Juniper oil
Juniper oil is a fresh, woody essential oil steam-distilled from the berries and needles of the juniper plant. It is popular in UK skincare and haircare for its clarifying, toning and purifying properties, giving products a clean, outdoorsy scent.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, juniper oil functions as a natural astringent and antiseptic ingredient that helps to balance oil production, refine the appearance of pores and impart a pleasant woody aroma. It is frequently used at low concentrations in cleansers, toners, bath products and scalp treatments to provide a fresh, invigorating feel while supporting the overall sensory profile of the formula.
Key benefits
- Helps balance excess oil on the skin
- Refines the look of enlarged pores
- Provides a clarifying and toning effect
- Delivers a fresh, woody fragrance to products
- Supports a healthy-looking scalp environment
- Adds a purifying note to bath and shower formulations
Best for
oily skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin, congested skin
Where it comes from
Juniper oil is obtained by steam distillation of the ripe blue-black berries and sometimes the needles of the Juniperus communis shrub, an evergreen conifer native to Europe, including the UK uplands.