Essential Oils for Skin (Anti Aging Drops of Youth)

Just ONE essential oil can make an impact on your skin. On this list of essential oils for skin (anti-aging) I go through each and every oil for mature skin so you can find the perfect one for you.

I’ve been formulating skincare for a while now (and have appropriate skincare and aromatherapy courses under my belt!) and I’ve added all the essential oils mentioned below into my moisturizers and serums. Many people in my home town know me and keep using my products again and again.

In as little as one month they’ve seen MASSIVE improvements:

  • Facial lines have diminished CONSIDERABLY
  • Dark spots that have DISAPPEARED
  • A much more TONED complexion
  • Illuminated skin
  • An overal healthy glow that others notice

They keep telling me these things and more, again and again and again. At this point I know that there’s ONE essential oil that is doing the trick for them (I don’t use the really expensive essential oils like rose, neroli or jasmine for obvious reasons although I’ll be making a range for my mum with rose absolute soon).

The essential oil that is doing the trick is FRANKINSENCE.

One Month to See Differences

In general, the skin takes around 28 days to renew and when we get older around 45 to 60 days. I wasn’t expecting results for a while but people saw very visible results within a month of trying my products on a daily basis.

I can’t really speak for myself because I try everything all the time (for my own pleasure and because I try what I make for people) and there are too many essential oils and other ingredients on my skin for me to be able to give an accurate diagnosis. But they have.

If you have any of the below mentioned oils at home and haven’t used them for a while go and get them from your drawer. First check if they’re still good (expiry date). If not good, put on the side for use on DIY cleaning products.

If they’re good, you can use them in the following ways:

  • Add NO MORE than 1% drops to your daily/night moisturiser. Just weight your moisturiser on a separate container, add up to 1% drops of one ore more of the below essential oils, mix well and you can place back in the jar. Hygiene is important! Use gloves and disinfect with alcohol 70 if possible. Use these scales for measuring and these bowls as containers. This information I learned on my Formula Botanica course and on my Neal’s Yard Remedies course.
  • Mix your chosen essential oil or oils with a carrier oil of your choice. For mature skin I HIGHLY recommend macadamia carrier oil.

Facial oil or moisturizer? Try both! In the morning use the moisturizer with your chosen essential oil(s). At night use the carrier oil mixed with your preferred essential oil(s) from the list below. EASY. The important thing is that you stick with your chosen essential oil(s) to check the difference over time. Just stick with the same one(s)!

Show Me the Oils!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you whatsoever when you make a purchase using my link.

Here you go (source: Neal’s Yard Remedies, an U.K. brand I ADORE. I don’t trust online resources and I only go by what I’ve learend at proper courses or places I personally go to with have VERY HIGH REPUTATION!!!)

Wendy Polisi, whom I’ve known for a while (online), recommends on her website Plant Therapy and I very much trust her judgement. I’ve linked to Plant Therapy for most of the oils (yes, I will get the commission) because unfortunately Neal’s Yard Remedies is wayyy too costly in the U.S. in my opinion. But you can check them out here. The rest of the oils I’ve gone for brands I’ve checked before hand many times myself. I use at home Naturally Thinking and Neal’s Yard Remedies (I’m in Europe so it’s easier for me).

  • Organic Frankincense anti-aging essential oil – check
  • Organic Ylang-ylang anti-aging essential oil – check
  • Neroli anti-aging essential oil – check
  • Palmarosa anti-aging essential oil – check
  • Jasmine anti-aging essential oil (2.5ml) – check
  • Organic Lavender anti-aging essential oil – check
  • Chamomile anti-aging essential oil – check
  • Patchouli anti-aging essential oil- check
  • Rose anti-aging essential oil (5ml) – check (when checking rose essential oil make sure it’s NOT rose fragrance but pure, rose absolute!)
  • Organic Sandalwood anti-aging essential oil (5ml) – check price (when checking sandalwood essential oil make sure it’s NOT from India!! Mine comes from Australia).

Some of the above oils will be more expensive than others because we’re talking about floral essential oils that are much more expensive than, let’s say, citrus oils (where usually the oil is taken from the peel). Absolutes are also expensive. This is like liquid gold in your hands.

Pros & Cons of Using Essential Oils for Mature Skin

PROS

  • You DON’T have to spend time creating the product (salves, balms, DIY creams, etc etc). Just JUST add the drops to your favorite moisturiser and you’re DONE.
  • As long as you keep to the recommended amount (at 1% or less) the oils can last you a long time! (check expiry dates)

CONS

  • Some oils are on the expensive side (just choose cheaper ones if price is a problem).
  • If you’re not a lover of essential oils scents then this is NOT FOR YOU.

