Top 10 Essential Oils for Skin Care and 5 to Avoid

Top 10 Essential Oils for Skin Care and 5 to Avoid

It’s no secret that I LOVE essential oils! They can be used for so many different things and they’re a safe alternative to using synthetic scenting agents in bath and body products. One thing I really like is how some oils are SO good for the skin! Today we’re going to be looking at 10 essential oils that are great for the skin, and 5 that you should avoid in skincare products!

10 Great Essential Oils for the Skin

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Copaiba (Copaiefera officinalis)
German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Cypress (Cupressus sempervivens)
Geranium (Pelargonium asperum)
Blue Tansy (Tanacetum anuum)
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

5 Essential Oils to Avoid in Skin Care Products

Although citrus oils are some of my favorite oils, they’re unfortunately not good for use in skin care products. These essential oils are considered phototoxic, which means when they’re applied to the skin and then exposed to the sun, they can cause burns to your skin.

Way back when I first started using essential oils, I used a blend containing lemon oil for allergies. Not thinking anything about it I went out to mow grass about 4 hours after I used the blend. Later on that day I started noticing that my skin was sore and felt like it was burning, and wouldn’t you know it was right in the area that I used the blend. It was an uncomfortable experience, so hopefully my mistake will keep you from doing the same!

Lemon (Citrus limon)
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
Bergamot* (Citrus bergamia)
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisii)
Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

*A note about Bergamot essential oil. Bergamot contains furanocoumarins, which is the component responsible for making it phototoxic. There are Bergamot oils on the market where the furanocoumarins have been removed, making it safe for use in the sun. If you’re wanting to use Bergamot in your recipes, look for FCF Bergamot (furanocoumarin free).

If your idea of Halloween fun includes a little bubbling, fizzing magic—without the sugar crash—these DIY Halloween Bath Bombs are your new favorite trick and treat. Think spooky swirls, candy-free gifts, and a little self-care potion-making, all rolled into one bewitching bath-time delight.

These are perfect for mums who’d rather stir up a bath bomb cauldron than bake another round of cupcakes for the class party. They also make fang-tastic gifts for teens, neighbours, or anyone who needs a little seasonal sparkle in their soak.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Bath Bombs

Kid-safe ingredients – No creepy chemicals here
Great for gifting – Pop into mini cauldrons, treat bags, or mason jars
Smells like fall – Think pumpkin spice, candy corn, or sweet orange
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable citric acid
Easy to customize – Add spiders, glitter, glow-in-the-dark mica, or even a surprise toy

Ingredients

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup Epsom salt or fine sea salt
2 tsp sweet almond oil (or coconut oil)
1 tsp water or witch hazel in a spray bottle
10–15 drops essential oil (sweet orange, lavender, cinnamon, or candy-like blends)
Natural colorants or skin-safe mica powder (orange, purple, black, green)
Optional: eco glitter, mini plastic spiders or Halloween charms
Silicone molds or mini plastic cauldrons

How to Make Halloween Bath Bombs

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform—like a dusty spellbook.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix your carrier oil and essential oils. Add your chosen colorant and glitter here too. If using black, go light—it can stain tubs if overdone.

3. Combine with Care

Slowly drizzle the wet mixture into the dry mix, whisking continuously. It should feel like damp sand. If it clumps when squeezed, you’re ready. Mist lightly with water or witch hazel if too dry.

4. Add Hidden Surprises

Press a small plastic spider, glow cube, or toy into the center for a trick-or-treat effect!

5. Mold It Up

Spoon the mixture into your molds, pressing firmly. Let them dry at least 24 hours before popping out.

Spooky Variations to Try

Spider Surprise

Hide a plastic spider inside and use black mica for a creepy crawl effect.

Pumpkin Spice Delight

Add a dash of cinnamon and orange essential oil with orange coloring.

Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Bombs

Use glow mica and store under light for a fun bathroom glow!

Boo Bombs for Kids

Make ghost-shaped fizzies using a silicone mold and sweet vanilla oil.

Packaging Ideas for Gifting

Wrap in cellophane with twine and a tag: “Drop in warm water and summon a spooky soak!”
Nestle in mini cauldrons from the dollar store
Use kraft boxes lined with Halloween tissue paper for classy spooky gifting
Add a punny printable tag like “You’re the bomb!” or “Witch, please!”

Tips & Tricks

Don’t over-wet your mixture—it can fizz prematurely.
Use gloves to avoid stained fingers.
Let kids help with colors and pressing (just maybe keep the glitter far away unless it’s a full moon).

Why These Are Better Than Candy

Let’s be honest—October sugar overload is real. These bath bombs are a charming alternative that still feel like a treat. Plus, they turn your bathroom into a spa and a mad scientist lab.

Whether you’re making them for your kids’ school party, teen Halloween sleepovers, or your own pumpkin-scented peace and quiet after bedtime chaos, these DIY bath bombs are a crafty way to keep Halloween fun—and fizzy.

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