Looking for the best essential oils for skin tightening?
I’ve been using EOs for pretty much my entire adult life (NOT telling you how long that is!), so, I’ve tried pretty much every single one imaginable.
Below are my top picks for helping your skin bounce back as you age.
Start with a quick peek at my top picks, then check out all the details.
Related: Best RF Skin Tightening Machine
Table of Contents
Essential Oils to Tighten Skin: Top Picks At a Glance
If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Alteya Organics Rose Essential Oil
- Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
- Brightening Lemon Face Lotion Bar
- Intense Frankincense anti aging cream for body and face
- Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil
Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
11 Best Essential Oils For Skin Tightening (With Reviews)
If you’re familiar with our other reviews, you’ll notice this one is a bit different.
Rather than just reviewing 11 single products by different brands, we’ll go over the best skin tightening essential oils themselves, including benefits (aside from skin tightening) and drawbacks.
Then, I’ll share one of my favorite products for each oil. I think that will help you a lot more than just “here’s a list of 11 things to buy,” don’t you?
Let’s get started, and you’ll see what I mean.
1. Rose Oil (WINNER)
Rose oil is by far among the very best essential oils for pretty much any skin concern from aging to hyperpigmentation to zits (I was going for an A-Z theme there, can you tell?).
Heck, it’s even good for your libido! So it’ll make you want to get it on after you get glam!
However, there’s one MASSIVE drawback, and I do mean massive: the price. Expect to pay a very hefty sum for a tiny vial of rose oil. No, really, expect to.
If it doesn’t cost an arm, a leg, and maybe a few fingers and toes from the other, it’s fake or heavily diluted. Or probably rosehip, rose geranium, or any other number of wanna-be-real-rose products.
Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks. You’ll notice words like “can” and “may.”
I make no promises, nor can I according to the FDA. 😀 However, all benefits are backed by studies. That goes for all oils on this list. You can find a full list of the studies in the references at the bottom of this page.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| AMAZING anti-bacterial properties | SUPER expensive |
| Also helps with depression and anxiety | Can be confusing to buy due to so many knock-offs |
| Very soothing, can help relieve painful skin issues | |
| Helps brighten skin while it tightens |
My Recommendation: Alteya Organics Rose Essential Oil
Honestly, while there are TONS of great rose oil products out there for loose skin, if you’re going to pay out the wazoo, you might as well just get the undiluted stuff.
Alteya Organic’s Bulgarian Rose Otto essential oil is one of the few rose oil brands I’d actually buy on Amazon.
It’s a very small bottle- which is why it’s so “cheap” comparatively speaking-but it’s not diluted like others.
Besides, it’ll encourage you to actually use the correct amount (literally just a tiny drop) and not go crazy. A little really does go a long way with essential oils, my friends.
That said, if you want to experience the benefits of rose and don’t have almost $100 to drop on a tiny vial of oil, you can go with something diluted in a carrier oil. It’ll still retain a lot of its benefits.
Stick with something that only includes one carrier, though. If you’re seeing more than two ingredients total, again, move on.
I promise, from here down, you won’t have to sell an organ to afford good essential oils for sagging skin.
- USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC 100% PURE: Alteya's Organic Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil (Bulgarian Rose Otto). Certified according to the USDA NOP Program, the strictest organic standard in the world. Always check to ensure a product carries the USDA Organic logo. NON-GMO.
- PROPRIETARY STEAM-DISTILLED BY ALTEYA: Distilled directly from fresh Alteya Rosa Damascena Bulgaria petals, and using our proprietary methodology that combines traditions with science. Our Bulgarian Rose oil is obtained through a special distillation method that preserves the biodynamic energy of the rose plant. Because of the unique climatic conditions and geologic settings in the area, our rose oil is considered finest quality with a very rich, multilayered fragrance.
- CERTIFIED ORIGIN, FROM THE BULGARIAN ROSE VALLEY: We only offer 100% certified Bulgarian Rose Otto (Alteya Rosa Damascena Essential Oil). No dilution or blending with other oils. Our Organic Bulgarian Rose Oil (Rose Otto) offers the richest composition of constituents, the highest potency and aroma benefits of any other rose essential oil.
