Do EO's have any benefits besides providing scent?

[SirWhiskers]

I was wondering whether the EO's used in aftershaves (or creams/soaps) have any benefits to the skin besides providing a pleasant scent (and sometimes irritation for those with sensitive skin)? I've seen claims on products that say "lavender EO calms" - but does it calm skin irritation or just the olfactory senses?

 

[Mark T]

EO's provide moisture to the skin that sooth and lubricate. I prefer Proraso Pre/Post cream. It softens my beard as a pre-shave, and moistens my face as a post-shave cream.

 

[cvac]

Aromatherapists would claim they do.

Some EOs can have antibacterial, astringent, or antiseptic properties. Whether or not there is enough in the aftershave product to have the effect is another story. Plus some of these effects can be obtained through other means.

 

[Evbo]

EOs can have both beneficial & harmful effects on the human body. However, many of these effects (both pro & con) are strongly mitigated by the fact that soaps & creams are rinsed off soon after application. As well, to the best of my knowledge pretty much all EOs are anti-bacterial.

With a "leave behind" product like an AS or moisturizer, depending on the potency of the oil(s) used these effects can be more pronounced. Again though, these products are topically applied. So imho, unless a particular EO is used in an unusually strong potency chances are any "benefits" will be minimal. That said, to me the scent of real lavender, rose, sandalwood or whatever is infinitely preferable to that of a synthetic.