Essential oils kit

Oils List for Skin and Hair: A Helpful, Comprehensive List

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Ever found yourself staring at rows of oils, wondering which one to pick? Oils can be transformative for both your skin and hair, but knowing which oil suits your needs can feel like navigating a maze.

Whether you’re looking to hydrate dry skin, soothe sensitive areas, or nourish frizzy hair, this comprehensive list has got you covered.

The list below features oils recommended for different skin types, hair types, and concerns, sourced from the highly respected Naturally Thinking in London. Having completed their Make Your Own Cosmetics course, I can vouch for their expertise.

This list stands out not just for its depth but for its organisation, making it a reliable guide to help you choose the right oil for your specific needs.

Comprehensive List of Oils for Skin & Hair. Go Ahead and Bookmark this Page!

Have you ever tried an oil that everyone raves about, only to find it didn’t quite work for you? Oils are magical—until they’re not. Maybe your skin broke out. Maybe your hair felt weighed down. Or maybe, just maybe, you weren’t using the right oil for your specific needs.

The thing is, finding the perfect oil takes a bit of trial and error. But don’t panic! With this list, you’re armed with all the info you need to make smarter choices. Whether it’s calming itchy skin, hydrating dry hair, or adding that extra glow, there’s an oil out there that’s your perfect match.

So go ahead, pick one, try it, and see what happens. And remember: patch testing is your best friend—because no one needs an unexpected reaction ruining their day. ✨

You can easily spot oils that aren’t essential oils—they’re marked with brackets. Plus, you’ll also find mentions of other items like floral waters in the list.

SKIN

Let’s talk about skin—your body’s largest organ and the one that deserves a little extra love. Whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive, or showing signs of aging, the right oil can make all the difference.

Below, you’ll find a curated list of oils to help tackle common skin concerns.

From soothing irritation to boosting hydration, these oils are here to support your skin’s every need.

Oils for Normal Skin

Essential Oils: Cedarwood, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Roman chamomile, RoseRosewood, Ylang Ylang

Oils for Dry Skin

Essential Oils: Carrot seed, Cedarwood, Clary sage, Jasmine, Geranium, Lavender, Orange, Palmarosa, Rose, Roman Chamomile, Rosewood, Neroli, Petitgrain, Mandarin, Vetivert, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Base Oils: Calendula (Macerated)

Oils for Oily Skin

Essential Oils: Roman chamomile, German chamomile, Cedarwood, Geranium, Clary sage, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Peppermint, Niaouli, Cajeput, Cypress, Calendula, Frankincense, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Juniperberry, Melissa, Coriander, Petitgrain, Lime, Thyme, Lavandin, Spike lavender, Rose

Oils for Combination Skin

Essential Oils: Geranium, Rosewood, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli

Oils for Sensitive Skin

Essential Oils: Lavender, Chamomile, Neroli, Geranium, Rosewood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tea tree, Lemon, Black pepper, Grapefruit

Base Oils: Jojoba

Oils for Mature, Ageing Skin

Essential Oils: Carrot seed, Elemi, Frankincense, Fennel, Geranium, Myrrh, Patchouli, Rose, Clary sage, Rosewood, Cypress, Fennel, Lavender, Neroli

Base Oils: Sea buckthorn, Rosehip, Avocado

Oils to Help with Acne

Essential Oils: Tea tree, Lavender, Spike lavender, Thyme, Geranium, Petitgrain, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, Vetivert, Basil, German Chamomile, Cedarwood, Rosewood, Palmarosa

Base Oils: Argan, Jojoba

Oils for Pimples/Blemishes

Essential Oils:Tea tree, Lemon, German chamomile, Thyme, Cajeput, Niaouli, Rosemary

Also Manuka floral water

Oils for Large Pores

Essential Oils: Lemongrass, Rose, Cedarwood

Oils to Help with Chapped/Cracked Skin

Essential Oils: Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetivert, Cajeput, Roman Chamomile, Lavender

Oils to Promote Warming Effect

Essential Oils: Black pepper, Cinnamon, Clove bud, Ginger

Oils to Help with Cleansing

Essential Oils: Basil, Juniperberry, Lemon, Lemongrass, Niaouli, Peppermint

Oils for Thread Veins

Essential Oils: Lemon, Cypress, Rose, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile

Carrier Oils:Calendula (Macerated)

Oils for Eczema

Essential Oils: German chamomile, Lavender, Bergamot, Carrot seed, Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile, Juniperberry, Myrrh, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tea tree, Ylang Ylang

Base Oils, Hydrosols & Butters: Baobab, Kukui butter, Geranium floral water, Hemp oil, Pomegranate seed oil, Andiroba seed oil

Oils for Psoriasis

Essential Oils: Bergamot, Cajeput, Carrot seed, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, Lavender, Juniperberry, Sandalwood, Tea tree

Base Oils: Calendula (Macerated), Hemp, Pomegranate, Andiroba, Flax seed

Oils for Rosacea

Essential Oils: Lavender, Rose, Chamomile, Tea tree, Geranium, Sandalwood

Base Oils: Rosehip, Borage, Jojoba, Evening Primrose

Oils for Hydrating

Essential Oils: Palmarosa, Orange, Mandarin, Tangerine, Rose

Oils for Scars

Essential Oils: Carrot seed, Lavender, Petitgrain

Base Oils: Rosehip, Coconut, Tamanu, Jojoba, Tamanu

Oils for Inflammation

Essential Oils: Carrot seed, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, Clary sage, Myrrh, Rosewood

Base Oils & Hydrosols: St. John’s Wort (Macerated), Witch hazel

Oils for Itching

Essential Oils: Jasmine, Lavender, Peppermint, Roman chamomile

Hydrosols: Witch Hazel

HAIR

Let’s not forget your hair—it deserves just as much attention as your skin! Whether you’re taming frizz, soothing a dry scalp, or adding a boost of hydration to lifeless strands, the right oil can transform your hair care routine.

