The 3 Best Essential Oils for Wrinkles

We all want to prevent getting wrinkles. However, many name-brand wrinkle cream solutions are filled with unnatural chemicals. Why risk putting all those nasty chemicals on your face morning and evening when there are healthy alternatives?

As for healthy alternatives, you can start by using quality essential oils to prevent those unwanted wrinkles. Not only do essential oils provide healthy alternatives to those name-brand wrinkle creams, but they’re also drastically cheaper.

In the recipes below, you can create your own anti-wrinkle serum that will put all those chemical-ridden wrinkle creams to shame. Bye-bye, nasty chemicals; hello, natural alternatives you can make at home.

Why Do We Get Wrinkles?

The simple truth is that everyone develops wrinkles eventually. It is a normal and unavoidable part of the body’s aging process. Over time, skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to dryness. When that protective barrier weakens, fine lines and deeper creases naturally begin to form.

The Three Layers of the Skin

To understand why wrinkles appear, it helps to know how the skin is structured. It is made up of three primary layers:

Epidermis

The outermost layer. It protects against environmental damage and helps retain moisture. This is the first layer to show visible aging.

Dermis

The middle layer contains collagen and elastin.

• Elastin allows the skin to stretch and return to its shape.
• Collagen provides structure, firmness, and prevents sagging.

Subcutaneous Layer

The innermost layer contains fat that gives the face its smooth, plump, youthful appearance.

Why Wrinkles Form

As the skin ages, all three layers undergo changes:

• Collagen and elastin break down and are produced more slowly.
• The skin retains less moisture.
• The fat layer beneath the surface becomes thinner.
• The epidermis becomes more fragile and less able to protect the skin.

These combined factors make the skin less supple, less hydrated, and more prone to fine lines, folds, and sagging.

External factors like chronic sun exposure, stress, smoking, dehydration, poor nutrition, harsh skincare products, and pollution can accelerate wrinkle formation, but even without those influences, aging alone causes these changes.

Why Hydration Matters

Wrinkles form more easily when the skin cannot hold moisture and loses its natural elasticity. Keeping the skin consistently hydrated helps it maintain collagen, elastin, and a stronger protective barrier.

With the three anti-aging essential oils discussed later in this post, you can support hydration and promote healthier-looking skin. Aging is natural, and there is nothing to fear about it, but if your goal is to soften or delay the appearance of wrinkles, choosing gentle, natural options is the best place to start.

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is a favorite for many oil lovers due to its wide range of uses. One of the many reasons this is a favorite ingredient for skin care recipes is its ability to prevent aging effects due to sun exposure, as well as its analgesic and soothing effects.

There is some debate as to whether lavender is useful for skin health. Research shows that many of the claims made against lavender oil for skin use are unfounded. For further reading, check out this page: “Lavender Oil – Skin Saviour or Skin Irritant?” – You decide.

Studies show that this refreshingly scented oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be very helpful to the skin as it ages. It’s suggested that because of its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects, lavender oil also helps control acne.

Lavender Anti-Wrinkle Serum

Not only does this serum help prevent wrinkles, but it also has an amazing, relaxing scent. Did you know that a stressful lifestyle can cause wrinkles? Lavender oil is one of the most important oils for relaxation and aromatherapy. Use the following Lavender Anti-Aging Serum to help prevent wrinkles while encouraging relaxation.

Ingredients:

• 10 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• 3 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
• 2 oz. of Coconut Oil

Fill a small saucepan with about three inches of water. Place the saucepan on the stove and turn on medium-low heat. In a small jar, add the coconut oil.

After the water in the saucepan is warm, place the jar of coconut oil in the warm saucepan. Next, stir the oil until completely melted and remove the jar from the saucepan.

Finally, add your lavender and lemon essential oils to the mixture. Allow this mixture to cool. Once cool, it’s ready to use.

Important: Lemon essential oil is phototoxic. Do not expose your skin to direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after using this serum. It is best used as a nighttime treatment.

