Information About Essential Oils
