How do I use Botanika Pine Essential Oil on my skin and in hair care?

Pine essential oil is a concentrated plant extract, so the key rule is to always mix it with something else before it touches your skin. The product information makes this clear: it is not applied neat, but blended into a base oil, cream, mask or shampoo in small amounts.

For facial or body care, a practical starting point is 1 drop per teaspoon (about 5 ml) of a neutral carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or argan, or 1 drop mixed into your usual moisturiser or body lotion. Stir well before applying. You can slowly increase to 2 drops once you know how your skin reacts, but more is not better when it comes to essential oils.

For scalp and hair, add a few drops to a tablespoon of scalp oil or mask, or to a single portion of shampoo in your palm. Massage the blend into the scalp and leave it on according to your product's instructions. The oil is chosen in hair routines to give a cleaner, stronger feel at the roots.

If you want to use it in the bath, do not drip it straight into the water. Mix it first with bath salt, a spoonful of carrier oil or a neutral bath base, then add to the water so the oil disperses instead of floating on the surface. This also reduces the chance of skin irritation.

For the first use, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. Keep the oil away from your eyes and any broken skin. Women who are pregnant, people with chronic skin conditions, and parents choosing products for children should consult a specialist before using concentrated essential oils.