Recently, vetiver essential oil has gained wide popularity in the cosmetic industry due to its numerous skin care benefits.

Vetiver essential oil (Vetiver)

 Vetiver oil (Vetiver) is a plant species from the Poaceae family. It is the essential oil obtained from the aromatic roots of the vetiver tree, whose Latin name is Vetiveria zizanioides . Mostly used in ayurveda and aromatherapy, this oil is used for its soothing properties to treat numerous ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression.  

It is a traditional oil that has been used in various medical treatments for thousands of years in India and Africa. This plant, which can grow up to 1.5 meters in length, has thin, long and hard leaves. It can be grown in all tropical and warm climate regions of the world. Vetiver oil (Vetiver) has been used for centuries in India to help treat infections and various diseases, as it has powerful antioxidants. Its greatest use is in the field of perfumery. Besides its pleasant aroma, vetiver oil evaporates very slowly.

Recently, vetiver essential oil has gained wide popularity in the cosmetic industry due to its numerous benefits for rejuvenating skin health and beauty. Vetiver essential oil consists of mixtures of sesquiterpene alcohols and hydrocarbons rich in active ingredients such as Α-Vetivone, β-Vetivone and Khusinol. It is preferred to protect the skin from harsh environmental changes, reduce oxidative damage, reduce wrinkles, tighten and moisturize the skin. 

(5 Incredible Beauty Benefits Of Vetiver Oil | Netmeds. (2020). Retrieved 16 September 2020)

Use of vetiver oil in skin care

Generally used cosmetically or topically, vetiver oil protects the skin against the effects of environmental stress factors. It is also a good moisturizer. Thus, it is known to improve the appearance of wrinkles.

It can reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands in the skin and help clear acne. It allows the skin to retain more moisture in dry and dehydrated skin. It is also an ideal oil for skin care due to its anti-aging and skin-nourishing ingredients.

When used regularly during pregnancy, vetiver oil is known to prevent stretch marks. In modern aromatherapy; It helps to overcome depression, insomnia, anxiety, stress and tension. It has a relaxing effect when applied locally in rheumatism, low back pain, headache, sprains.

• Latin Name:  Vetiveria zizanoides
• Country:  Indonesia
• Essential oil extraction method: Steam distillation
• Plant part: Root 
• SMELL:  Aphrodisiac and calming
• Color: Dark brown
• COSMETIC:  Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Tonic, Cleansing, Moisturizing, Scar healing
• Blends: Blends very well with Neroli, Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Lemon and tea tree oils .

Usage

You can choose to apply vetiver oil topically on the skin. Vetiver oil should be diluted using a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Mix 1 to 2 drops of vetiver oil for every 10 drops of your carrier oil to start using it on your skin. If you wish, you can gradually increase the amount of vetiver oil in your mixture. 

(Vetiver Oil Health Benefits and Uses. (2020). Retrieved 16 September 2020)