To Use:

Apply to your face and neck areas, then massage gently. Remember, with facial serums, less is more. If you apply too much to your face, you will be quite greasy, and you will need to wipe some of it off. So, apply just enough to cover your entire face and neck.

This is a great serum, and it is something you will certainly want to give a try. You will be left with hydrated, healthy, and happy skin. Your skin will thank you!

2. Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium is a small shrub with beautiful and delicate flowers. This small and lovely bush is native to South Africa. There are many different varieties (over 200 species) of geraniums, but only a few of them are used to make essential oils.

Most of us have heard of the two most common kinds of oils made from this plant: Geranium and Rose Geranium essential oil. Both of these oils are very similar, but the latter has a more rosy scent (hence the name).

There have been some recent studies conducted with Rose Geranium oil that are quite promising. Studies show that rose geranium essential oil (called RGEO in the study) has potent anti-inflammatory effects when applied to the skin.  (Source)

When it comes to using this oil on your skin with a carrier oil (or another base), the anti-inflammatory effects make it a very suitable oil indeed. Not only will this delightfully floral-scented oil help your face stay well-hydrated and ward off wrinkles, but it will also effectively soothe the skin. Be sure to add this oil to your collection.

Also, try this scent in your diffuser to create an aromatic scent that is sure to relax.

Rose Geranium Soothing Bedtime Toner

It is always important to have a nightly routine of healthy habits before you go to bed. Go ahead and try out this simple skin toner recipe below and add it to your daily bedtime routine.

Ingredients:

• 5-7 Drops of Rose Geranium Essential Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of Pure Aloe Vera Gel

In a small jar, combine your ingredients and mix. Keep the mixture stored in a cool, dry location.

To use:

After showering or washing your face, apply a small amount to your face and neck. Spread the toner until your whole face and neck are completely covered. Make sure you don’t apply too much, as you will be sleeping with the toner on, and you don’t want it all over your pillow!

3. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense oil is a wonderful and interesting oil. Originating in Africa, Asia, and the Middle Eastern areas, frankincense has been used throughout ancient history up to the present day. Indeed, people have used frankincense in a variety of different ways. Frankincense has been used as a key ingredient in ancient perfumes and medicines, as well as in ceremonial traditions.

This essential oil is made from the Boswellia tree. What is known as frankincense is actually resin gum that is collected at the bottom of the tree. To produce the resin gum, the Boswellia tree bark is cut at the base of the trunk. At the incision of the trunk, the milk-like resin begins to flow. Once the resin hardens to an orange pebble-like gum, it’s then able to be collected.

Over the years, research and studies have been performed relating to frankincense and its potential benefits and uses. So far, the results of these studies are very promising. Studies have suggested that frankincense oil has the ability to distinguish between cancerous bladder cells and normal bladder cells. There has also been some anti-carcinogenic activity in mice with chemically induced skin cancer. (Source)

What about the effects of frankincense on the skin?

Well, there’s a lot to be said about that as well.

• Studies have shown that Boswellia extract produces an even skin tone and reduces redness in the skin.
• Studies also show that it reduces inflammation and irritation.
• What about wrinkles and lines? Studies show that frankincense (mixed with a carrier oil) is an effective topical solution to relax the skin and reduce facial lines. (Source)

Keeping your skin well hydrated is critical to youthful skin. There’s no need for skin moisturizers that contain questionable or downright harmful chemicals. Mixed with an appropriate carrier oil, frankincense essential oil is an excellent way to keep your skin moisturized (not to mention the amazing smell too).

Other notable uses for frankincense include acne prevention and eczema. The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil are very conducive to healthy skin.

If you don’t have Frankincense essential oil in your collection, now would be the perfect time to add it.  There are plenty of great topical uses for Frankincense oil. If you really like the warm, comforting, and soothing scent of Frankincense oil, you can also add a few drops to your oil diffuser!

