Established In 1994
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts cherished for their powerful aromas and therapeutic properties. Whether used in massage, facials, mani-pedis, or as ambient scents in your salon, they’re an easy way to add value, relaxation, and retail appeal to your service menu.
This guide is designed for busy therapists who want a clear, product-led breakdown of the 50+ essential oils stocked by SalonServe – from how they’re sourced to how they can help you and your clients.
Each mini-entry covers:
- What the oil is and where it comes from
- How to use it in treatments
- Key client & business benefits
- Safety guidance and shelf life
Basil
A warm, spicy-sweet oil distilled from basil leaves, primarily from India and the Mediterranean.
Salon Uses: Great in energising foot soaks or added to pre-massage inhalations for focus.
Benefits:
- Sharpens mental clarity
- Eases muscular tension
- Uplifting scent ideal for midday treatments
Safety: Avoid in pregnancy and dilute well (≤1%) for skin applications.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months; store in a cool, dark place.
Bay
Rich and spicy, this oil is steam-distilled from bay leaves grown in the West Indies.
Salon Uses: Perfect in men’s grooming oils or post-shave balms.
Benefits:
- Stimulates scalp circulation
- Adds warmth to massage blends
- Popular in male aromatherapy profiles
Safety: May irritate sensitive skin; use ≤0.5% dilution.
Shelf Life: Best within 24 months.
Benzoin
A sweet, vanilla-like resin extract from the Styrax tree, native to Southeast Asia.
Salon Uses: Blends beautifully into nourishing creams or facial massage oils.
Benefits:
- Calms dry, cracked skin
- Warm, comforting scent for winter treatments
- Enhances skin product richness
Safety: Safe for most; patch test on sensitive skin.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Bergamot
A citrusy-fresh oil cold-pressed from the rind of bergamot oranges grown in Italy.
Salon Uses: Excellent in calming facial steams or pre-wax diffusers.
Benefits:
- Mood-lifting and anxiety-reducing
- Balances oily or blemish-prone skin
- Retail-friendly scent for stress relief
Safety: Photosensitive—avoid sun exposure after use.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Black Pepper
A warming, spicy oil steam-distilled from black peppercorns, typically sourced from India or Madagascar.
Salon Uses: Enhances circulation in deep tissue massage blends.
Benefits:
- Boosts blood flow
- Relieves muscular aches and stiffness
- Adds heat to cold-weather treatments
Safety: Avoid on sensitive skin and during pregnancy.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Chamomile
Sweet and herbaceous, steam-distilled from Roman or German chamomile flowers in Europe.
Salon Uses: Ideal in calming facial oils, eye compresses, and soothing nail care.
Benefits:
- Reduces redness and skin irritation
- Promotes sleep and relaxation
- Suitable for sensitive and mature skin types
Safety: Generally safe; avoid if allergic to ragweed.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Cedarwood
Woody and grounding, extracted from the wood of Atlas or Himalayan cedar trees.
Salon Uses: Great in hair serums and diffuser blends for mindfulness.
Benefits:
- Balances oily skin and scalp
- Creates a calming environment
- Masculine scent ideal for barber treatments
Safety: Safe when diluted; avoid during pregnancy.
Shelf Life: Best within 24 months.
Citronella
Lemony-fresh oil distilled from grass varieties in Sri Lanka and Java.
Salon Uses: Natural insect repellent in outdoor treatments and summer massage.
Benefits:
- Repels bugs naturally
- Freshens air in treatment rooms
- Useful in foot and body scrubs
Safety: Avoid near eyes; patch test for sensitive skin.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Cinnamon
Warm and spicy, this potent oil is extracted from the bark or leaf of cinnamon trees.
Salon Uses: Best used sparingly in foot soaks and muscle rubs.
Benefits:
- Boosts circulation
- Enhances warming blends
- Popular in winter-themed treatments
Safety: Highly sensitising—use below 0.5% and avoid facial use.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Clary Sage
Herbaceous and slightly sweet, sourced from flowering tops in Europe.
Salon Uses: A top pick for mood-balancing diffuser blends or massage oils.
Benefits:
- Hormonal balancing effects
- Calming for anxiety and stress
- Soothes menstrual discomfort
Safety: Avoid alcohol consumption after use; not recommended during pregnancy.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Clove
Warm, spicy oil steam-distilled from dried clove buds, mainly from Indonesia and Madagascar.
Salon Uses: A warming agent in foot rubs or massage blends for sore muscles.
Benefits:
- Strong antimicrobial properties
- Invigorates circulation
- Great for seasonal blends and warming sensations
Safety: Can be sensitising—use <0.5% dilution. Avoid facial application.
Shelf Life: Best within 24 months.
Coriander
Fresh and slightly sweet oil distilled from coriander seeds.
Salon Uses: Ideal in detox massage blends or calming compresses.
Benefits:
- Soothes digestive discomfort
- Promotes muscle relaxation
- Mild aroma for clients with scent sensitivity
Safety: Safe with standard dilution; patch test first.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Cypress
Woody and refreshing oil from cypress tree needles, native to the Mediterranean.
Salon Uses: A go-to in body sculpting, lymphatic massage, and leg treatments.
Benefits:
- Tones skin and reduces fluid retention
- Supports circulation
- Deodorising and balancing
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Eucalyptus
Strong, menthol aroma, steam-distilled from Australian eucalyptus leaves.
Salon Uses: Popular in steam rooms, foot baths, and congestion-relief treatments.
Benefits:
- Clears sinuses and boosts respiration
- Antiseptic for pedicures and body care
- Sharpens mental focus
Safety: Avoid on young children or around eyes.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Fennel
Sweet, liquorice-scented oil from fennel seeds.
Salon Uses: Detoxifying addition to body wraps and firming treatments.
Benefits:
- Encourages fluid drainage
- Reduces bloating
- Helps tone skin texture
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy and with epilepsy.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Frankincense
Earthy, resinous oil steam-distilled from Boswellia tree resin.
Salon Uses: Soothing oil for facials, mature skincare, and mindfulness massage.
Benefits:
- Tones and rejuvenates ageing skin
- Encourages deep breathing and calm
- Adds luxury appeal to treatment menus
Safety: Generally safe; always dilute.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Geranium
Floral and herbaceous oil from geranium leaves and flowers.
Salon Uses: Balancing facial oils, scalp massages, and hand treatments.
Benefits:
- Balances skin sebum production
- Lifts mood and reduces anxiety
- Great for mature or combination skin
Safety: Safe when diluted; patch test first.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Ginger
Warm and spicy oil from fresh or dried ginger root.
Salon Uses: Excellent in warming muscle rubs and circulation treatments.
Benefits:
- Boosts blood flow
- Helps relieve joint stiffness
- Warming and energising scent
Safety: May cause sensitivity—keep below 1%.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Grapefruit
Crisp, sweet citrus oil cold-pressed from grapefruit peel.
Salon Uses: Adds freshness to facial steams and body polishers.
Benefits:
- Uplifts mood and focus
- Natural skin toner
- Supports detox routines
Safety: Photosensitive—avoid sunlight after use.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Hyssop
Pungent, herbaceous oil from the hyssop plant.
Salon Uses: Invigorating in respiratory massage or diffused air-purifying blends.
Benefits:
- Stimulates circulation
- Aids respiratory decongestion
- Promotes alertness
Safety: Avoid in pregnancy, epilepsy, or high blood pressure.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Jasmine (Absolute)
Rich, heady floral extract from jasmine blossoms, mainly India or Egypt.
Salon Uses: A luxurious note in face oils and massage oils.
Benefits:
- Deeply calming and sensual
- Skin-softening and nourishing
- High-end aroma for luxury treatments
Safety: Dilute well; expensive but potent.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Juniperberry
Fresh and piney, distilled from juniper berries.
Salon Uses: Used in cellulite, detox massage, and balancing oily skin.
Benefits:
- Detoxifies and reduces fluid retention
- Stimulates circulation
- Clarifies congested skin
Safety: Avoid in pregnancy or kidney issues.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Lemon
Bright and zesty oil cold-pressed from lemon peel.
Salon Uses: Ideal in brightening skincare, scalp cleansers, and air fresheners.
Benefits:
- Cleanses oily skin
- Boosts energy and focus
- Enhances shine in haircare
Safety: Photosensitive—avoid sun post-application.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Lemongrass
Sharp, citrusy oil steam-distilled from tropical grass.
Salon Uses: Deodorising foot rubs and clarifying scalp treatments.
Benefits:
- Tones and tightens skin
- Natural deodorant
- Invigorating scent profile
Safety: May irritate sensitive skin; dilute well.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Lime
Tangy citrus oil from cold-pressed lime peel.
Salon Uses: Ideal in detox treatments and summer facial mists.
Benefits:
- Uplifting and refreshing
- Supports skin clarity
- Combines well with mint or basil
Safety: Photosensitive—avoid UV light after use.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Mandarin
Sweet citrus oil pressed from mandarin orange peel.
Salon Uses: Soothing in maternity massage and baby-safe blends.
