Essential Oils Guide

If tallow is Gold Clover’s peanut butter, essential oils are the jelly. Each is good on its own, but they’re magic when used together! While tallow perfectly moisturizes and nourishes the skin, essential oils provide targeted benefits that support individual skin types and needs, all while creating safe and natural fragrance.

All of the oils we use are genuine, pure, and unadulterated. We believe that there are many essential oil companies providing safe and high-quality products, so we take pride in supporting multiple worthy companies rather than adhering to one brand.

If you’re curious to learn more about the specific oils we use in our tallow balm, here’s a handy list showing the skin care and health benefits of each oil, as well as which products feature that oil. We hope it will help you choose the right balm for your needs!

BALSAM FIR
Skin care benefits: highly antiseptic and detoxifying, balsam fir (or fir needle) oil is excellent for boosting skin and wound healing, including acne blemishes. It can also soothe discomfort, which can further benefit acne-prone skin, as well as easily irritated skin.

Other health benefits: used as an aromatherapeutic treatment to improve respiratory conditions, including congestion in the nose and chest. It is also a natural way to decrease body odor, which is why some people use it as an alternative to chemical deodorant. 

Scent: surprisingly light, fresh pine aroma that will not overwhelm the senses.
Found in: Holiday Balm*

BERGAMOT
Skin care benefits: natural antibiotic and disinfectant benefits, balances oil production,
encourages wound healing, and even helps lighten and prevent scarring. All of these benefits can help any skin type, but are especially geared toward oily and acne-prone skin.
Other health benefits: used often to treat indigestion and headaches, and one study even suggested that it may be able to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Scent: clean, refreshing citrus aroma said to ward off depression and anxiety.
Found in: Summer Citrus Balm, Rugged Balm, and Holiday Balm*, Passion Balm

CARDAMOM
Skin care benefits: cardamom has very potent antiseptic and antimicrobial benefits, which helps clarify the skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. Astringent actions can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. 

Other health benefits: due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, cardamom is often used to ward off illness. It is also used to soothe muscle spasms, cramps, and pulls.

Scent: spicy and slightly sweet, used to soothe stress and boost libido.
Found in: Citrus Spice Balm* and Pumpkin Pie Spice Balm*

CARROT SEED

Skin care benefits: high in antioxidants, carrot seed oil is a great choice for anti-aging skin care regimens. It also helps protect against environmental and UV damage. The biggest skin care benefit, though is the combination of vitamin E and vitamin C which moisturize skin, boost healing, and rejuvenate skin cells. Carotol is another component which rejuvenates skin, making this oil a powerful skin care ingredient.
Other health benefits: boosts the immune system, alleviates mild aches and pains, 

Scent: very mild; is best when combined with a more aromatic oil.
Found in: Fresh Face Balm

CLARY SAGE

Skin care benefits: antiseptic and antibacterial actions help clarify acne-prone skin while astringent benefits help reduce the appearance of pores by tightening and toning skin. One specific ester called linalyl acetate is present in clary sage, which helps it to reduce skin inflammation, balance oil production for both oily and dry skin types, and promote overall beauty.

Other health benefits: clary sage is a famous aphrodisiac, and is often used to calm nerves, reduce stress, and promote concentration.

Scent: soft and velvety with notes of both sweet and bitter, used to boost feelings of joy, confidence, and calm.

Found in: Passion Balm

CINNAMON LEAF

Skin care benefits: Disinfectant, antiseptic, astringent, and germicidal properties make this a great choice for treating acne breakouts. It also boosts circulation, which helps clear breakouts and create a radiant appearance. Often used to treat topical fungal infections because of its powerful cleansing uses. 

Other health benefits: used to relieve muscular aches and pains, respiratory discomfort and cold-like symptoms, and even feelings of exhaustion. 

Scent: spicy and musky, used to relieve stress and elevate mood.
Found in: Wellness Balm, Rugged Balm, Pumpkin Pie Spice Balm*, Holiday Balm*

CLOVE

Skin care benefits: boosts circulation which improves radiance and clarity. Antioxidants protect skin against environmental and UV damage.

Other health benefits: popular for supporting the immune system and treating respiratory discomfort. Clove oil is also often used for oral health and soothing gum and tooth discomfort.

Scent: spicy and warm, used to stimulate and encourage.
Found in: Wellness Balm, Citrus Spice Balm*,

CYPRESS

Skin care benefits: astringent and antiseptic benefits make it a great choice for healing and preventing acne breakouts. It also increases circulation, which is key to glowing, healthy-looking skin.

Other health benefits: extremely detoxifying, often used as a natural deodorant and diuretic to cleanse the body. It’s also used to treat varicose veins and cellulite.

Scent: spicy yet clean scent that boosts happiness and energy levels, and helps reduce anxiety.

