Why We Use Essential Oils in THREE

The four key essential oils in our skin, hair and body products

Essential oils are special

Defined as hydrophobic liquids with volatile aroma compounds from plants, they have a complex composition and cannot be imitated in a lab. For example, in a synthetic formula of 10 components, you get 10 active ingredients. With essential oils, each type has between 100 and 400 components. When a formula has a blend of 10 essential oils, you get between 1,000 and 4,000 components.

They are essential to our well-being in every way

Of our five senses, smell affects us the most – physically, mentally and emotionally. The scent of essential oils has a great influence on alleviating stress, anxiety and depression. It has been scientifically proven that it has a positive therapeutic effect on our autonomic nervous system: it soothes the body by decreasing our breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, and helps us achieve the balance we need in our modern lives.

Bergamot

It is one of the most popular citrus oils, and is well known for giving Earl Grey tea its distinct aroma. Its oil has a fresh, sweet fragrance that calms and refreshes. It has various active ingredients that are composed in a well-balanced way. This enhances its effectiveness in promoting stability for the mind and body. On the skin, it’s an ideal skin-condition regulator, preventing dryness while normalising sebum production, has astringent properties, and heals damaged cells.

Frankincense

Also known as olibanum, it is extracted from tree resin and has a sweet, spicy yet fresh scent. The oil is effective in assisting the distribution of oxygen around the body. Frankincense also promotes cellular activity and is regarded as an anti-ageing oil.

Green Tea Seed

It is a common practice to use only green tea leaves and discard the fruits. THREE analysed the fruit from Makinohara, Shizuoka Prefecture, and found that the seeds have a highly emollient and permeable oil – with linoleic and olein acids – that’s closer to the skin’s natural humectants and sebum than jojoba. It helps skin retain moisture better, and is also high in antioxidants that protect the skin.

Marjoram

The herb has been used as a medicine and for cooking since ancient times. In Ancient Greece, marjoram was considered an embodiment of happiness with divine powers. The sweet and warm, spicy aroma of the oil is relaxing; it reduces anxiety and stress. The oil can warm the mind and body, improving blood circulation, which is vital for healthy body functions. It can also reduce muscular and menstrual pain, and swelling, and stimulate skin functions so that the skin appears more radiant.