Benefits:
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Soothes digestive upset
- Sweet, happy scent for anxious clients
Safety: Safe in low dilution; non-irritating.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Marigold (Calendula)
Gentle, golden oil from marigold flowers.
Salon Uses: Perfect for sensitive skin and infant massage.
Benefits:
- Soothes skin irritation and inflammation
- Gentle healer for damaged cuticles
- Useful in post-wax care
Safety: Safe for all ages; patch test first.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Marjoram
Warm and herbaceous, from sweet marjoram leaves.
Salon Uses: Muscle-relaxing massage blends and stress treatments.
Benefits:
- Relieves tension and cramps
- Calms emotional stress
- Eases sleep onset
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Melissa (Blend)
Citrus-fresh and calming; a cost-effective blend mimicking pure melissa.
Salon Uses: Ideal for anti-anxiety blends and facial massage.
Benefits:
- Calms nerves and tension
- Uplifts mood
- Affordable alternative to rare pure melissa
Safety: Generally safe when diluted.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Neroli
Delicate floral from orange blossoms, mainly from Tunisia and Morocco.
Salon Uses: Soothing in facial oils and romantic blends.
Benefits:
- Regenerates skin
- Calms anxiety and heart palpitations
- Adds elegance to salon offerings
Safety: Gentle and safe on most skin types.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Nutmeg
Warm, spicy oil steam-distilled from dried nutmeg seeds, usually from Indonesia.
Salon Uses: Used in warming body oils and muscle-soothing treatments.
Benefits:
- Stimulates circulation
- Relieves muscle fatigue
- Blends beautifully in autumn/winter scents
Safety: Use sparingly; high doses can be toxic. Avoid during pregnancy.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Origanum (Oregano)
Sharp, herbaceous oil from wild oregano leaves.
Salon Uses: Occasionally used in deep-tissue blends or sanitising sprays.
Benefits:
- Strong antibacterial and antifungal
- Immune-stimulating aroma
- Great in cleaning formulations
Safety: Highly potent—use below 0.5%. Not for facial or sensitive areas.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Orange (Sweet)
Bright, sweet citrus oil cold-pressed from orange peel.
Salon Uses: Cheerful oil for diffuser blends, facials, and scrubs.
Benefits:
- Lifts mood and reduces tension
- Promotes glowing skin
- Widely loved for retail
Safety: Photosensitive—avoid sun for 12 hours after use.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Palmarosa
Floral-grassy oil steam-distilled from tropical grass in India and Nepal.
Salon Uses: Hydrating facial oils and balancing body blends.
Benefits:
- Regenerates skin tissue
- Balances sebum levels
- Gentle alternative to rose
Safety: Generally safe; dilute for facial use.
Shelf Life: Best within 24 months.
Patchouli
Earthy and grounding oil from fermented patchouli leaves.
Salon Uses: Popular in skin serums, massage oils, and grounding blends.
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory and soothing
- Appeals to earthy, bohemian tastes
- Long-lasting scent for perfumes and oils
Safety: Heavy aroma—use sparingly.
Shelf Life: Up to 5 years when stored well.
Petitgrain
Fresh-green oil from bitter orange leaves and twigs.
Salon Uses: Uplifting in scalp treatments, toners, and diffuser blends.
Benefits:
- Balances oily skin and scalp
- Eases stress and tension
- Affordable citrus alternative
Safety: Non-photosensitive; gentle on most skin types.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Pine
Clean, crisp oil distilled from pine needles.
Salon Uses: Used in foot scrubs, room sprays, and revitalising massage.
Benefits:
- Refreshes and clears airways
- Antiseptic for foot and nail treatments
- Energises tired minds
Safety: Avoid in high concentrations or on broken skin.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Peppermint
Cool and minty oil from peppermint leaves.
Salon Uses: Popular in foot care, scalp refreshers, and sinus massage.
Benefits:
- Relieves headaches and congestion
- Invigorates and cools tired limbs
- Enhances client alertness
Safety: Avoid near eyes and on sensitive skin. Not for children under 6.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Rose (Absolute)
Luxurious floral oil solvent-extracted from rose petals, mainly Bulgarian or Moroccan.
Salon Uses: Premium facials and high-end massage blends.
Benefits:
- Deeply hydrating and soothing
- Evokes calm and romantic appeal
- Strong retail potential despite high price
Safety: Dilute well; test for sensitivity.
Shelf Life: Best within 24 months.
Rose Geranium
A rosy, herbaceous oil from geranium plants.
Salon Uses: Balancing skin oils, diffuser blends, and calming massage.
Benefits:
- Stabilises mood and emotions
- Supports hormone balance
- Great for mixed skin types
Safety: Safe in dilution.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Rosewood
Soft, woody-floral oil from the endangered rosewood tree. (Use sustainably sourced only.)