- LAB CERTIFIED QUALITY: Every batch of our internationally acclaimed rose oil is Lab verified to meet and exceed all government and industry standards. As one of the premier Rose Growers in the Bulgarian Rose Valley (member of the multiple essential oil associations and industry bodies) and with our State-Of-The-Art Distillery we offer full quality control and traceability, from rose planting to harvesting, and distillation to testing and industry-leading research.
- MULTIPLE USES: In Skin Care, Aromatherapy, Perfumery, Beauty and Cosmetics. We offer the finest essential oil in the world and are proud to be a trusted supplier to some of the largest names in the Beauty and Perfumery industry with pure certified Bulgarian rose oil.
2. Bergamot (Runner Up)
Bergamot is a wonderful essential oil all around. Not only can it help tighten your skin, but it’ll relieve stress while doing so!
Plus it’s SOOOO much cheaper than our winner (so, so, so much!).
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Studies show it relieves stress | Not good for those with diabetes, as it can cause a drop in blood sugar. |
| Great for relieving joint pain, too. | CANNOT be used prior to surgery, for the same reason (blood sugar issues) |
| Refreshing citrus scent that is positively uplifting |
My Recommendation: Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser– (with Geranium Leaf, Bergamot, and Rose-Bud)
While it’s a little on the pricey side for a cleanser (I’m a cheapskate, it’s actually not THAT pricey for a quality product), the added ingredients make Grown Alchemist worth it.
Don’t get too excited, though- it doesn’t actually contain rose oil (I know, you thought I found a loophole, too).
It does, however, have pressed rose petals along with bergamot and other great ingredients that help close your pores and give your skin a tighter, more youthful look.
3. Lemon
If you think lemon essential oil is just good for making DIY cleaning products, think again! Yes, it makes your whole house smell amazing, but it’s also a wonderful skin-tightening essential oil, too.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Studies show that lemon relieves anxiety & depression | Increased photosensitivity (do not use before going into the sun) |
| Antibacterial, antifungal AND antimicrobial properties | CANNOT be applied without diluting* |
| May speed up healing for problem skin | |
| It even helps you feel more alert! |
Recommendation: Brightening Lemon Face Lotion Bar
Years ago, my mom used to make homemade soaps and lotion bars like this. She gave it up when she moved in with me (my kitchen is tiny), but I still buy it from others as much as possible.
This one by the Etsy seller NakedMoisture is made with just four ingredients: Shea butter, Avocado oil, Organic Beeswax, Lemon Oil.
The combination makes it perfect for almost every skin type. Plus it’s crazily affordable to boot!
4. Frankincense
If you’ve ever been to a Catholic church, chances are you’ve smelled Frankincense, along with its heady companion, Myrrh.
Don’t worry, though, when used in moderation for skincare, Frankincense isn’t nearly as overpowering as it is when swinging from that little incense ball at church.
While studies are pretty mixed on whether it actually tightens skin, anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s definitely worth trying.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Astringent properties aid with healing | Studies are iffy on just how much it helps skin |
| May help reduce inflammation | Can make some people nauseous |
| Studies show it may have anticancer properties | |
| Beneficial to those with asthma |
My Recommendation: Intense Frankincense anti aging cream for body and face
Another amazing Etsy find this anti-aging cream is made with 100% organic ingredients. While Frank isn’t the only “actor,” he is the star of the show!
Other essential oils in the mix include Myrrh, Vanilla, and Lavender, along with rose water and a great lineup of beneficial butters and carrier oils.
CHECK MORE: Tummy Skin Tightening Cream
5. Tea Tree
If we were talking about any other skincare need, Tea Tree would have been #1 on my list. It’s great for everything from acne to fungal infections, and the one EO that I never let run out.
