We are frequently asked about specific brands of ingredients we use when we make our essential oil recipes. Let's face it, there are tons of options out there and each ingredient requires some research to make sure you are getting a quality item.
We have already done the research and found ingredients that we love to use.
We have compiled our favorite ingredients into a list for our Loving Essential Oils fans of what we enjoy using when making homemade essential oil recipes.
If you are new to making essential oil recipes, then this is a great place to start. You do not need to buy all ingredients at once but if you slowly buy over time you will have a great collection.
Most recipes require only a small amount so these items last for a while!
Best Carrier Oils For Essential Oil Recipes
Carrier oils are a must have for essential oil users. They help to dilute oils so you can apply them safely where you need them. They also make your oils go further because it requires less essential oil to cover more area without taking away from the benefits of the oils you are using.
Carrier oils also have benefits of their own, including moisturizing and softening skin. They are great in natural beauty and natural health recipes. There are many types of carrier oils but we are sharing the ones we use the most in our recipes.
Jojoba Oil
This is our number one carrier oil, we LOVE jojoba and stock up on this one! Jojoba improves the feel of skin, hydrates the skin and is conditioning to hair as well. Jojoba is great for sensitive skin because of its gentle nature and it has a long shelf life. I love using in roller bottles with essential oil blends.
Here is my favorite from Edens Garden:
DIY Recipe: Makeup Remover Pads with Jojoba
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil helps hydrate the skin and can be used as a total body moisturizer. Add to your beauty routine to help fight the signs of aging and improve overall complexion. Works great for massage oils, can even use as a makeup remover.
Here is the sweet almond oil brand we like:
DIY Recipe: Exfoliating Foot Scrub Recipe with Sweet Almond
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil and its anti-oxidizing qualities penetrate deep into the lower layers of your skin to deliver ample moisture and nutrients. Perfect for facial serums and body oils. Here is the oil from Teddies Organics we enjoy:
Read More: Rosehip Oil Uses and Benefits
Fractionated Coconut Oil (always in liquid form)
Light weight, fast absorbing and no greasy residue makes fractionated coconut oil a winner when using with aromatherapy and essential oils.
Try this organic oil from Plant Therapy:
Read More: FCO Spotlight
Virgin Coconut Oil (solid when cold, liquid in warmer temperatures)
Rejuvenates and moisturizes skin and hair. Coconut oil can penetrate deep into skin tissue, clarifying, moisturizing and cleansing even the most sensitive of skin. Here is our favorite brand:
Read More: Coconut Oil Spotlight
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamins A, E, B, and D plus amino acids and essential fatty acids that are excellent for keeping your skin looking youthful and your hair healthy. Grapeseed Oil can also be used as a hair conditioner to help dry frizzy hair and restore it's natural shine. Also wonderful for massage oils.
Try this organic oil:
Read More: Grapeseed Oil Uses and Benefits
Best Ingredients For Essential Oil Recipes
Some additional items you will use in DIY recipes for natural living and beauty are epsom salt, soap, vitamin E oil, witch hazel, vegetable glycerin.
Castile Soap
Castile soap is excellent for making all types of homemade soaps and cleansers. You can also use for household cleaning too. I am never without my castile soap. It is probably the item I go through most because I use in all my hand soaps, facial cleansers and body washes for our entire family. I like the baby unscented one so I can use essential oils to get the scent I want.
Here is the best Unscented Castile Soap by Dr. Bronner:
DIY Recipe: Foaming Body Wash
Epsom Salt
I use epsom salt in foot soaks, spray recipes, bath salts, salt scrubs and more. San Francisco is my absolute favorite brand of salt products. You can get it in various sizes but if you want the most cost effective one, the 19 pound bag is the best value, plus it will last super long time!
DIY Recipe: Epsom Salt Detox Bath
Witch Hazel
Great for toners, facials and essential oil sprays. I use alcohol free version to keep my recipes all natural. I like to have an unscented one and a rose witch hazel available.
Read More: How to Use Witch Hazel Spray
White Beeswax Pellets
With its natural properties and high water-holding capacity, beeswax is great for lotions, lip balms and skin care products that help retain natural skin moisture. You can also melt it down to make your own aromatic candles. Pellets make it easy to melt for whatever you need.
Beeswax Solid Bar
Beeswax has anti-inflammatory abilities, and it forms a protective barrier on skin to repel environmental assaults while holding in moisture and reducing dryness. It's perfect for anyone who wants to make DIY beauty products, moisturizing cream, lip balm, healing salve, soap, candles and more!
Vitamin E Oil
Great to add to homemade beauty, skin and hair products. Great for healing, moisturizing and skin repair.
Vegetable Glycerin
Adds thickness to homemade products as well as moisture when using products on skin. It is very thick and is water soluble. Works good for adding to room sprays, air fresheners, as well as massage oils and soaps. Here is a brand we like:
Read More: Vegetable Glycerin Spotlight
Cocoa Butter
Naturally rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E, making it a wonderful skincare product. Cocoa butter is also great for DIY skincare creams, lotions, soaps, and hair products. Rub a little into your hands and feel the moisturizing effect! Cocoa butter is one of the most used fats in the world. Smells yummy and fabulous for body butters and creams. Click here or picture to learn more
Read More: Cocoa Butter Uses
Shea Butter
Unrefined Shea Butter is a nutrient rich cosmetic butter packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It deeply moisturizes the skin to help soothe and repair dry, itchy, cracked skin and maintain a healthy glow. Its properties also make it effective in evening out skin tone, diminishing blemishes, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally Shea Butter can be used on the scalp or in the hair to stimulate growth, tame frizz and lock in moisture. Great for homemade creams and beauty DIY. Here is our favorite brand:
Read More: Shea Butter Benefits
Goat's Milk Melt and Pour Soap
DIY Recipe: Essential Oil Massage Soap
Honey Melt and Pour Soap
DIY Recipe: Cardamom Melt and Pour Soap
Baking Soda
This is excellent for household cleaning, lots of natural uses. I like to get the big box so I have plenty ready for use. This is usually a kitchen staple that most homes will already have!
DIY Recipe: Baking Soda Air Freshener Recipe
Top 10 Essential Oils For Aromatherapy Recipes
Diffusing essential oils is an amazing way to enjoy aromatherapy benefits. Here are 10 great essential oils to have on hand for DIY Recipes, diffusing, and everyday use.
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Orange Essential Oil (Wild or Sweet)
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Oil (aka Melaleuca)
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- White Fir Essential Oil
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
- Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Where to Buy Essential Oils?
Essential oils are great because not only do they make you feel good physically but mentally as well. I love having them around since they have so many benefits like clearing the air of bad odors and improving moods by releasing calming scents in your home or office!
We are frequently asked what essential oil brand we like, here are some of our favorites: