White Turtle Beauty formulas and essential oils

Why we use essential oils in our formulas: The power of Aromachology

You've heard of aromatherapy, which focuses on using essential oils for physical and emotional healing. Aromachology, on the other hand, involves the use scent to stimulate or soothe the senses and enhance emotional wellbeing. In other words, aromachology is the use of aroma to influence mood and emotion.

Our sense of smell is the most undervalued of the five senses, but at the same time, it’s the most sophisticated one. Nothing has a stronger and more immediate effect on your state of mind than scent.

Smell to Feel: The scent-emotion connection

Unlike other senses, the olfactory system has a direct connection to the limbic system, the oldest area of the human brain.

Why does this matter?

Because emotions and memories are formed in the limbic system. This is the reason why a particular scent can profoundly affect your mood, emotions, and transport you in time to evoke specific memories. This phenomenon is known as “The Proust Effect”.

Simply by inhalation, volatile aromatic compounds in essential oils travel to the brain via the olfactory nerve, triggering neural activity. Your brain then releases neurochemicals like dopamine and serotine, also known as “feel good” molecules.

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) tests have also shown that essential oils alter brain wave activity. For example, esters found in Lavender and Chamomile promote relaxation by stimulating delta waves, present when we sleep. This is why most pillow mists feature lavender, or why a cup chamomile tea is recommended for a restful sleep.

The ancient practice of Forest Bathing

Do you know why you feel so good after a walk in a forest, other than connecting with nature? 

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, has been practiced in Japan as preventive healthcare for the past few decades. The reason is behind the volatile compounds known as phytoncides, which give cedar, spruce, and pine trees their woodsy scent along with antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Breathing these natural aromas helps reducing cortisol levels, stress, and anxiety, and even improve sleep and immune system.

Essential oils in White Turtle Beauty formulations

We thought extensively whether or not to include essential oils when designing our formulas.

Our purpose was, and is, to create experiences, rituals, moments of self-care rather than just skincare products. We conceive formulas to awaken all your senses, and transport you to special places where you can unwind and reconnect with yourself. We simply could not leave the sense of smell out of it.

The essential oil quantities included in our formulas follow the IFRA safety guidelines, but we recognize that your skin -and you- are unique.

When trying any of our products for the first time, please do a patch test by rubbing a few drops or dollop on your wrist. If no adverse reaction is noticed within 24hs, you should be good. 

And remember, less is more when using concentrated, water free formulas.

Treat Collection - White Turtle Beauty