For skin tightening, it mostly works by calming down the issues that lead to aging effects. It’s fights acne, inflammation, and even eczema.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Can be applied neat (but see note below)* | It smells REALLY strong |
| Great for treating acne | Can sting a bit on super sensitive skin |
| Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic |
Recommended Product: Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil
There are SOOOOO many great tea tree products out there, but since this is one that can be used without major dilution, I’d just go with a good 100% tea tree essential oil like this one.
It’s one of the most highly rated with an insane number of glowing reviews (53K+ and counting). Plus it’s therapeutic-grade, which I always like to see when I’m shopping.
Just remember, while tea tree is theoretically safe to apply directly to your skin, make sure you spot-test first. I have very sensitive skin and can handle it, but not everyone can.
- 100% PURE & NATURAL TEA TREE OIL - Handcraft Blends oils are exactly that! Many oils being sold make that claim but are in fact made of natural isolates and mixtures. Each essential oil is tested by an independent lab which is why every bottle comes with a Quality Guaranty.
- PREMIUM GRADE & QUALITY – All Handcraft Blends Essential Oils are tested by an independent lab to test the efficacy of each oil. Each oil is tested for its constituents as well as to have no fillers, additives and to be undiluted.
- HIGH QUALITY GLASS BOTTLE AND DROPPER – Our essential oil comes in an amber glass bottle to keep out UV rays and protect the oil against sunlight. We also provide a glass dropper, so you get the exact amount of oil without any waste.
- TEA TREE OIL BLENDS WELL WITH - Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clove, Clary Sage, Lemon, Patchouli, Rosemary, and Sandalwood.
- BOTTLED IN THE USA – Our oils are sourced from the best regions all over the world to bring you the best and finest.
6. Neroli
Neroli isn’t the most popular essential oil for skin-tightening essential oil, but it’s still among the best. Like Rose Oil, it’s just not as affordable as other options.
If you want to splurge on something for yourself, though, it’s definitely worth trying, especially if you’re also dealing with menopause or severe PMS.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Great for acne and skin irritation | Among the more expensive essential oils |
| May relieve menopause symptoms | Increases photosensitivity |
| Also helps relieve PMS |
My Recommendation: LILFOX Seabuck + Neroli Face Nectar
I won’t fib, this stuff is Pricey with a capital P! But it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and all-natural. Plus it’s made in small batches, so it’s worth it.
Oh, and did I mention that it’s SPECIFICALLY designed for aging skin? It helps boost firmness and restore elasticity while also deeply moisturizing your face.
You only get like 1 ounce, but a little goes a super long way. That said, if it’s too pricey for you, I also love this Odacite Ma+N (Marula + Neroli) Elasticity Serum Concentrate, which is about half the price.
7. Lavender Essential Oil
Like Tea Tree, you can’t really talk about skincare essential oils without mentioning the lovely lavender (which, for some reason, I can never spell properly despite writing about it for years).
While its list of benefits could fill an entire book, for skin-tightening it works by boosting collagen.
It’s also among the most affordable essential oils, making it a great place to start if you’re on a tight budget.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Helps relieve anxiety and stress | May induce drowsiness (it does for me) |
| Natural sleep aid | Excessive use in boys can lead to breast development |
| Can be applied without diluting | Not the best for very dry skin |
| Boosts collagen production |
Recommended Product: Orgaid Organic Sheet Mask
Like tea trees, there are about a zillion products with lavender as the star ingredient. For anti-aging purposes, though, I really love this sheet mask.
It’s all about the plump factor! It’ll really help tighten that sagging skin without drying it out. Plus, like all products from Safe & Chic, it’s 100% cruelty-free.
8. Rosemary
Technically, rosemary isn’t a true “essential oil” (which I literally just learned, and I’ve been researching EOs for a VERY long time), but let’s not hold that against it. It’s a stellar choice for a litany of concerns.
