If you are an advocate of naturalism especially towards your emotional and physical well-being, then you certainly have heard of aromatherapy. Often associated to aromatherapy are aromatic compounds such as natural oils and essential oils that are commonly used at home or during massages to relax and calm the intense mind and body.

Many of you might be familiar with the wide varieties and the soothing scents of these natural and essential oils but do you know that apart from its effect in aromatherapies, some of these natural and essential oils actually provide disinfecting properties that help in reducing germs and bacteria around us? These include effects such as antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammation. Some can even be used to boost our immune systems and as a shield against harmful UV rays and pollutants in the air.

If you are eager to find out what are some of the natural oils or essential oils that contain these useful effects for our skin, here are 8 natural and essential oils that you should look out for!

Moringa Oil

Also known as Morgina Oleifera, the Moringa oil, which can only be extracted through cold-pressed method, is extremely rich in vitamin B and vitamin C. It has increasingly become a highly sought-after ingredient, especially in the cosmetic industry as it contains excellent anti-aging benefits.

Contains properties such as:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Disinfecting
• Moisturizing

Read more about the Moringa Oil and its various benefits here.

Whitewood Oil (Cajeput Oil)

Also known as Cajeput Oil, it comes from the Cajeput Tree and Paparbark Tree that are found in the straits of Sulawesi, Indonesia and also certain parts of Australia. The leaves and twigs of both plants go through vigorous steam distillation to produce the final fragrant product – the Whitewood Oil.

Contains properties such as:

• Antiviral
• Antiseptic
• Insect-Repellent

Read more about the Whitewood Oil and its various benefits here.

Organic Camellia Japonica Seed Oil

Commonly known as tea seed oil, comes from the seeds of Camellia sinensis, the plant from which all the tea is made. It is proven to be healthy in many ways. It is great for cooking and also used widely in beauty products for its moisturizing effect.

Contains properties like:

• Antioxidant
• Antimicrobial – it stops proliferation of microbes, specially known for its antifungal properties
• Disinfectant – can be used to treat wounds
• Exfoliant – removes dead skin

Read more about the Camellia Japonica Seed Oil and its various benefits here.

Grapeseed Oil

As the name suggests, the oil is derived from the seed of grapes. It is commonly used for treating eye or skin-related diseases and it is rich in vitamin C, D and E, which help in reducing wrinkles and scars.

Contains properties like:

• Anti-inflammatory – beneficial towards allergies
• Moisturizing
• Boost Wound Healing

Read more about the Grapeseed Oil and its various benefits here.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Also known as Melaleuca, Tea Tree Oil is very commonly known for its effect in treating wounds. Hence, many may be familiar with it as it is commonly seen in products relating to healing of acne and scars. The oil is derived mainly from the Australian native plant Melaleuca Alternifolia.

Contain properties like:

• Antiseptic
• Antimicrobial
• Insect-repellent

Geranium Essential Oil

Commonly used as an element in aromatherapy for its various health benefits such as a holistic treatment to improve the overall physical, mental and emotional health. Geranium oil is usually extracted through steam distillation of stems and leaves of the geranium plant.

Contains properties like:

• Anti-inflammation
• Antibacterial
• Relieves stress

Lavender Maillette Essential Oil

Lavender is widely known for its relaxing and calming effect. However, the Lavender Maillette, different from the usual Lavender Essential Oil, belongs to a better quality of the lavender plant and can only be found exclusively in the premier growing region in France. The Lavender Maillette Essential Oil has a sweeter and softer scent when compared to most lavender oils.

Contains properties like:

• Antifungal
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory – can be used in treating skin rashes and boost wounds healing from cuts.

Orange Essential Oil

The Orange oil is derived from the outer layer of the fruit, which contains immune-boosting effects. It is effective in fighting free radical damage, in addition to that, it also helps with inflammation.

Contains properties like:

• Immunity enhancer
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory