Why We Skip Essential Oils (and Why Your Skin Might Thank Us)
At Flora x Fauna, we don’t believe skincare needs to be a gamble.
So many brands mean well, and yes, they may smell wonderful but the truth is, not all "natural" is created equal. Essential oils, while botanical in origin, are extremely concentrated forms of the volatile oils in the plant and can quietly wreak havoc on sensitive skin, hormonal balance, and your long-term skin barrier.
We built Flora x Fauna on a different path: one of gentle infusions, patience, and respect for the skin’s delicate ecology. Let’s talk about why that matters...and how we’re different from brands like Primally Pure.
Essential Oils: Beautiful, But Not Always Benevolent
Essential oils get a lot of hype, and we get it, they may smell nice [unless they give you a headache]. But they’re also highly potent volatile compounds that can be irritating, allergenic, and even hormone-disruptive in some people. Lavender and tea tree oil, for example, have been linked to hormone disruption.
Essential oils are often praised for their “natural” benefits, but natural doesn’t always mean safe, especially when it comes to topical and oral use. Because essential oils are lipophilic (fat-loving), they penetrate the skin easily and enter the bloodstream quickly. That means your body absorbs not just the scent but the chemical constituents, too. Especially for people with hormone sensitivity, autoimmune issues, or a compromised skin barrier, this can create more harm than harmony. It’s also why babies and pregnant women are often advised to avoid them entirely. Your skin is an organ, not just a surface, and it deserves thoughtful care.
Many essential oils are also known skin sensitizers, meaning the more often you use them, the more likely you are to develop a reaction over time. That’s not the kind of “glow-up” we’re into.
Our Philosophy: Slow Infusion, Deep Nourishment
While others drop in essential oils at the end of a formulation, we take the slow road. At Flora x Fauna, we infuse whole plants, petals, leaves, and resins into nourishing oils and fats. This method coaxes out a full spectrum of skin-loving compounds without overwhelming your skin with harsh actives.
It’s gentler, safer, and better for sensitive skin, hormonal health, and your skin’s natural barrier. Think of it like sipping herbal tea instead of chugging espresso. The magic is still there it’s just softer, more sustainable, and much kinder to your skin in the long run.
Just because you do not want fragrance or essential oils in your natural skincare does not mean you need to sacrifice the spa-like experience of a nurturing scent, infusions smell divine without the risk of headaches or irritation.
Better for Your Skin (and Your Budget)
Let’s be real: some of the pricing out there can be steep, especially when you’re paying for a quick formula laced with essential oils. Take Primally Pure, for example. Their Plumping Serum is $58 for 1/2 fl oz or $104 for 1 fl oz.
Meanwhile, our Bio Escent Serum is $49 for 1 fl oz or $68 for just shy of 2 fl oz. Their serum is over double the price when in reality our methods are far more labor-intensive with infusions.
We’re not here to throw shade, we are just want to point out that more care and less volatility doesn’t have to mean a higher price tag.
Skin Barrier Friendly, Hormone Safe, Truly Clean
Our formulas are:
-
Essential oil–free (always).
-
Hormone-friendly (no endocrine-disruptors here).
-
Safe for sensitive skin (because irritation isn’t a rite of passage).
-
Barrier-repairing and replenishing, thanks to botanically-rich oils, fats, and waxes your skin knows how to use.
We don’t cut corners, mask formulas with scent, or rely on “trending” ingredients that could be sensitizing you over time. We use traditional plant infusions because they work with less risk, more integrity, and deeper nourishment.
The Flora x Fauna Way
We know it’s tempting to chase whatever’s buzzing on Instagram, but skin loves consistency, calm, real nourishment, not drama. Less is often more in the world of skincare.
At Flora x Fauna, we choose quiet over loud, herbal over harsh, and whole over extracted. It’s not flashy. It’s just real. And your skin? It knows the difference.
So go ahead, skip the essential oils. Your skin will thank you. Probably with a happy little glow and fewer tantrums.