Found in: Passion Balm

EUCALYPTUS

Skin care benefits: very popular in skin care, eucalyptus essential oil boasts a long list of skin benefits. Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and stimulating actions work together to treat breakouts and improve circulation within the skin. It’s an excellent skin care multi-tasker.

Other health benefits: perhaps most often used to treat respiratory ailments, but also commonly used for muscle pain, dental care, and even to treat fever.

Scent: clean and medicinal, used to banish exhaustion and stimulate mental activity.
Found in: Wellness Balm

FRANKINCENSE

Skin care benefits: a powerful astringent, frankincense oil can help reduce acne breakouts, minimize the appearance of pores, prevent wrinkles, and tighten skin for a younger appearance. It’s also used to treat scars, making it a good choice for scars and stretch marks on the face and body.

Other health benefits: relieves indigestion, inflammation, pain, and general discomfort.

Scent: piney, lemony, and woody aroma used to treat stress and anxiety.
Found in: Face Balm, Baby Balm, and Holiday Balm*

GERANIUM

Skin care benefits: boosts radiance and overall skin beauty while astringent actions minimize the appearance of wrinkles and enlarged pores. Regularly used to treat acne by targeting inflammation, healing wounds, preventing scars, and improving circulation.

Other health benefits: can balance hormones, reduce blood pressure, and promote dental health. It also promotes cell growth and regeneration, which is beneficial to the entire system.

Scent: sweet and mildly floral, used to elevate mood and feelings of wellness.
Found in: Fresh Face Balm

GINGER
Skin care benefits: anti-inflammatory actions are great for aging and acne-prone skin, while antiseptic benefits help keep skin clear and healthy.

Other health benefits: ginger oil is used for everything from digestive issues to respiratory disorders, as well as for pain and injury-related inflammation.

Scent: strong spicy ginger aroma that “wakes up” the mind and elevates mood.
Found in: Pumpkin Pie Spice Balm*, Passion Balm

GRAPEFRUIT

Skin care benefits: packed with antioxidants, grapefruit oil is great for protecting against environmental damage, which also helps prevent premature skin aging. Antiseptic and disinfectant properties keep skin healthy and clear of acne breakouts.

Other health benefits: the benefits to the skin listed above can be stretched to include the whole body -- antioxidants keep the system healthy and protected against free radical damage, while antiseptic and disinfectant benefits keep the whole system healthy! 

Scent: bright, citrus scent that’s often used to help depression.
Found in: Citrus Spice Balm*

HO WOOD

Skin care benefits: Beneficial for blemished and oily skin

Other health benefits: Anxiety, tension, and stress relievers.

Scent: mildly sweet, spicy, and floral. Very similar and often interchangeable with Rosewood.

Found in: We have begun to replace Rosewood with Ho Wood as Rosewood has become endangered. You will find it in our 3.4 oz Fresh Face Balms currently.

JUNIPER BERRY

Skin care benefits: excellent source of flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants which provide a strong defense against free radical damage. Antiseptic, detoxifying, and circulation-boosting actions keep skin clear and bright. It may also be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring! 

Other health benefits: relieves bloating, promotes digestion, soothes indigestion and heartburn, and supports relaxed sleep.

Scent: clean, slightly bitter and spicy, great for reducing stress and anxiety.
Found in: Rugged Balm

LAVENDER

Skin care benefits: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal benefits are able to treat everything from acne to wrinkles, and even inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis. It speeds healing and boosts circulation, which improves overall skin health. 

Other health benefits: used to help sleep issues, reduce anxiety, diminish aches and pains, and support respiratory health. Also used to keep the scalp and hair healthy and functioning properly. 

Scent: soft and floral, well-known for its relaxing and anti-stress fragrance.
Found in: Face Balm, Soothe Balm, and Baby Balm, Passion Balm

LEMON
Skin care benefits: extremely purifying and clarifying, making it perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, but beneficial for all skin types. It also nourishes and protects with antioxidants.

Other health benefits: supports respiratory and digestive functions, and may also be used to banish bad breath and maintain oral health.

Scent: bright and citrusy, known for improving focus and bad moods.
Found in: Summer Citrus Balm*, Wellness Balm, and Citrus Spice Balm*

LEMONGRASS

Skin care benefits: astringent actions tighten the skin to reduce visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging while simultaneously reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. Combined with its purifying capabilities, lemongrass is a great choice for treating breakouts and oily skin.

Other health benefits: relieves muscle pain, acts as a natural bug repellent, and reduces body aches. It is also often used to treat headaches and fever.

Scent: fresh, light, and earthy lemon scent that both stimulates and relaxes the mind.
Found in: Summer Citrus Balm*, Passion Balm

LIME

Skin care benefits: astringent, bactericide, and rich in antioxidants, lime essential oil is a skin care multi-tasker. It helps firm skin, regulate oil production, kill acne-causing bacteria, and protect against skin damage.