How to Know Which One to Use?

I’ll help you. All the oils will be wonderful for your mature skin and can help the anti aging process. Here are a few points you could consider that might help you choose the oil for you:

This is how I would do it:

  • CHOOSE BY PRICE POINT. Palmarosa will always be cheaper than any absolute. Always. And when I say cheaper I mean A LOT cheaper. You can start by chucking on the side the ones you can/cannot afford.
  • CHOOSE BY SCENT. Spices will have a deeper, more grounding but also more velvety scent than florals which are always lighter and more vibrant. You might hate lavender’s scent and totally love the exotic and arousing Ylang-ylang. How to know if you’ve never smelled them before? Well, go by your personality. If you hate strong scents, patchouli is NOT for you! They will all have a particular scent so you will have to make a compromise. If it helps, the scent does go after a while (these oils are volatile oils).
  • CHOOSE BY FEELING, CONNECTION or just A HUNCH. This is another way of choosing your oil. Essential oils are plant’s most secret weapon so think about the plant the essential oil comes from. Which one ‘speaks’ to you? Are you an elegant rose or a sparky chamomile flower? Do you feel a sacred, spiritual or deep connection with oriental spices or are you more of an exotic ylang-ylang? (from Philippines).

My choice? I can tell you already:

I’m a FRANKINSENCE girl!! Great price, organic, great scent (not too strong or deep but just enough for me), GREAT GREAT GREAT for mature skin. If you don’t believe me, Neal’s Yard Remedies has 3 ENTIRE ANTIAGE COLLECTIONS (Intense, Intense Lift & Rejuvenating) using this amazing essential oil!! And, yes, I do use it in all of my anti aging skincare. It is a resin, by the way. Which I also connect with.

A Little More on Each

Ok, I suppose you’d like to know a little more about each… See below.

1. Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia carterii)

US Organic 100% Pure Frankincense Essential Oil - USDA Certified Organic - 10 ml - Improved caps and droppers, Use Topically or in Diffuser - Perfect for Aging Skin - Suitable for All Skin Types

My favorite! Tones skin, invigorates complexion, this is an essential oil FANTASTIC for aging skin and sun damaged skin. It closes pores and has REJUVENATING QUALITIES. Minimizes wrinkles as well as fine lines. It also reduces the appearance of blemishes. Tones, closes pores, rejuvenates. A great oil for spiritual connection as well. An excellent choice for mature skin!

IS THIS OIL FOR YOU?
Ideal for aging skin that’s showing blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles.

HOW TU USE:
1) As a toner. Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice to 6 tablespoons of water and add 4 drops of frankincense.
2) Add up to 1% to your favorite moisturizer (day or night) or make your own facial oil by mixing up to 1% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic, non-irritant when diluted.

2. Ylang-ylang Essential OIl (Cananga odorata)

Organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (100% Pure - USDA Certified Organic) Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil - 10ml

Potent odour!! Might not be for everyone. I particularly LOVE it but some people tell me they don’t. This is an exotic essential oil with a strong floral scent (it can help with anxiety as well). Suitable for all skin types able to tone and balance the skin improving its structure, adds a youthful glow to the complexion and improves the appearance of sagging or tired skin. Effective for acne-prone type of skin.

IS THIS OIL FOR YOU?
Ideal for mature skin on the oilier side.

HOW TU USE:
1) As a toner for oily or acne-prone mature skin: Mix 2 teaspoons of witch hazel and 3 tablespoons of distilled water. To the mix add 1 or 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil. Dab onto skin using a cotton ball.
2) Add up to 1% to your favorite moisturizer (day or night) or make your own facial oil by mixing up to 1% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant.

3. Neroli Essential Oil (Citrus aurantium)

Gya Labs Neroli Essential Oil for Skin Care, Stress Relief and Sleep - Topical for Dry Skin and Mature Skin - Diffuse to Ease Tension - 100 Organic Therapeutic Grade Neroli Oil for Aromatherapy - 10ml

This is not a cheap oil, I’m warning you. The essential oil is extracted from the blossom of the Seville orange tree. It is a great oil for treating anxiety and depression. I love the scent, intense, light, refreshing. Simply beautiful. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like this simple yet perfect light fragrance. Neroli essential oil can tone and hydrate the skin by balancing moisture levels and helps reduce the fine lines from dehydrated skin.

