Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds extracted from the flowers, leaves, stems, roots, or fruits of plants through methods such as distillation, pressing, cold maceration, or solvent extraction. They can be classified according to various criteria, as detailed below:
Classification by Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Representative essential oils: Lavender essential oil, Peppermint essential oil, Rosemary essential oil.
Characteristics: Essential oils from plants in the Lamiaceae family typically have a refreshing aroma, and many have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. For example, lavender essential oil can relieve stress, promote sleep, and aid wound healing; peppermint essential oil can invigorate the mind, relieve headaches, and improve digestion.
Myrtaceae
Representative essential oils: Tea tree essential oil and Eucalyptus essential oil.
Characteristics: Essential oils from plants in this family often possess strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. Tea tree essential oil is a natural antibacterial agent and can be used to treat skin infections and acne. Eucalyptus essential oil is beneficial for the respiratory system, relieving coughs and colds and promoting smoother breathing.
Rutaceae
Representative essential oils: Lemon, sweet orange, and bergamot.
Features: Essential oils from Rutaceae plants typically have a rich citrus aroma and are rich in vitamins. They can bring a positive mood and also have skin-whitening and brightening properties. Lemon essential oil can freshen the air, invigorate the mind, and boost immunity. Sweet orange essential oil can relieve anxiety and promote digestion.
Asteraceae
Representative essential oils: Chamomile and Roman chamomile.
Features: Essential oils from Asteraceae plants often have soothing and calming properties, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin and nervous systems. Chamomile essential oil can relieve allergies, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep quality.
Classification by Chemical Composition
Monoterpene Essential Oils
Representative essential oils: Lemon essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, and peppermint essential oil.
Characteristics: Monoterpene essential oils typically have a refreshing aroma and possess strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties. They also stimulate digestive juices, promoting digestion, and have refreshing and focused properties.
Ester Essential Oils
Representative essential oils: Lavender essential oil, Roman chamomile essential oil, and petitgrain essential oil.
Characteristics: Esters have mild and soothing properties, effectively relieving tension and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and promoting sleep. They also possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and have nourishing and repairing properties for the skin.
Phenolic Essential Oils
Representative essential oils: Thyme essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, and clove essential oil.
Characteristics: Phenolic essential oils possess strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, but can also be relatively irritating. Dilute carefully to avoid irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. They can also boost immunity and promote blood circulation.
Aldehyde Essential Oils
Representative essential oils: Lemongrass essential oil, Litsea cubeba essential oil.
Features: Aldehyde essential oils have a refreshing aroma and can have a calming and soothing effect on the nerves. They also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, some aldehyde essential oils may be irritating to the skin, so dilute them carefully and perform a skin test before use.
Classification by Use
Skin Care Essential Oils
Representative essential oils: Rose essential oil, Jasmine essential oil, Frankincense essential oil.
Features: These essential oils are rich in various nutrients and have moisturizing, nourishing, anti-wrinkle, and whitening properties. They can improve skin texture, enhance skin elasticity, and slow the aging process. Rose essential oil is a skincare favorite, deeply nourishing and regulating endocrine function; jasmine essential oil can brighten the skin and reduce dark spots.
Hair Care Essential Oils
Representative Oils: Ylang Ylang, Rosemary, and Cedarwood.
Features: Hair Care Essential Oils nourish and improve hair quality, addressing dryness, split ends, and hair loss. Ylang Ylang balances scalp oil production, making hair smoother and shinier; Rosemary promotes blood circulation and stimulates hair growth.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils
Representative Oils: Orange, Grapefruit, and Sandalwood.
Features: Aromatherapy essential oils are primarily used to improve indoor air quality and create a comfortable atmosphere. They also influence the limbic system through the olfactory nerves, regulating mood, relieving stress, and enhancing mental well-being. The aroma of Orange can bring a sense of joy and relaxation; the tranquil and peaceful fragrance of Sandalwood can help people relax and enter a meditative state.
Massage Essential Oils
Representative Oils: Lavender, Tea Tree, and Ginger.