Other health benefits: restores vigor and elevates mood, providing benefits similar to those of a tonic.

Scent: bright citrus scent that energizes and invigorates.

Found in: Limited Edition Paradise Skin Balm*, Citrus Spice Balm*

NUTMEG

Skin care benefits: boosts circulation which helps keep skin clear, bright, and healthy. Its antibacterial and antiseptic actions make it great for dull, oily, and aging skin types.

Other health benefits: nutmeg oil is used to treat pain, indigestion, stress, and even blood pressure!

Scent: woody and spicy, known for its soothing aromatherapeutic benefits.
Found in: Pumpkin Pie Spice Balm*, Holiday Balm*

PEPPERMINT

Skin care benefits: antimicrobial benefits target acne while circulation-boosting actions promote health and radiance. Peppermint oil is also able to soothe bug bites and relieve the pain and dryness of sunburn. Its calming properties can also calm inflammation, making it great for use on inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 

Other health benefits: anti-nausea, anti-pain, and antimicrobial properties make peppermint oil a multi-tasking dream. It’s an effective treatment for headaches, digestive issues, bad breath, fever, respiratory issues, tight muscles, and so much more.

Scent: minty! It can improve mental focus and energy.
Found in: Soothe Balm, Candy Cane Cloud Tallow Whip*

Not for use on children under two years of age

PINE NEEDLE

Skin care benefits: antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and very soothing benefits make pine needle oil and great choice for those with dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It’s even used for fungal infections like athlete’s foot, and is said to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Other health benefits: pine needle oil is used for all things respiratory, including asthma, bronchitis, coughing, and even sore throat. It can also ease digestive issues, including hangovers! 

Scent: fresh, lively and, well...piney, said to relieve drowsiness and anxious nerves.
Found in: Rugged Balm

ROSEMARY

Skin care benefits: rosemary boasts the same antioxidant value of goji berries, making it a fabulous protector against free radical damage. It also reduces inflammation and promotes healing; benefits which all skin types need.

Other health benefits: used to improve hair growth and health, detoxify the body, and reduce stress. It may also improve memory!

Scent: fresh, lively and, well...piney, said to relieve drowsiness and anxious nerves.
Found in: Wellness Balm

ROSEWOOD

Skin care benefits: highly rejuvenative, rosewood is an effective anti-aging skin care ingredient that also helps heal and clear acne breakouts with antiseptic properties.

Other health benefits: boosts brain activity and stimulates the body as a whole for optimized function.

Scent: mildly sweet, spicy, and floral, used to fight depression and improve memory.

Found in: Fresh Face Whip

TANGERINE

Skin care benefits: boasts high levels of antioxidants to protect skin against free radical damage. Cleanses and purifies for clearer, healthier skin.

Other health benefits: soothes inflammation and hyperactivity within the body, supports stomach function, and boosts the immune system.

Scent: brightly citrus, used to uplift the mood and boost creativity.

Found in: Summer Citrus Balm*

VETIVER

Skin care benefits: anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the appearance of blemishes, while antiseptic and cicatrisant benefits actually improve the blemishes themselves! Cicatrisant agents are a skin care savior, as they are able to erase the appearance of scars and other topical marks while promoting new tissue growth where dead and discolored tissue once appeared. It’s often used on stretch marks, pox marks, burns, and more. Lastly, it’s a great treatment for dry, cracking skin.

Other health benefits: used to treat a wide variety of health issues including everything from emotional damage caused by shock, fear, and stress to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and more.

Scent: mildly earthy, musky scent that is well-known for its aromatherapeutic benefits, which include treating stress, anxiety, restlessness, and even insomnia.

Found in: Passion Balm

WILD ORANGE

Skin care benefits: cleansing, purifying, and high in antioxidants - wild orange essential oil is a skin care dream. It protects against damage while supporting beautiful skin!

Other health benefits: supports the immune and digestive systems.

Scent: sweetly citrus, with energizing and mood elevating benefits.

Found in: Summer Citrus Balm*, Wellness Balm, Citrus Spice Balm*, Holiday Balm* and Limited Edition Paradise Skin Balm*

Ylang Ylang

Skin care benefits: regulates sebaceous glands and works as an antiseptic, making it the perfect choice for oily skin, as well as those with seborrheic eczema. 

Other health benefits: soothes with antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits.

Scent: delicately floral and uplifting.

Found in: Limited Edition Paradise Skin Balm*, Passion Balm

We strive to use the safest essential oils possible. However, this does not mean that everyone can use every oil. If you experience any discomfort when using a balm with essential oils, we highly recommend you discontinue use immediately and switch to our Pure Balm. Ask your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

*These balms are seasonal or limited edition and may not be available at this time.