IS THIS OIL FOR YOU?
Luxurious essential oil. Ideal for fine skin and people with fine lines caused by dehydration.

HOW TU USE
1) As a spritz: Make a facial spray by combining 2 teaspoons of aloe vera juice with 6 tablespoons of water. Add 3 or 4 drops or neroli essential oil and dab onto skin using a cotton ball.
2) Add up to 1% to your favorite moisturizer (day or night) or make your own facial oil by mixing up to 1% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant.

4. Palmarosa Essential Oil (Cymbopogon martinii)

Organic Palmarosa Essential Oil (100% Pure - USDA Certified Organic) Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil - 10ml

With hints of rose, Palmarosa actually comes from a wild grass which is native from India. It has a balancing action on the skin and I use it in a lot of my DIY skincare. It rejuvenates mature and tired skin, helps reduce the appearance of winkles and fine lines, can tone sagging skin, helps control sebum production, brightens complexion, improves the appearance of stretch marks and scar tissue, regenerates cells, keeps skin elastic and supple, ideal also for oily skin and it also hydrates dry skin. A wonderful and really all-rounder essential oil in my opinion. I also love the way it smells.

IS THIS OIL FOR YOU?
Ideal for those with ‘tired’, dull or sagging skin or people with scar tissue, dry skin or oily skin.

HOW TU USE
1) As a toner: Add 2 to 4 drops to 2 tablespoons witch hazel or a light lotion. Dab onto skin using a cotton ball.
2) Add up to 1% to your favorite moisturizer (day or night) or make your own facial oil by mixing up to 1% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant in dilution.

5. Jasmine Essential Oil (Jasminium officinale)

Plant Therapy Jasmine Absolute Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 2.5 mL (1/12 oz)

Another costly oil – I’m so tight fisted with these lol! Its intoxicating aroma is well prized by perfumers around the world. Jasmine essential oil has a reputation as an aphrodisiac for a good reason. It can calm and sooth sensitive or inflamed skin. This oil is naturally toning and can improve skin elasticity. It can also help scars when used regularly.

IS THIS OIL FOR YOU?
Luxurious essential oil. Ideal for people with sensitive or inflamed skin. Good for scars.

HOW TU USE
1) As a toner: Make a solution by adding 2 or 3 drops of jasmine essential oil to 1 tsp of glycerin or witch hazel. Add some water. Soak a bit of cotton wool into this solution and apply to skin.
2) Add up to 1% to your favorite moisturizer (day or night) or make your own facial oil by mixing up to 1% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant.

6. Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

Cliganic USDA Organic Lavender Essential Oil, 1oz - 100% Pure Natural Undiluted, for Aromatherapy Diffuser | Non-GMO Verified

Most people know lavender essential oil is calming and can help you relax as well as promote sleep. But not everyone is aware that lavender essential oil has rejuvenating properties. Its soothing effects make it a great skin healer for mature/aging skin.

IS THIS OIL FOR YOU?
Really ‘clean’ smell. Ideal for people with irritated skin that needs calming/soothing.

HOW TU USE
1) As a toner: Add 10 to 12 drops lavender essential oil to 1 tablespoon witch hazel or 1 teaspoon glycerine. Add to 3 tablespoons of distilled water and put in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Keep in the fridge and use within 3 days.
2) Add up to 1% to your favorite moisturizer (day or night) or make your own facial oil by mixing up to 1% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant.

7. Chamomile Essential Oil (Matricaria recutita)

SVA Organics Roman Chamomile Oil (1/3 Oz) 10 ml Organic USDA Certified 100% Pure Natural Therapeutic Grade Oil For Skin Care, Hair Care, Massage & Aromatherapy

Chamomile might be a little underrated when it comes to skincare. To be honest I don’t usually see it as part of the ingredients list in creams and moisturizers although it is a MUST for my eye countour cream (together with fennel essential oil). Anti-inflammatory, calming and toning, chamomile essential oils penetrates into the layers of the skin in order to repair and sooth, being perfect for eczema and general healing.

IS THIS OIL FOR YOU?
Scent can be a little strong. Ideal for people with facial eczema.

HOW TU USE
1) In a moisturizer or cream: Add up to 1% drops to your favorite moisturizer or cream.
2) Facial oil: Make your own facial oil by mixing up to 1% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant in dilution.

8. Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin)

NOW Essential Oils, Organic Patchouli Oil, Earthy Aromatherapy Scent, Steam Distilled, 100% Pure, Vegan, Child Resistant Cap, 1-Ounce

Where I live, in the Canary Islands (Spain, Europe) many women LOVE patchouli essential oil as a perfume. It must be the ‘hot blood’ and the fact this is a sensual, exotic scent that drive them crazy! I use it on my daily moisturizer and many people have told me the absolutely love the way it smells. It is an acquired taste though! If you’ve never smelled patchouli essential oil and are fussy about scents/fragrances this oil might not be for you. An aromatherapy favorite of many, this oil heals as well as soothes the skin and improves the appearance of stretch marks and scar tissue. It brings ageing complexions back to life toning, cleansing and repairing the skin. It regenerates skin cells and helps scars fade. Finally it is a wonderful moisturizer for dry skin as well as an astringent as it balances sebum production (so good for oily and acne-prone skin as well).

IS THIS OIL FOR YOU?
Scent can be overpowering but many people love its sensual toxicity. Ideal for people with either dry or oily skin, with scars or acne-prone. A great overall essential oil! Again, beware of its strong fragrance.

HOW TU USE
1) In a moisturizer or cream: Add up to 1% drops to your favorite moisturizer or cream.
2) Facial oil: Make your own facial oil by mixing up to 1% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant in dilution.

9. Rose Absolute Essential Oil (Rosa damascena)

Plant Therapy Rose Absolute Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 5 mL (1/6 oz)

Another expensive essential oil that deserves its own medal. A rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory and toning oil which supports tissue and cell regeneration. Reduces appearance of fine lines, minimizes appearance of broken capillaries and maintains skin’s elasticity. It can also help repair sun-damaged skin. A luxurious oil with many benefits.

IS THIS FOR YOU?
Luxurious essential oil. Ideal for people with broken capillaries on the skin.

HOW TU USE
1) As a skin toner: Combine 2 tablespoons witch hazel and 4 tablespoons rose flower water with 4 drops rose absolute essential oil. Put in a spray bottle and spritz over face shaking well before using.
1) In a moisturizer or cream: Add up to 0.5% drops to your favorite moisturizer or cream.
2) Facial oil: Make your own facial oil by mixing up to 0.5% with your favorite carrier oil (my choices: for an inexpensive oil high in palmitoleic acid go for macadamia which is a GREAT choice for mature skin. For a high-end option or if you have sensitive skin, rosehip seed oil would be my choice.)

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant in dilution, dilute at less than 1% due to its methyl eugenol content.

10. Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum album)

Miracle Botanicals Organic Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil - 100% Pure Santalum Spicatum - Therapeutic Grade - (5ML)

Another wonderful essential oil with an highly aromatic scent (it might not be for everyone, sandalwood has an exotic, deep and velvety touch). It can heal dry and damaged skin as well as revive skin complexion. It is an anti-inflammatory as well as astringent, this oil balances the skin. Good for oily skin as well as dry skin. Reduces appearance of blemishes and scars. Great for men because it soothes razor burns.

IS THIS FOR YOU?
This essential oil is ideal for men. It soothes razor burns and makes a wonderful addition to any aftershave. Suitable for normal, dry, oily or damaged/irritated skin.

HOW TU USE
1) Aftershave: Add up to 1% drops to your aftershave.
2) Aftershave oil: Add 1 drop of sandalwood essential oil to 1 teaspoon almond carrier oil. Warm between palms and massage shaved area.

SAFETY
Non-toxic and non-irritant in dilution of less than 2%.

There’s An Oil for Everyone!

There you have it. An anti aging essential oils for any type of mature skin.

Which one is yours??

10 Comments

    1. Sure. What I would recommend is to make sure that the scientific name of the plant is displayed somewhere visible on the bottle as well as a website or contact information of the company that produces them. The bottles should be dark and the oil should not be oily at all (they’re ‘volatile’ oils). The idea is to make sure they’re pure. I go through a lot of effort finding out about how they’ve been made before trying them or recommending them on this website. If you know of Indian brands you recommend please do leave them in the comments, thanks! Patri.

