Essential oils have been part of cosmetics for men and ladies alike for thousands of years. Their exotic aromas were enough to win them favors amongst the humankind and when it was revealed that the aromas make a significant difference to the status of our health, the fact was just an added bonus. Aromatherapy is a well-developed science that uses aromatic essential oils to heal and rejuvenate one's physical and emotional health and enhance one's beauty that is constantly gaining popularity day by day. Essential oils are extracts from different parts of the plants such as herbs, flowers, leaves, resin, bark, fruit rinds and roots and are highly concentrated, volatile oils.

The extracts usually come out to be 0.01 to 10 percent of the raw material and are very therapeutic in nature. They are either inhaled directly or are applied to the skin after being diluted with mostly pure-blend oils. Children, novices and people with sensitive skin must take the precaution of using diluted essential oils only. Aromatherapy works on the basis that the lymbic system of the brain channels the effects of the oils to balance the body's systems and stimulated particular chemicals and emotions in us. Massage helps the skin to absorb essential oils, which can then reach internal organs more effectively through our circulatory system.

Some of the most popular essential oils are sweet almond oil, which is considered an all-purpose oil; apricot kernel oil helpful in massage blends; avocado, olive, sesame and macadamia nut oil, which must be used very carefully; borage, kukui, rose hip and evening primrose oil, which excellent in treating many skin conditions but is quite expensive; cocoa butter, which is suitable for use in lotions and creams; grapeseed oil, which is solvent extracted; hazelnut, good for oily skin; jojoba oil or wax, which has a very long shelf-life; peanut oil, which is good for massage blends and arthritis; pecan oil; shea butter suitable for use in lotions and creams and unrefined sunflower oil.