Essential oils have become the mainstays of at-home aromatherapy (in diffusers, added to baths, and applied topically with a carrier oil), plant-based skincare products, and vegan spa treatments. But what makes them so effective in improving skin and overall wellness? 

Among other beneficial elements, essential oils also contain compounds called terpenes. Not only do terpenes do wonders for the skin, but they also influence other vital systems in the body. In this blog article, we’ll dig into the topic of terpenes to give you an understanding of the role they play in making essential oils (and products that contain them) so advantageous.

Are Essential Oils Terpenes?

Because essential oils and terpenes are discussed together, a lot of people confuse them as the same thing even though they’re distinct. But distinct doesn’t mean separate. 

Essential oils are, essentially (see what we did there?), aromatic oils distilled from plants. Each essential oil has its own unique chemical makeup, which influences its scent and the effects it has on the body. 

Terpenes (perhaps best known for their presence in many CBD products) are naturally occurring compounds in the plants from which essential oils are extracted. Examples of the other compounds found in essential oils include phenols, alcohols, ketones, fatty acids, and nitrogen. 

Overview of How Terpenes Benefit the Body

Terpenes give plants their characteristics of taste, color, and smell. Their natural, delightful scents create a unique experience in their own right. But terpenes have more going for them than just their aromatic ambiance. They influence the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a role in regulating various biological functions in the body, such as: 

• Immune response
• Appetite
• Metabolism
• Memory
• Respiration
• Sleep
• Stress Response

When inhaled, essential oils’ scent molecules go from the olfactory nerves in the nose to the brain where they elicit a response. When essential oils are applied topically, their terpenes are absorbed via the top layer (epidermis) of the skin and into the bloodstream where they are carried to areas of the body and then metabolized by the liver.

5 Examples of Terpenes in Essential Oils

Below, we’ve listed some commonly found terpenes, along with a few of the essential oils that contain them. The list below represents just a tiny sampling of the over 20,000 different terpenes that exist in nature.

1. Alpha-Pinene (α-pinene)

What does it smell like? – It has a pine-like scent. In fact, it’s one of the terpenes that give evergreen trees their aroma.

How does it enhance health and wellness? – Alpha-pinene has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s known for enhancing mood, energy, and concentration, too. Also, as a bronchodilator, it may help improve respiratory function.

What are some essential oils that contain α-pinene? – Peppermint, rosemary, sage, and frankincense

Which Makes Scents Natural Spa Line Products have one or more of those essential oils? – Clarify Essential Oil Blend, Clarify Body Scrub, Clarify Body Butter, Detox Essential Oil Blend, Fir Needle Essential Oil, Invigorate Essential Oil Blend, Invigorate Body Scrub, Invigorate Body Butter, Peppermint Essential Oil, Peppermint Body Scrub, Peppermint Body butter, Restore Essential Oil Blend, Sea Sanctuary Body Scrub, Sea Sanctuary Body Butter

2. Beta-Caryophyllene

What does it smell like? – This terpene has an herbal, peppery smell.

How does it enhance health and wellness? – Beta-caryophyllene has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. 

What are some essential oils that contain beta-caryophyllene? – Basil, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, patchouli, oregano, lavender, and rosemary

Which Makes Scents Natural Spa Line Products have one or more of those essential oils? – Balance Essential Oil Blend, Balance Body Scrub, Balance Body Butter, Lavender Essential Oil, Be Calm Lavender Body Butter, Clarify Essential Oil Blend, Clarify Body Scrub, Clarify Body Butter, Detox Essential Oil Blend, Invigorate Essential Oil Blend, Invigorate Body Scrub, Invigorate Body Butter, Chai to Resist Body Scrub, Chai to Resist Body Butter, Garden of Eden Body Scrub, Garden of Eden Body Butter, Spiced Orange Cider Body Scrub, Spiced Orange Cider Body Butter

3. Limonene

What does it smell like? – As you might guess from its name, limonene has a citrus scent.

How does it enhance health and wellness? – Limonene is known for its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Also, its scent facilitates mental focus and feelings of well-being.

What are some essential oils that contain limonene? – Grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, bergamot, and lemongrass

Which Makes Scents Natural Spa Line Products have one or more of those essential oils? – Awaken Essential Oil Blend, Balance Essential Oil Blend, Balance Body Scrub, Balance Body Butter, Restore Essential Oil Blend, Citrus Grove Body Scrub, Citrus Grove Body Butter, Coco Mojito Body Scrub, Coco Mojito Body Butter, Cranberry & Soy Chutney Body Scrub, Cranberry Spice Body Butter, Burly Buff, Burly Buff Balm, Burly Beard & Hair Oil, Sea Sanctuary Body Scrub, Sea Sanctuary Body Butter, Spiced Orange Cider Body Scrub, Spiced Orange Cider Body Butter

4. Linalool

What does it smell like? – Linalool has a fresh, floral scent. 

How does it enhance health and wellness? – With its calming and analgesic properties, linalool helps to promote relaxation and stress reduction.

What are some essential oils that contain linalool? – Lavender,  clary sage, neroli, and bergamot

Which Makes Scents Natural Spa Line Products have one or more of those essential oils? – Balance Essential Oil Blend, Balance Body Scrub, Balance Body Butter, Invigorate Essential Oil Blend, Invigorate Body Scrub, Invigorate Body Butter, Lavender Essential Oil, Be Calm Lavender Body Butter, Garden of Eden Body Scrub, Garden of Eden Body Butter, Sea Sanctuary Body Scrub, Sea Sanctuary Body Butter

5. Myrcene

What does it smell like? – This terpene has an earthy clove-like scent.

How does it enhance health and wellness? – It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, calming, and anti-carcinogenic attributes.

What are some essential oils that contain myrcene? – Rosemary, lemongrass, ylang-ylang, juniper, and verbena

Which Makes Scents Natural Spa Line Products have one or more of those essential oils? – Clarify Essential Oil Blend, Clarify Body Scrub, Clarify Body Butter, Detox Essential Oil Blend, Invigorate Essential Oil Blend, Invigorate Body Scrub, Invigorate Body Butter, Restore Essential Oil Blend, Chai to Resist Body Scrub, Chai to Resist Body Butter.

Knowledge is Power for Choosing Products Wisely

By understanding the benefits of specific terpenes and which essential oils contain them, you can better choose the products that are right for you. Always look for products with certified pure essential oils that are made in a cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) approved facility because that will help ensure you will get the utmost quality and optimal results. 

Have questions about our products for your personal or professional use? Contact us today!