Salon Uses: Facial and anti-ageing treatments.
Benefits:
- Promotes skin regeneration
- Calms and balances mood
- Subtle scent with wide appeal
Safety: Check sourcing; avoid unsustainable products.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
Rosemary
Herbaceous, camphorous oil from rosemary leaves.
Salon Uses: Scalp stimulation, muscle rubs, and clarifying skin products.
Benefits:
- Boosts hair growth
- Sharpens focus and memory
- Combats oily skin
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy, epilepsy, and hypertension.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Sage
Earthy and astringent oil from sage leaves.
Salon Uses: Clarifying scalp and purifying body blends.
Benefits:
- Strong astringent for oily skin
- Cleansing for emotional or energy resets
- Stimulates circulation
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy and if epileptic.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Sandalwood
Smooth, rich wood oil from the heartwood of sandalwood trees.
Salon Uses: Luxury massage and mature skin treatments.
Benefits:
- Deeply moisturising and grounding
- Ideal for meditation spaces
- Long-lasting, sensual scent
Safety: Sustainably source only; safe in dilution.
Shelf Life: Up to 5 years.
Spearmint
Sweeter and softer than peppermint, from spearmint leaves.
Salon Uses: Foot baths, scalp massage, and mental refreshers.
Benefits:
- Gentle digestive aid
- Cools without harshness
- Safe mint alternative for children
Safety: Generally safe; dilute well.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Tea Tree
Strong, medicinal oil from Australian tea tree leaves.
Salon Uses: Anti-fungal foot care, acne facials, and scalp cleansers.
Benefits:
- Antimicrobial and antifungal
- Clears blemishes
- Essential for sanitising and first aid kits
Safety: Can irritate sensitive skin; avoid undiluted use.
Shelf Life: Use within 12–24 months.
Thyme
Pungent, herbaceous oil from thyme leaves.
Salon Uses: Purifying blends, respiratory massages, and sanitising sprays.
Benefits:
- Potent antibacterial
- Stimulates immune system
- Invigorates body and mind
Safety: Use <1% dilution; avoid in pregnancy.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Valerian
Earthy, musky oil from valerian root.
Salon Uses: Deep relaxation treatments and sleep rituals.
Benefits:
- Strong sedative for insomnia
- Eases nervous tension
- Useful in night time diffuser blends
Safety: Very strong scent—use in moderation.
Shelf Life: Best within 12 months.
Verbena
Fresh, citrusy oil from lemon verbena leaves.
Salon Uses: Refreshing facials and emotional lift blends.
Benefits:
- Light, uplifting scent
- Useful for emotional balance
- Great in summer treatments
Safety: Photosensitive—avoid direct sun.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Vetiver
Deep, earthy oil from the roots of the vetiver grass.
Salon Uses: Grounding massage oils and emotional balance rituals.
Benefits:
- Deeply calming for stress
- Anchors more volatile scents
- Ideal for men’s spa services
Safety: Thick oil—blend before applying.
Shelf Life: Lasts 3–5 years when stored well.
Wintergreen
Minty and medicinal oil from wintergreen leaves.
Salon Uses: Used in pain-relief rubs and sports massage.
Benefits:
- Natural source of methyl salicylate
- Reduces muscular aches
- Cools sore tissues
Safety: Avoid with aspirin sensitivity and during pregnancy.
Shelf Life: Use within 12 months.
Ylang Ylang
Exotic, sweet-floral oil from the blossoms of the ylang-ylang tree.
Salon Uses: Romantic massage blends and calming facial oils.
Benefits:
- Eases anxiety and stress
- Balances sebum in skin and scalp
- Sensual, luxurious aroma
Safety: May cause headaches in high doses—use lightly.
Shelf Life: Use within 24 months.
The SalonServe Promise
We have a team of highly qualified employees that pay close attention to detail. We are committed to providing you with outstanding customer service at all times, and our trained therapists are on hand to answer any questions.
Your orders are expertly hand-picked and packed by our trained warehouse professionals to guarantee that each item will arrive in perfect working order.
Fast, Easy Delivery
We deliver Monday to Friday and can work with you to pick a delivery day that suits you best.
Returns Policy
Our returns policy is an easy, stress-free process. With no questions asked and no bad feelings, you can return your purchases within 15 days if you’re not completely satisfied (we’re sure you will be).
Please ensure the product and packaging are in the condition you received them in, ready for resale. Returns of furniture will incur a 25% restocking fee, and after you return your item, we’ll issue you a refund. Simple!
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