Rosemary rose to fame as a hair-growth essential oil, but it also offers up a slew of skincare benefits as well.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| May actually improve your brain function | It has a very distinct scent that you either love or hate. |
| Improves circulation, which helps fight signs of aging | May sting a bit on sensitive skin |
| Soothes aching muscles (I can personally attest to this!) | |
| Helps boost your mood and wake you up |
Recommended Product: Rosemary Firming Cleanser
While Rosemary plays a supporting role in a lot of products, Bare Indulgence Skin made it the star of the show in its anti-aging cleanser.
It’s accompanied by ylang-ylang water, aloe vera, almond oil, and jojoba oil, all of which work together to help give your skin a firmer appearance.
9. Jasmine
If you love floral scents, Jasmine is your gal! It’s not quite as “I just rolled in a field of flowers” as rose oil, but still has a beautiful romantic scent.
When it comes to aging, Jasmine’s greatest benefit is that it works as both an anti-inflammatory and helps promote healing.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Gentle enough for sensitive skin | Somewhat sedating (it’ll make you sleepy) |
| Also helps fight depression | |
| It’ll get you in the mood, if you catch my drift! | |
Recommendation: Odacite Bl+J (Blueberry + Jasmine) Cell Energy Serum Concentrate
Another great product from Odacite, this one couples blueberry with jasmine to help take the floral edge off.
It’s an amazing concentrate that targets your cells to help rejuvenate sagging skin. Since it’s sold by Safe and Chic, you know it’s cruelty-free, too!
10. Ylang-Ylang
When it comes to the essential oil with the name that’s the most fun to say, Ylang-Ylang takes the cake. Seriously, doesn’t it just make you smile?
A fun name, though, isn’t enough to earn a spot on my list of the best essential oils for skin tightening.
Ylang-Ylang is a great anti-aging EO because of how well it calms a myriad of skin problems, including acne and wrinkles.
Plus, some evidence suggests it boosts your immune system. As you know, a healthier immunity means your skin can fight off free radicals and other damaging effects.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| It’s an aphrodisiac! | Poisonous to pets, so you can’t use it around them |
| Relieves inflammation | Can cause headaches in those who are hypersensitive to the scent |
| Antibacterial and antimicrobial | |
| MAY boost your immune system |
Recommended: Elemis Superfood Night Cream
Elemis’ Superfood Night Cream contains an incredible mixture of essential oils and other skincare ingredients, including- of course- Ylang Ylang.
The fatty acids from the chia seed oil really help give your skin back some of its much-needed plumpness, while the combo of YY and lavender lull you off to sleep.
11. Clary Sage
Last up, we have our good friend Clary Sage, with its refreshing “I just stepped out of the shower” scent.
While it’s among the least-researched of the bunch, don’t write it off just yet. Its skin-healing properties make it a strong ally in the fight against aging.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Alleviates menopause symptoms | Not ideal for those with low blood pressure |
| Relieves depression and anxiety | |
| Great antibacterial properties |
Recommended product: Eternal Facial Serum
Eternal Facial Serum by The Gilded Beesic on Etsy is an affordable way to incorporate not just Clary Sage, but a whole host of amazingly beneficial skincare ingredients.
These include Golden Jojoba Oil, Maracuja Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Argan Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Papaya Seed Oil, Frankincense Oil, Clary Sage Oil, and Lime Oil.
Together, they work to not only tighten skin by boosting collagen but also nourish it deeply and help it fight free radicals.
How to Choose the Best Essential Oil for Skin Elasticity
There’s really no single checklist of tips to follow to pick the perfect EO for your anti-aging routine. For me personally, I always start with the most affordable and work my way down.
That said, you’ll want to consider more than just your budget if you’re dealing with super sensitive skin. Pick those that are the most well-researched first, like lavender and rose oil.
Also, consider your own personal allergies. If you’re allergic to ROSES, for example, then you’ll definitely be allergic to ROSE OIL.
Related: Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Cost
FAQs About Essential Oils to Tighten Skin
Does coconut oil tighten skin?
Coconut Oil is a great moisturizer and can be used on the face, body, or hair. It’s also an excellent natural remedy to help tighten your skin!
How can I tighten my skin naturally?