Frankincense Anti-Aging Serum

It’s reassuring when there are natural alternatives that can provide the same (or better) results than synthetic products. You can rest assured that this 100% natural frankincense anti-aging serum can replace any of those old brand-name wrinkle creams that are loaded with nasty chemicals.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil (or preferred carrier oil)
• 7 Drops of Frankincense Essential Oil

In any container of your choice, blend the ingredients and store them out of direct sunlight.

To Use:

Use once to twice a day and enjoy the wonderful benefits of this recipe. If you’re allergic to almond oil, you can use any other carrier oil that you’re comfortable with.

 Wrap Up

It’s important for us ladies to feel good about the way we look. And, if you have wrinkles, you should feel good nonetheless. There’s no shame in wrinkles, but there are ways to slow the process if that interests you. Natural beauty is a wonderful thing indeed. It’s not skin deep; it’s a lifestyle.

It is also important for us to know we are making healthy choices. Knowing of all the harsh ingredients found in most skincare products, it’s time to part ways with them. But don’t stop there. Just because commercial and brand-name wrinkle creams are questionable at best, there is no reason to give up on preventing unwanted wrinkles by using natural alternatives.

Give your skin the look you want by going natural with the above three amazing essential oils. Isn’t it a great relief to know that there’s always a healthy alternative? Remember, you will never regret going natural.

Explore your essential oils options and determine which ones work best for you. Also, be sure to use best practices when applying any new solutions to your skin, like patch testing, mixing EOs with carrier oils, etc. Everyone’s skin is different, and you may prefer one oil over the other. Either way, using these simple essential oil recipes will make you feel more confident, beautiful, and healthy.

Essential Oils for Wrinkles FAQs

What is the recommended way to use essential oils for wrinkles?

Blend your essential oils with a nourishing carrier oil such as jojoba, rosehip, or sweet almond. Apply the mixture to clean skin in the evening two or three times per week.

If your skin is on the sensitive side, begin with a lighter dilution and increase only if your skin tolerates it well. Always patch test on a small area first and speak with your dermatologist if you have a history of irritation.

How can you add essential oils to your daily skincare routine?

You can add two or three drops of essential oil to your nightly moisturizer or serum and massage it into areas where fine lines are more noticeable.

Some people also enjoy creating a simple nighttime facial oil by mixing a small amount of their favorite essential oil with a carrier oil in a separate bottle for quick use.

Are essential oils safe to use around the eyes?

They can be, but only when very well diluted. The eye area is delicate and reacts quickly to strong ingredients.
Keep oils at least a finger-width away from the lash line, use a very weak dilution, and patch test first. If you frequently experience irritation around the eyes, talk with your dermatologist before using oils in this area.

What precautions should you take when using essential oils for wrinkles?

Do not ingest essential oils, and never apply them directly to the skin without a carrier oil.
Use high-quality, pure oils, perform a patch test for each new oil, and be mindful of oils that increase sun sensitivity. If you notice redness, itching, or dryness, stop using the blend and adjust the dilution.

How long does it take to see results?

Most people notice improvements after four to six weeks of consistent use.
Results depend on age, hydration levels, sun exposure, skincare habits, and how regularly you apply your oil blend.

Can you mix multiple essential oils together?

Yes, many people combine two or three oils for added benefits. Just keep the total essential oil amount the same so you don’t accidentally create a stronger dilution than your skin can handle.

Which carrier oils work best for anti-aging?

Rosehip, argan, jojoba, and sweet almond are popular choices. Rosehip is especially known for helping with firmness and texture, while jojoba closely mimics the skin’s natural oils.

Can essential oils replace my regular anti-aging products?

They can support your routine, but most people still benefit from moisturizers, sunscreen, and a gentle cleanser. Essential oils work best as an added boost rather than the only step.

Are there any essential oils I should avoid for wrinkle care?

Avoid oils known to irritate the skin, such as cinnamon, oregano, or clove. If you have very sensitive skin, start with milder options like lavender or frankincense.

What signs mean I should stop using an oil?

If you notice stinging, redness, tightness, or unusual dryness after applying your blend, discontinue use and reassess your dilution ratio. Some oils are simply too strong for certain skin types.