Terpenes are a class of aromatic compounds that give many plants and herbs their signature aroma, for example, in lavender and rosemary. They are hydrocarbons and important constituents of essential oils. In certain plants, they give off an enticing smell to encourage pollination; in others, they make the plant smell nasty to ward off any potential predators.
In skincare, two of the most commonly used terpene strains are limonene and linalool. You can find these listed on the ingredient list on the back of your skincare products. Studies suggest that these terpenes may be beneficial for our health. Here are some of the most commonly used terpenes in skincare.
Limonene
Limonene is a terpene extracted from the peels of citrus fruits, such as oranges, and has a citrusy scent. In addition to its sweet smell, it has also been shown to have potent antioxidant benefits, which can help prevent aging if used in skincare.
Linalool
Linalool is extracted from the lavender plant. Known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, linalool is widely used in aromatherapy as its scent helps people calm their anxiety.
Pinene
Pinene is another naturally-occurring terpene. If you enjoy taking walks in forests and breathing in the fresh forest air, that’s because the air there is rich in pinene. Pine needles, rosemary and basil, are all rich in pinene. It may be used in certain lotions to give the product a fresh, earthy scent. Like other terpenes, it also helps enhance a product’s ability to penetrate the skin, making the ingredients in your serums and creams absorb faster.
Citronellol
Citronellol is a colorless liquid with a floral scent. It’s found in everything from shampoos to lotions and creams. Most commonly known for being a constituent of rose oil, it can also be found in geranium, lemongrass, and chamomile plants. Studies show that citronellol is tolerated well by the skin, making it a better ingredient to add fragrance to products than artificial fragrances.
In skincare, many manufacturers use terpenes in their formulations because they give the product a natural scent. This helps manufacturers avoid the use of synthetic fragrances in their products, which people are often allergic to. You can find out which of your skincare products contain terpenes by looking carefully at their ingredient lists.
At Gold Coast Terpenes, we bring you natural terpenes extracted from plant sources and free of any chemicals and additives. Get in touch with us here to buy the best-tasting terpene strains in Florida. Place a bulk order for our terpenes here.