There are many ways to improve the appearance of your skin. One way is by using natural ingredients, such as essential oils and herbs that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Essential oil blends help you achieve a healthy glow without any harsh chemicals.
What are the best carrier oils for skin tightening?
Most of the carrier oils offer up some skin-tightening properties, but in my opinion, Jojoba is the #1 option. Not only is it effective and gentle, but also affordable.
Top Recommendation
Out of all of the essential oils, we talked about above, while Rose Oil is my “winner,” given the high price my actual “top recommendation” would be the Elemis Superfood Night Cream.
While it’s still not the cheapest, it contains several of the above-mentioned EOs, making it a good choice all-around.
References
- Choi, Seo Yeon, Purum Kang, Hui Su Lee, and Geun Hee Seol. 2014. “Effects of Inhalation of Essential Oil OfCitrus AurantiumL. Var.amaraon Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014: 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/796518.
- Clanton, Melissa, Dorene Petersen, Erica Petersen, E Bowles, Marcangelo Puccio, Janet Bennion, Judika Illes, and Julie Gatti. n.d. “MENOPAUSE: UNDERSTANDING and MANAGING the TRANSITION USING ESSENTIAL OILS vs. TRADITIONAL ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE.” Accessed September 27, 2021. https://files.achs.edu/mediabank/files/melissa_clanton.pdf.
- Franziska Spritzler. 2019. “The 13 Most Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Can Eat.” Healthline. Healthline Media. December 20, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-anti-inflammatory-foods.
- Hitti, Miranda. 2007. “Lavender Oil May Spur Breasts in Boys.” WebMD. WebMD. January 31, 2007. https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20070131/lavender-oil-may-spur-breasts-boys.
- Hsieh, Tian-Jye, Fang-Rong Chang, Yi-Chen Chia, Chung-Yi Chen, Hui-Fen Chiu, and Yang-Chang Wu. 2001. “Cytotoxic Constituents of the Fruits of Cananga Odorata.” Journal of Natural Products 64 (5): 616–19. https://doi.org/10.1021/np0005208.
- “Human Male Sexual Response to Olfactory Stimuli | American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons.” 2014. American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons |. March 3, 2014. https://aanos.org/human-male-sexual-response-to-olfactory-stimuli/.
- McCulloch, Marsha. 2018. “14 Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Essential Oil.” Healthline. Healthline Media. November 15, 2018. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosemary-oil-benefits.
- Shohayeb, Mohamed, El-Sayed Saleh, S.A. Bazaid, and Ibrahim Abdullah Maghrabi. 2014. “Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Rosa Damascena MILL. Essential Oil, Different Extracts of Rose Petals.” ResearchGate. unknown. 2014. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287527902_Antibacterial_and_antifungal_activity_of_Rosa_damascena_MILL_essential_oil_different_extracts_of_rose_petals.
- T. Ferrara, Giancarlo De Vincentiis, and Francesco Di Pierro. 2015. “Functional Study on Boswellia Phytosome as Complementary Intervention in Asthmatic Patients.” ResearchGate. unknown. October 2015. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287279226_Functional_study_on_Boswellia_phytosome_as_complementary_intervention_in_asthmatic_patients.
- Watanabe, Eri, Kenny Kuchta, Mari Kimura, Hans Wilhelm Rauwald, Tsutomu Kamei, and Jiro Imanishi. 2015. “Effects of Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States, Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in 41 Healthy Females.” Complementary Medicine Research 22 (1): 43–49. https://doi.org/10.1159/000380989.
- WebMD Editorial Contributors. 2020a. “Lemon Oil: Health Benefits and How to Use It.” WebMD. WebMD. November 11, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/diet/lemon-oil-health-benefits#1.
- ———. 2020b. “Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil.” WebMD. WebMD. November 12, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-lavender-essential-oil#1.
- ———. 2020c. “Health Benefits of Bergamot.” WebMD. WebMD. November 13, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-bergamot#1.
What are your favorite essential oils for skin tightening? Please let us know in the comments below!
