I wanted to share a little more about something that’s really foundational to Dear Oaklyn and how I formulate.
I don’t typically use essential oils in my skincare. Not because they’re “bad”, they absolutely have their place, and I do use them in certain situations. Just not as a main ingredient for everyday skin.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated. It takes a huge amount of plant material to make a very small amount of oil, and what you’re left with is just one part of the plant, isolated and intensified. That can be beautiful and powerful, but also a lot for the skin, especially if you’re using something daily, or on sensitive skin, or on children.
For skincare, I care more about the whole plant.
Instead of pulling out just one piece, I slowly infuse whole herbs into oil over time. Chamomile, calendula, marshmallow root, things like that. This way, you’re getting the full spectrum of what the plant offers, not just aroma, but the soothing compounds, the minerals, the parts that actually support the skin long-term.
It’s gentler. It’s more balanced. And it works with your skin instead of overwhelming it.
There’s also a sustainability piece that matters to me. Essential oils require a massive amount of plant material, which can put a lot of pressure on the land depending on how they’re sourced. Working with whole herbs, especially when they’re grown well, just feels more aligned with the kind of system I want to support.
At the end of the day, this is really about intention.
I want these products to feel safe to use every day. On your face, your body, your babies. I want them to be simple, effective, and rooted in the way plants have been used traditionally which is slowly, fully, and with respect.
That’s why I choose whole herbs for my skincare every time, and save essential oils for when they’re truly needed.