Benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil for the Skin and Hair

The grapefruit is a member of the citrus family and offers loads of benefits for those who consume it. Maybe it’s not a “superfood” like chia or kale, but they are great for you and easily found in stores. Grapefruit essential oil is good for you too in other ways. Turns out the essential oil is good for your skin and your hair. Who knew? Here, we will share a number of ways this potent citrus essential oil can benefit your skin and hair.

Cautions & Tips Before Using Grapefruit EO Topically

Here are a few tips for you before you try grapefruit essential oil for the skin or hair. While essential oils are safe to use generally, they are potent. Please take a look at these precautions prior to using it topically.

• Do a small patch test on your skin with grapefruit EO. Mix one drop of grapefruit oil with 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil of your choice. Apply the mixture to the inside of your wrist. If you do not have any kind of reaction (it’s not likely you will) within one hour, then it is safe to use grapefruit EO for your skin.
• Remember oils are concentrated and potent. A little bit will go a long way. You don’t need a large amount of the essential oil to see great results. Using large amounts can irritate your skin and scalp if you are using it for your hair.
• Always dilute grapefruit EO before topical applications. You can dilute it with any of the carrier oils you like including coconut, almond, avocado, or olive oil. But you also have the choice of mixing it into another base prior to use such as shampoo, unscented lotions, or Aloe Vera gel. The proper dilution rate is two drops of grapefruit EO to one teaspoon of carrier oil.
• Keep the essential oil away from eyes, ears or mucous membranes.
• Remember that grapefruit essential oil is one of them that is photo-sensitive. This means to avoid exposure to sunlight after applying it on the skin. You can use it at nighttime. Just be sure to wash it off completely before you are heading outdoors.
• Do not ingest essential oils!
• Keep it away from your pets and children. And avoid it if you are lactating or pregnant.
• If you have chronic or severe health problems, consult with your primary care before using grapefruit EO.

5 Ways to Use Grapefruit Essential Oil for your Skin & Hair

You may have used grapefruit essential oil in your diffuser or topically just because it is refreshing and invigorating. The oil is extracted from the peel using a mechanical expression. It’s a great option for boosting your lymphatic system and lifting your mood. But it’s also got a lot more health benefits. Here are five ways it can be used for your hair and skin.

Fights off Infections

Grapefruit essential oil has antiseptic properties so it can help get rid of minor skin infections and sensitivities. These properties help disinfect the skin and can be beneficial for getting rid of acne so it contributes to a clear complexion.

Helps Get Rid of Cellulite

Do you have dimples on your legs or other odd areas of your body? Those dimples are also called cellulite. They are there because the skin collects toxins, old fat cells, and wastes. These form cellulite. Grapefruit essential oil can help improve the flow of toxins and eliminate them which in turn, helps get rid of cellulite. You can dilute grapefruit essential oil and apply it topically to areas where you see cellulite has formed.

Make Your Hair Glossy

Do you want your hair to have a glossy, beautiful sheen? Add grapefruit EO to your shampoo. You’ll only need about 10 drops of grapefruit oil in eight ounces of shampoo. Use this recipe if you’d like to make your own chemical-free shampoo.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• ¼ cup liquid castile soap
• ½ teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
• ½ cup distilled water
• 5-8 drops grapefruit essential oil

Add all the ingredients to an old shampoo bottle. Mix it up by shaking the bottle gently. Once it is thoroughly mixed, transfer it to an applicator bottle. Pour a little bit on your scalp and hair and work it in. rinse it off completely.

For Clear Skin

If you have blocked pores, blackheads, and whiteheads, your skin is congested. Grapefruit essential oil can help purify the pores and clear your skin. Here is a recipe for a skin cleansing grapefruit scrub. Use it twice a week to keep your skin clear.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons raw honey
• 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil

Mix these ingredients together to make a thick paste. Use a facial steaming first to open up the pores. Then gently scrub your face with the paste. Spread it around and let it sit for seven to 10 minutes. Then, rinse it off with slightly warm water.

Treat an Oily Scalp

To use grapefruit essential oil to treat an oily scalp, you can just add 10 drops to eight ounces of your regular shampoo. Or, you can make a great smelling hair tonic that will relieve an oily scalp.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4-ounce amber spray bottle
• 1 ounce of aloe vera juice
• 2 ounces of distilled water
• ½ an ounce of vodka (or rubbing alcohol)
• 15 drops of grapefruit essential oil

Mix all the ingredients in the amber bottle. If you do not want to use the alcohol, you can opt to leave it out. Shake the bottle gently to combine the ingredients. Spray the mixture on your hair and scalp two hours before taking a shower. It will rinse out in the shower.