Essential Oils vs. Herbal-Infused Oils: The Healthier, More Sustainable Choice for Your Skin
If you’ve explored natural skincare or DIY herbal products, you’ve likely encountered essential oils and herbal-infused oils—two plant-based extracts often confused for one another. You might see "rose oil" or "calendula oil" listed in a product and wonder: Is this an essential oil or an infused oil? What’s the difference, and does it matter?
The short answer: Yes, it matters—especially when it comes to skincare, sustainability, and the full range of herbal benefits you might be missing out on.
While essential oils and herbal-infused oils both come from plants, they work differently, extract different compounds, and serve different purposes. Rather than replacing one with the other, understanding their unique strengths can help you use both more effectively—for your skin, body, and the planet.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile extracts obtained from plants through steam distillation, cold pressing, or resin tapping. They are often referred to as the “life force” or “soul” of the plant. They contain a plant’s aromatic compounds, which are responsible for their powerful scents and therapeutic effects.
How Essential Oils Are Made
Citrus essential oils (like lemon or bergamot) are extracted from the peels of fruit via cold pressing.
Most other essential oils (like rosemary or lavender) are made via steam distillation, where heat releases the plant’s volatile compounds, which are then collected as essential oil.
Because these aromatic compounds are only a small fraction of a plant’s total chemistry, essential oils capture only certain aspects of a plant’s therapeutic profile—specifically, the volatile, oil-soluble components. That’s why they work in carrier oils so well.
How Essential Oils Work in Skincare
Fast-acting and highly aromatic—ideal for immediate effects
Effective in small amounts—depending on dilution, only a few drops in a carrier oil may be needed
Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory Essential Oils (For Sensitive, Inflamed, or Irritated Skin)—chamomile, helichrysum, lavender, and sandlewood
Antimicrobial & Acne-Fighting Essential Oils (For Oily, Acne-Prone, or Blemish-Prone Skin)—lavender, tea tree, geranium, and rosemary
Anti-Aging & Skin-Renewing Essential Oils (For Dry, Mature, or Aging Skin)—frankincense, carrot seed, rose, and ylang ylang
Brightening & Skin-Toning Essential Oils (For Uneven Skin Tone, Hyperpigmentation, and Dull Skin)—lemon, bergamot, turmeric, and neroli
Essential Oils for Dry or Dehydrated Skin—sandalwood, cedarwood, and palmarosa
Essential Oils for Scar Healing & Wound Repair—helichrysum, frankincense, and carrot seed
Essential Oils for Itchy or Irritated Skin—peppermint, lavender, chamomile, and tea tree
But essential oils are not the whole plant—and this is where herbal-infused oils come in.
What Are Herbal-Infused Oils?
Herbal-infused oils are made by steeping whole herbs (fresh or dried) in a carrier oil like olive, jojoba, or sunflower oil over an extended period of time. Unlike essential oils, this process extracts a much wider spectrum of the plant’s beneficial compounds, making infused oils more nourishing and gentle for the skin.
What Herbal-Infused Oils Capture That Essential Oils Do Not:
Fat-soluble plant compounds—such as flavonoids, plant sterols, and resins that support skin repair and deep nourishment.
Certain tannins—which help tone and tighten skin.
Mild anti-inflammatory and wound healing compounds—soothing herbs like calendula, plantain, comfrey, and violet are best extracted in oil.
A balance of therapeutic properties—rather than an intense concentration of just volatile oils.
Why Herbal-Infused Oils Are Ideal for Skincare:
Deep hydration & barrier support—they mimic the skin’s natural lipids better than essential oils alone.
Less risk of irritation—they don’t carry the potency (or potential for skin sensitivity) of essential oils.
More sustainable—a handful of herbs can create an infused oil, whereas essential oil production requires massive amounts of plant material.
Why Essential Oils and Herbal-Infused Oils Work Best Together
Instead of choosing one over the other, a better approach is to use them together strategically.
Use essential oils for targeted aromatherapy, antimicrobial action, and emotional support.
Use herbal-infused oils for deep nourishment, skin hydration, and whole-plant benefits.
Combine them—for example, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a lavender-infused oil for an even more potent but gentle herbal remedy.
For instance:
A healing salve can be made with calendula-infused oil (for skin repair) plus a few drops of tea tree oil (for antimicrobial support).
A facial serum can use rose-infused oil for hydration with a drop of frankincense essential oil for added skin rejuvenation.
It’s not about essential oils vs. infused oils—it’s about knowing when to use each and how they complement one another. When paired with nourishing carrier oils or herbal-infused oils, they can provide a well-rounded, effective, and holistic skincare approach.
Why Herbal-Infused Oils Are the More Sustainable Choice
Less Plant Waste – While essential oil production requires massive amounts of plant material, infused oils can be made with just a handful of herbs.
Low Energy & Water Use – Infused oils require no steam distillation, making them significantly less resource-intensive.
Easy to Make at Home – Unlike essential oils, which require specialized equipment, herbal-infused oils can be made easily and affordably in your own kitchen.
This low-waste, sustainable approach makes herbal-infused oils a more eco-friendly alternative to essential oils, especially for skincare.
The Herbal Oils You’re Missing Out On If You Only Use Essential Oils
Some of the most healing and skin-supportive herbs don’t produce essential oils at all—meaning that if you’re only using essential oils, you’re missing out on their benefits.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Skin-healing, anti-inflammatory, and deeply soothing.
Arnica (Arnica montana) – Relieves muscle pain, bruising, and inflammation.
Plantain (Plantago major) – Wound-healing, anti-itch, and cooling for burns and bites.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) – Helps repair tissue, great for sprains and minor injuries.
Violet (Viola odorata) – Moisturizing and calming for dry, irritated skin.
Since these potent healing plants cannot be distilled into an essential oil, the only way to access their benefits is through herbal-infused oils.
Why You Should Be Using Both
Essential oils are powerful, fast-acting, and highly aromatic, but they are only part of the plant’s medicine.
Herbal-infused oils offer a gentler, more nourishing, and sustainable approach to using herbs—especially for the skin.
Rather than essential oils vs. herbal-infused oils, the real takeaway is:
Use infused oils for long-term skin nourishment and whole-plant benefits.
Use essential oils for aromatherapy and targeted effects.
Combine them thoughtfully for the best of both worlds.
For truly holistic, skin-loving, and sustainable herbal remedies, start incorporating infused oils into your routine—and experience what you’ve been missing.
