Why We Use Essential Oils Thoughtfully
There was a time not too long ago when essential oils were everywhere. Diffusers on every desk. DIY recipes on every Pinterest board. "Lavender everything" on the shelves of every store. Then came the wave of doubt: Are they safe? Do they actually work? Isn’t this just another trend?
At Meadowlark Made, we understand the hesitation. The truth is, essential oils aren’t new and they aren’t a fad — they’ve been used for centuries in traditional skincare and herbal traditions across the world. But they’re also powerful, and like any powerful tool, they need to be used with care.
Our philosophy is simple: we don’t use essential oils to chase trends or just to make something smell nice. We use them intentionally, and always with respect for your skin.
When Fragrance Isn’t What It Seems
If you flip over almost any skincare label, you’ll see the word fragrance (or its cousin parfum) — but what that word doesn’t tell you is what’s actually in it.
In the U.S., companies aren’t required to disclose fragrance ingredients. That means a single word on a label could hide hundreds of synthetic compounds, many of which are linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and skin irritation.
The most concerning? Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like phthalates and synthetic musks, which have been found in many fragranced personal care products. These chemicals can interfere with the body’s natural hormone systems — impacting fertility, metabolism, thyroid function, and even child development.
Learn more about EDCs from the Endocrine Society
Environmental Working Group: Why “Fragrance” Is a Red Flag
That’s why at Meadowlark Made, we only use high-grade essential oils or none at all (some formulations have infusions only). We believe you deserve to know exactly what’s going on your skin.
What Makes Essential Oils Different?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, typically obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing. They're not one-size-fits-all "fragrances"; they’re complex chemical profiles from real botanicals, each with specific properties and benefits for skin and senses.
Historically, they’ve been used in:
Ancient Egyptian skincare and embalming rituals
Greek and Roman baths
Ayurvedic practices
Traditional Chinese medicine
Unlike synthetic fragrance, which is often created in a lab to be as strong and long-lasting as possible, essential oils fade gracefully — because they’re real.
But Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
Essential oils are powerful — and we treat them that way. Used improperly, they can irritate the skin or overwhelm the senses. That’s why our formulations are:
Diluted to safe levels
Tailored to skin type and application area
Paired with calming herbal infusions and nourishing fats, like pasture-raised tallow, organic oils, and local beeswax
We never add essential oils just to make a product smell nice. We add them because they serve a specific function, like:
Soothing irritated skin
Supporting clarity and tone
Gently uplifting mood or calming anxiety
When You’re Used to Fragrance...
If you’ve ever walked into a mall store and been hit with a wall of scent — think sugary florals, pumpkin spice everything, or "tropical breeze" — you know how strong synthetic fragrance can be. For many of us, those were our first experiences with "self care." So it’s no surprise that when you switch to natural products, things... smell different.
At first, you might even think: Is this too subtle? Too earthy? Not scented enough?
But here’s what’s really happening: your senses are recalibrating. They’re being supported, not hijacked.
Unlike synthetic fragrances (which are often made in labs and designed to be overpowering), essential oils are derived from real plants. Their scent profiles are complex, layered, and can even change over time. They don't scream at your nose. They whisper.
And that’s a good thing — especially for your skin.
What’s Really in That “Lavender Vanilla” Lotion?
One of the things we encourage people to do is read ingredient lists. Really read them. Just because a product says “made with essential oils” doesn’t mean it’s only scented with essential oils. Many still include synthetic fragrances alongside the natural ones.
That matters — because synthetic fragrance blends can include dozens (or even hundreds) of undisclosed chemicals. Some are known irritants. Others are allergens. And none of them belong in skincare meant to support your skin’s natural barrier.
That’s why every Meadowlark Made product lists its full ingredient deck. No mystery blends. Just real, recognizable ingredients chosen with intention.
The Meadowlark Made Approach to Essential Oils
Purpose-Driven, Not Perfume-Driven
Every essential oil we use serves a function: calming skin, supporting clarity, enhancing absorption, or gently lifting the mood. If it’s in there, it has a job to do.
Always Diluted, Always Safe
Essential oils are highly concentrated. A single drop contains the essence of many plants. That’s why we use evidence-informed dilution rates to ensure they’re gentle enough for daily use — even on sensitive skin.
Face vs. Body, Formulated Differently
Our body products (like our whipped body butters and hand & body bar soaps) often include carefully balanced blends that are more layered and expressive while supporting the senses and the skin — like frankincense, chamomile, bergamot in Calming Body Butter.
But when it comes to facial care, less is more. We keep those formulas minimal and intentional:
Our Clay & Blush Facial Bar Soap includes only frankincense: calming, grounding, and supportive for mature skin.
Our Harmony Facial Balm features just blue tansy: a favorite for its soothing effects on sensitive or blemish-prone skin.
No unnecessary extras. Just what your skin needs, nothing more.
A Few of Our Favorite Oils
Frankincense & Chamomile – Classic calmers, great for inflammation, sensitivity, and mood-balancing
Bergamot & Ylang Ylang – Uplifting and energizing, great way to start your morning.
Rosemary & Peppermint – Refreshing and herbal, perfect for anytime of the day.
Chamomile & Peppermint – Calming and soothing for gentle after-sun care.
Patchouli & Balsam Fir – Grounding and earthy, inspired by Midwest forests.
More Than a Trend: A Tradition
We pair essential oils with time-honored ingredients like slow-infused herbs and pasture-raised tallow — not because it’s trendy, but because it works. These ingredients have supported skin for generations, long before synthetic chemicals took over our bathroom shelves.
And we back it all with current research, safety guidelines, holistic esthetician experience, and a deep respect for the ingredients we work with.
Essential oils aren’t magic. They’re not cure-alls. But when used with intention, they can elevate skincare into something that nourishes not just your skin — but your senses, your rituals, and your connection to nature.
The Meadowlark Made Difference
When you choose our products, you’re choosing:
Transparency
Intention
Evidence-backed formulation
A quieter, more grounded kind of skincare
We’re proud to stand behind every balm, soap, salve, and butter we make — and to do so with honesty, transparency, and care.
Ready to explore essential oils done right?
Shop our full skincare collection here
Or stay tuned: future posts will explore seasonal oil favorites, rituals for transitional weather, and ways to support skin through every season.