When we think about massage oils enriched with blends of botanical extracts (also known as terpenes), we tend to instantly think of the aromatics. Although beautiful scents play a significant role in creating a sensory experience, there are now avenues to integrate active levels of terpenes in ways that have deeper, more meaningful benefits.
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When we think about massage oils enriched with blends of botanical extracts (also known as terpenes), we tend to instantly think of the aromatics. Although beautiful scents play a significant role in creating a sensory experience, there are now avenues to integrate active levels of terpenes in ways that have deeper, more meaningful benefits.
“As we continue to explore the vast health benefits of botanical ingredients, terpenes are leading the way with their incredible ability to provide not only noticeable skin support, but an immediate psychological boost,” says Thomas Arters, formulation specialist at Prospect Farms, a USDA Organic hemp farm in Maine that provides products to the spa, hospitality and pet wellness industries. “Especially within spa treatments, terpenes are highly innovative and underutilized ingredients that should be considered key priorities for the client experience.”
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the main class of aromatic compounds found in plants, which are responsible for scent, flavor and other physical effects. Terpenes not only produce a therapeutic scent, but they are found to be anti-inflammatory in nature, helping to detoxify the body and even control sebum levels in the skin. Topically, terpene-infused products can be applied directly for healing. Terpenes are functional ingredients and components of plants with limitless potential.
Lavender, for example, is probably best known for its pleasant scent, which has gentle sedative qualities that aid in relaxation, sleep and anxiety reduction. The active compound within lavender is linalool; in addition to relaxation, the terpene linalool is thought to support the greater immune system.
“We’ve always believed that Mother Nature has a way of making the best solutions simple. Terpenes are just one of those examples that have allowed us to unlock the body using the most natural elements,” says Arters.
Healing Powers
The most fascinating characteristic of terpenes is their ability to interact with other compounds in the plant and activate synergistic benefits. This is “the entourage effect,” a theory based on active compounds working together to create an exponential impact, which is much more powerful than what they can do on their own.
“When active terpenes are combined with other terpene-rich botanicals, they have the ability to produce transformative benefits for the skin and overall body, in terms of pain management,” says Arters.
Terpenes are an influential compound in their own right, and the varying combinations of terpenes produce unique impacts to the skin, body and mental health.
“Whole-plant and terpene-rich extracts can optimize the full spectrum of results. This allows formulators to create benefit-focused products with a greater purpose and more impactful results,” explains Arters. “For example, products can be designed to target inflammation, create a deeper sense of relaxation and reduce overall tension, while others stimulate the mind, invigorate the body and promote mental clarity.”
Terpene Ingredients
Given that therapeutic care and personal wellness can be an ever-evolving quest for the most impactful combination of elements, terpenes’ integration into spa treatments and massage therapy oils was only a matter of time. As a class of ingredients,
terpenes aren’t yet widely understood by consumers, but brands and spas are quickly unlocking the therapeutic potential of not just terpenes, but all active botanical ingredients. Here are some commonly found terpenes in everyday plants.
Myrcene: Found in hops, lemongrass, hemp, parsley and wild thyme, myrcene is familiar to many of us already. It is commonly extracted and used in a wide range of products, including perfumes and foods. Myrcene is believed to support relaxation and temporarily aid in sleep during occasional periods of sleeplessness.
Caryophyllene: Commonly found in black pepper, oregano, hemp cloves, basil and rosemary, caryophyllene is easily recognizable by its spicy, pepper-like aroma and taste.
Limonene: Limonene is said to act as a stress reliever and mood enhancer, adding a buoyancy to the consumption experience. Limonene occurs in oranges, rosemary, juniper, hemp, peppermint and a variety of fruit rinds. Often used as an ingredient in food flavorings and cleaning products, it is also common in skin care products, where it improves absorption through the epidermis.
Pinene: Named for its pine scent, pinene comes in two types: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Pinene can contribute to alertness and mental acuity. In addition, it is found in pine trees, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, parsley and orange peels.
Humulene: Highly concentrated in the hops used during the brewing process, humulene offers an aroma that can be described as earthy and woody. In addition to hops and hemp, humulene is also found in coriander, cloves and basil.
Jessica Assaf is the co-founder and chief education officer of Prima, a B Corp and purpose-driven, whole body care brand. She is an entrepreneur, community builder, writer and activist who has spent more than 15 years advocating for corporate accountability, consumer wellness and women’s health.
