Table of Contents
Quick Summary / At A Glance
- Terpenes are organic compounds made by plants, responsible for many distinctive scents and flavors, and they are found in essential oils.
- The article described possible skin benefits such as hydration and calmer-looking skin, while also noting that more research is needed on topical safety and efficacy.
- Essential oils named in the article include lavender, rosemary, cedarwood, geranium, bergamot and lemon oils.
- Never apply undiluted essential oils to skin, and always do a patch test first before using a terpene product on a large area.
- Terpenes can cause irritation, allergic reactions and photosensitivity, so avoid sun exposure after use and keep them away from your eyes and mouth.
What are terpenes, and what do they do?
Plants make a bunch of different organic compounds called terpenes. They play several essential roles in the plant, including defense against predators and pathogens and regulating growth and development.
Terpenes are abundant in plants and are responsible for the unique scents and flavors of various herbs and spices. They are also present in many essential oils.
The article described terpenes in human skin and in skin care in terms of hydration, tone and texture. Those descriptions are kept below at the article’s own strength or weaker, and they are not promises of a result.
Where do terpenes come from?
The article highlighted cannabis plants as a source of terpenes, noting that these aromatic compounds give the plant its unique smell and flavor. It said cannabis plants produce over 200 different types of terpenes, each with its own properties.
Terpenes are not only from cannabis, on the article’s own account. They are found across plants, herbs and spices, which is why they appear in so many essential oils.
Do essential oils contain terpenes?
Yes, on the article’s account, essential oils do contain terpenes. The essential oils of plants contain terpenes, described as aromatic hydrocarbons responsible for the odor and flavor of many plants.
Essential oils that contain terpenes, as listed in the article, include lavender oil, rosemary oil, cedarwood oil, geranium oil, bergamot oil and lemon oil. Some beneficial terpenes named for skin include linalool, geraniol, limonene and cineole.
Benefits for skin care, as the article described them
The article described terpenes as natural ingredients that may help protect and nourish the skin, with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties attributed to them. It also linked them to hydration and to calming redness and irritation.
Those are descriptions, not guarantees. The article itself noted, in its topical-use section, that more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of using terpenes topically.
Named terpenes in the article: a summary table
| Terpene named in the article | Scent or note given in the article | How the article described it |
|---|---|---|
| Terpinolene | Sweet, herbal smell | Described as the most popular for skin care, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties attributed to it |
| Myrcene | Musky aroma | Named as another notable terpene for skin care |
| Linalool | Floral scent | Named among notable and beneficial terpenes for skin |
| Limonene | No scent given in the article | Named among popular terpenes used in skin care products, and among beneficial terpenes for skin |
| Caryophyllene | No scent given in the article | Named among popular terpenes used in skin care products |
| Geraniol and cineole | No scent given in the article | Named among beneficial terpenes for skin |
The article’s claim that scars and wrinkles disappear with a terpene has been removed. It was an absolute claim, and nothing in the article supported presenting it that way.
How the article said terpenes can be added to a routine
Adding terpenes to a skincare routine was described as a way to add plant-based compounds to products you already use. Essential oils were presented as a popular method.
The method given was to add a few drops of an oil such as jojoba or lavender to a favorite moisturizer or serum and apply as usual. That is a dilution method — it is not applying an undiluted essential oil straight to the skin.
The article also noted that some skin care products already contain terpenes. Whichever route you choose, the safety points in the next section apply first.
Side effects and essential-oil safety: read this first
Never apply undiluted essential oils to skin. Always do a patch test first, before using a terpene or essential-oil product on a large area of skin, to check for sensitivities or allergic reactions.
The most common side effects described in the article are skin irritation and allergic reactions. Terpenes are known to be allergenic, so the patch test is essential, not optional.
Terpenes can also cause photosensitivity, so you should avoid sun exposure after using products containing terpenes. This applies in particular to the citrus-type oils named in the article, such as lemon and bergamot.
Terpenes can irritate the mucous membranes, so avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. Higher concentrations may also be more irritating to the skin, on the article’s own account.
Stop using a product that irritates your skin, and seek professional advice for a reaction that is severe, spreading or not settling. Essential oils are not a substitute for medical care.
Can terpenes be used topically, and can they be absorbed?
The article said terpenes can be used topically, and that many essential oils contain terpenes and are used in aromatherapy or other skin care treatments. It described possible effects on appearance and texture and on inflammation, and said some research suggests certain terpenes may have antibacterial properties.
That same section gave the key limit: more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of using terpenes topically. When using any essential oil or other skin product containing terpenes, do a patch test first.
On absorption, the article described terpenes as lipid-soluble molecules that absorb through the skin. It linked that point to why aromatherapy is a popular way to use essential oils.
Percentage and oil solubility: two questions the article answered
What is a good terpene percentage?
The article said the best terpene percentage for skin care products will vary depending on the terpenes used. It described a concentration of between 1 and 5% as ideal, while noting that higher concentrations may be more irritating to the skin.
Treat that range as the article’s description, not as a reason to make stronger mixtures at home. The irritation warning that came with it is part of the same point.
Are terpenes oil soluble?
Yes, on the article’s account, terpenes are oil soluble. They were described as generally considered the most oil soluble of all plant compounds.
For a comparison of how oils differ, see are all oils the same for skin care? For general skin care context, see combination skin care tips.
Conclusion: useful context, with the cautions kept in
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds made by plants. Essential oils are one way the article described for getting terpenes into a skincare routine.
The balanced takeaway from the article is interest plus caution. Benefits were described in general terms, topical safety and efficacy still need more research, and the patch test, dilution, photosensitivity and irritation warnings should not be dropped or softened.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.