Below, you’ll find a list of oils tailored to different hair types and concerns. Get ready to give your locks the love they deserve!

Oils for Normal Hair

Lavender, Rosemary, Lemon, Geranium, Cedarwood, Thyme, Clary sage, (Jojoba), (Almond), (Borage), (Coconut)

Oils for Dry Hair

Lavender, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Geranium, (Almond), (Sesame), (Jojoba), (Borage), (Argan), (Macadamia)

Oils for Curly, Frizzy Hair

(Coconut), (Sweet Almond), (Argan), (Jojoba), Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood, Cedarwood

Oils for Fine Hair

(Avocado)​, (Abyssinian), (Macadamia), (Coconut), (Baobab), (Almond)

Oils for Dandruff

Clary Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Lemon, Cedarwood, Thyme, Basil, Cypress, Tea tree, Sage, Peppermint, Chamomile, Patchouli, (Coconut), (Olive), (Neem), (Sesame), (Jojoba), (Borage)

*Clary Sage is excellent at controlling oil secretion levels in the hair
*Lavender can help soothe sensitive scalps
*Peppermint can be useful in creating a cooling sense, with adds refreshment and a cleansing feel if you make your own shampoo[Source]

DIY Recipes to Get You Started

Ok! Now that you have the list, let’s go into the fun part—putting these oils to work!

Whether you’re pampering your skin or giving your hair some TLC, these simple recipes are perfect for beginners.

They’re quick, effective, and packed with natural goodness.

Let’s get mixing!

Hydrating Facial Oil for Dry Skin
Say goodbye to flaky, tight skin with this deeply hydrating oil blend.

  • 2 tbsp Jojoba oil
  • 3 drops Rose essential oil
  • 2 drops Palmarosa essential oil

👉 Mix the oils in a small dropper bottle. Massage 3-4 drops onto damp skin in the evening.

Calming Scalp Treatment for Dandruff
Soothe itchiness and nourish your scalp with this easy blend.

  • 2 tbsp Coconut oil
  • 3 drops Tea tree essential oil
  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil

👉 Warm the coconut oil until liquid, then add the essential oils. Massage into your scalp and leave for 30 minutes before shampooing.

Nourishing Hair Oil for Frizz
Tame frizz and add shine with this rich, moisturising oil.

  • 1 tbsp Argan oil
  • 1 tbsp Sweet almond oil
  • 3 drops Geranium essential oil

👉 Apply a small amount to the ends of damp or dry hair. Avoid the roots to keep things light.

Brightening Body Oil for Radiance
Bring a healthy glow to your skin with this refreshing body oil.

  • 2 tbsp Grapeseed oil
  • 3 drops Mandarin essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosewood essential oil

👉 Massage into your skin after a shower while it’s still damp.

Spot Treatment for Pimples
Zap blemishes quickly with this targeted treatment.

  • 1 tsp Jojoba oil
  • 1 drop Tea tree essential oil
  • 1 drop Lemon essential oil

👉 Dab a tiny amount onto the blemish using a cotton bud. Use in the evening only (Lemon oil can make skin sensitive to sunlight).

Bookmark this Page

You’ve got the ultimate guide to oils right here—whether you’re nourishing your hair, soothing your skin, or trying out those DIY recipes. Oils can seem a bit intimidating at first, but with this list and a little experimenting, you’ll find your perfect match in no time.

Remember, it’s all about listening to your skin and hair. Patch testing is your safety net, and small adjustments will help you figure out what works best.

So go on, explore the magic of oils, and let them bring out the best in you. ✨

Patri xx

Related posts:

  1. A List of Ingredients and Chemicals to Avoid in Cosmetics: Let’s Learn to Read the Labels Together
  2. Essential Oils Guide for Beginners: Go From Confused to Pro!
  3. About Our Skin

Patri Hernandez, CHC, Certified Health Coach & Certified Organic Skincare Alchemist
One day, during my menopausal rollercoaster, I had a spiritual awakening that connected me so deeply with nature, I thought I might sprout leaves. Suddenly, natural ingredients became my obsession—like an addiction, really. My body was magnetically drawn to them, and it wasn’t long before I found myself knee-deep in essential oils, herbs, and all things organic.

From there, it was a slippery slope (a delightfully scented one) into organic skincare formulation. The intoxicating aroma of essential oils, the thrill of crafting something pure with my own hands—I was hooked. It wasn’t enough to just use these natural wonders; I had to create them, surround myself with them. Now, I live on a piece of land where I grow my own organic fruits and vegetables (when the weather isn’t playing tricks on me), and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When people ask what I do, I like to think about the view from my window—the endless sea—and say, “I live the life dreamers dream of.” It's All about the richness of living in harmony with nature. Watching others turn to natural ingredients because of something I shared with them—that’s my proudest achievement.

Oh, and just to keep things interesting, I’m also a bit of a nerd. I love computers, software, and all the techy stuff that seems like it wouldn’t fit with my earth-loving, oil-sniffing lifestyle. But hey, who says you can’t have the best of both worlds?

My ultimate goal? To help people kick the commercial product habit and embrace the natural, the organic, the truly nourishing. Life’s too short to settle for anything less.

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