Evaluating efficacy, safety, and innovation in skin care applications of essential oils: a systematic review.

Essential oils have emerged as popular natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients in cosmetic products, drawing attention for their therapeutic potential in treating skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. This systematic review analyzed 70 studies from the past decade across multiple databases to evaluate their effectiveness and safety in derma cosmetic applications. The research encompassed clinical trials, studies, and experiments examining various essential oils in different cosmetic formulations, including lavender (), tea tree (), chamomile (), peppermint (), hemp (), , hierba de San Guillermo ( ) and eucalyptus (). Key findings demonstrated that tea tree oil was particularly effective for acne treatment, while lavender and rosemary oils showed promising anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Plant extracts from and also yielded positive results for skin health improvement. Various formulations such as gels, creams, and serums showed different levels of effectiveness in enhancing skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance. While the clinical evidence suggests significant potential for essential oils in cosmetic and dermatological applications, researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive, longterm clinical trials to establish their efficacy and safety profiles fully.