Whether we like it or not, wearing protective face coverings has become a part of our daily lives.
While they may be recommended for disease control and prevention and slowing the spread of COVID-19, wearing a mask isn’t always a pleasant experience.
Essential oils can help.
They're an easy and natural way to help instantly refresh cloth face masks. Just a few drops can make going to the grocery store, the bank... anywhere a little more pleasant, and hopefully a little less stressful too.
Follow our easy steps below to safely and effectively use essential oils on your face mask.
How to add essential oils to your face mask
Essential oils work best on cloth masks, whether it's a homemade mask or your latest find on Etsy or Amazon. But first things first, always remember to wash your hands before touching your mask.
Step 1. Dilute your essential oil
This is necessary before applying pure essential oils anywhere that may have direct contact with your skin, like your face mask.
Here’s why:
Our essential oils are made from premium, highly-concentrated botanical extracts to deliver rich and lasting scents. As a result, they, like any highly-quality extracts, can cause irritation if applied directly to your skin.
Before applying to your mask or topically, we recommend diluting 2 drops of your favorite essential oil in 1 tsp (5 mL) Forest Remedies Coconut Carrier Oil. You can also use another carrier oil like olive oil or argan oil.
TIP: Dilute in a clean spray bottle for easy application. If you don’t have a spray bottle any small clean glass or plastic bottle or container will do.
Step 2. Apply the diluted essential oil mix to your face mask covering
If you used a spray bottle, we recommend giving your mask one or two light sprays. For a less intense aroma, try spraying the outside of your mask (the side not touching your skin).
If you used a bottle or container without a dropper or other applicator, use a cotton swab to dip in the diluted essential oil mix and add a few drops to your mask. We recommend adding it to the outside of your mask and starting with 1 - 2 drops for a less intense aroma. Scent to your smell preference.
Step 3. Just breathe (a sigh of relief)
You just made wearing your face mask a little more pleasant by utilizing the natural qualities of plants!
Wondering which essential oil to use on your face mask?
At Forest Remedies, we offer a range of premium essential oils sustainably sourced from top producers around the world.
Selecting the right one for your face mask covering depends a lot on personal preference.
Here are some of our top picks:
Peppermint Essential Oil
Why we love it: With it’s zingy freshness, peppermint oil offers an exhilarating, uplifting aroma that can help you focus and feel energized.* A spray or two in your mask is all you need for that extra fresh feeling.
Origin: Peppermint plants grown in France
Bergamot Essential Oil
Why we love it: With citrus, green and floral notes, Bergamot lets you breathe in the perfect balance of natural energizing lemon aromatics complemented with the more calming properties of herbaceous oils. It’s highly-fragrant with just a little bit of spice.
Origin: Bergamot orange trees grown in Italy
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Why we love it: If you’re captivated by the scent of sweet, blossomy aromas, this one’s for you. Ylang Ylang is known for its luxurious fragrance and one of the main notes in the iconic Chanel No. 5 women’s perfume.
Origin: Star-shaped flower from Cananga trees grown in Madagascar
Lavender Essential Oil
Why we love it: What’s not to love about lavender. Probably the most popular essential oil, lavender can help promote peaceful sleep, relaxation and calm.* A spritz or two of lavender can provide an instant refresh to your face mask covering.
Origin: Lavender flowers grown in France
Lemon Essential Oil
Why we love it: When life gives you lemons, sometimes it’s a good thing. Lemon essential oil provides an uplifting and energizing aroma, perfect for when you need to kickstart your day or get motivated to get moving.
Origin: Lemon trees grown in Italy