      1. Patri, you are doing amazing work! Thanks for sharing your wonderful posts ❤️. Just want to add my 2 cents. After having used some anti-aging creams for years I decided to move on and I got Tretinoin Cream 0.02%. Just for anti-aging. I have dry, sensitive Rosacean skin and I can’t tolerate many actives so I knew there was a possibility my skin would not like Retin-A. However, knowing it’s the best anti-aging treatment out there, I just wanted to try and see. So happy I Googled ‘Ret247get’ and got it. I really love my Tretinoin Cream. It works and it’s cheap. I’d say don’t waste $$ on overhyped and ineffective “anti-aging” creams. Try Tretinoin but be very careful. Vitamin A acid is very powerful and you really have to build up very slowly. Be patient. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Tretinoin doesn’t work overnight and it isn’t a miracle worker. It takes at least 1-2 months to notice real benefits. Last but not least: it’s not for everyone. Some people just cannot tolerate it so they would have to use other anti-aging treatments/actives like vitamin C. And/or another form of Vitamin A like Retinol or Retinaldehyde. Maybe less potent, but still effective.

        1. Hi Jackie – thanks so much for your comment. For those who don’t know, Tretinoin is the generic name for synthetic vitamin A. I’ve used synthetic vitmain A in the past, but I’ve moved away from synthetic products. I try to get my vitamins from the oils and butters, also eating well (as much as possible). Keep us updated, personally I’m not fighting age but riding it like a fun wave!

  1. I loved the detailed information you have provided! I’ve exploring with some of the oils you mentioned, but there are others I did not know and now I’m super interested in giving them a try.
    Do you know any oils used for enhancing our inmune system? Thank you very much 😀
    Ceci

    1. Hi Ceci! Glad you enjoyed the detailed information. I’m trying to add more info around skincare and ingredients that offer anti-aging benefits. I’m all for aging in a healthy way, this is not about avoiding fine lines and wrinkles but rather feeling great! Regarding your questions in terms of essential oils used for enhancing our inmune system, I actually wrote a detailed post on exactly that topic, take a look here: https://ohmightyhealth.com/essential-oils-for-immune-boosting/ Hope it helps! Patri xx

  2. Hi Patri,
    I really enjoyed this article. I’m very new to EO. Could you tell exactly what you mean when you say 1% to my moisturizer?
    Thank you and please keep the articles coming.

    1. Hi Jennie! Glad you enjoyed it. Essential oils are simply WONDERFUL and really really potent for your skin. By 1% I mean to add no more than 1 part essential oil to 100 parts of your moisturizer which I know can be a little difficult to measure. Here’s a great article by Tisserand Institute of ‘drop measure’: https://tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/drop-size/. On average, it can be said that 30 drops of an essential oil will equal 1ml (0.03 fluid oz). So, if your moisturizer jar contains 50ml of product (1.70 fluid oz), you would add 1% of the essential oil to the jar which would in this case correspond to 0.5ml (15 drops). If your jar contains 100ml product, you would add 30 drops of essential oil. (Careful with Rose absolute! this should be added at 0.5%, and not 1% of the total amount of your mosturizer). If your moisturizer’s weight measure comes in oz just do the conversion online. It’ll take you a little longer but it’ll be worth it!
      All the essential oils I mention in the article are safe to use in skincare (Rose absolute is the one you need to be more careful with and make sure you NEVER go above the 0.5% of the total amount of your product!). Another thing you could do is add 1 drop of your chosen essential oil to a dollop of moisturizer cream (or whatever amount you use daily), rub your hands together and apply. I do this with frankincense essential oil every day. Here’s my post on frankincense essential oil: https://ohmightyhealth.com/anti-aging-essential-oil/
      I just didn’t want to say this in the article to keep things measured the correct way although I realize this can be confusing and/or complicated to apply. I hope this long answer made sense and that I was able to be of help.
      Let me recap it here:
      – 30 drops essential oil per 100ml moisturizer cream (add to the jar and stir) unless it’s rose absolute essential oil in which case you would halve the amount of drops…
      OR
      – Put some moisturizer in the palm of your hand and add 1 drop of your chosen essential oil (if 2 or even 3drops come out of the bottle not to worry, sometimes it’s not easy to keep it down to 1). Then rub your hands together and apply to face, neck, decolletage and back of hands.
      You’re basically supercharging your mosturizer and converting it into a high-end cosmetic product in an instant.
      Feel free to get back with any more questions and let me know if this was of help!

      **By the way, you can mix and match the essential oils from the list, just make sure to stick to the same measure. So, for example, it could be 15 drops of 1 oil or 15 drops of a mix of oils : )

      Patri xx

  3. Can we mix a few of the oils according to their uses or would it dilute them?
    I love all of this information!! I am so excited to get started!!! Thank u.

    1. Hi Sherrie – Yes, you can mix oils according to their uses. I’m really happy you love the information. It takes me a long time to put it all together and I must say your comment has made my day. Thank you! 🙂

Leave a Reply to Majdouine Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *