Howood Oil Ingredient Guide: The Gentle Floral-Woodsy Skin Soother

🌿 Ho Wood Oil: The Gentle Floral-Woodsy Skin Soother

INCI Name: Cinnamomum camphora (Ho Wood) Oil

🌍 Origins & Cultivation

Ho Wood (Cinnamomum camphora var. linalooliferum) is a fragrant evergreen tree native to China, Japan, and Taiwan. It is a natural source of linalool, the same calming compound found in Lavender oil, making it one of the most gentle and relaxing essential oils available.

Once known as Shiu Oil, Ho Wood has become a sustainable alternative to Rosewood, which is now an endangered species. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the wood and bark, producing a sweet, floral-woody scent that deeply soothes the mind and body.

📜 A Look Back in History

"The Forgotten Floral Treasure"

Historically, Ho Wood was valued for its calming and skin-soothing properties in Chinese herbal medicine. It was often used in temples and sacred rituals to promote peace and relaxation.

As deforestation threatened Rosewood trees, Ho Wood emerged as an eco-friendly alternative with a similar aroma and therapeutic properties. Today, it is cherished for skincare, stress relief, and gentle emotional support.

🔬 Common Extraction Methods

Ho Wood essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from the wood and bark of the tree.

• 🌿 Mature Ho Wood trees are sustainably harvested to protect the environment.
• 🔥 Steam distillation extracts the oil gently, preserving its delicate floral-woody scent.
• ❄ The oil is naturally rich in linalool, making it one of the most calming essential oils available.

This method ensures a high-quality, deeply soothing essential oil that is perfect for sensitive skin and emotional balance.

🌿 Sensory Experience

• Aroma: Soft, floral, woody, with subtle citrus notes.
• Texture: Light and smooth.
• Absorption: Quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving a soft, hydrated feel.

Ho Wood’s gentle, grounding scent makes it a favorite in natural skincare, stress-relief aromatherapy, and sleep blends.

🧪 The Science Behind It

Ho Wood oil contains over 90% linalool, a compound known for its calming, skin-soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that:

• 🌿 Encourages skin cell regeneration, making it ideal for mature and sensitive skin.
• 🧘 Supports deep relaxation, promoting calmness and emotional balance.
• 🛡 Acts as a natural antibacterial, helping to purify and cleanse the skin.

Unlike synthetic calming agents, pure Ho Wood oil naturally soothes both the skin and mind.

✨ Why It Works

1. Rejuvenates the Skin – Helps promote youthful, radiant skin.
2. Deeply Calms the Mind – Rich in linalool, which supports stress relief and relaxation.
3. Eco-Friendly Alternative to Rosewood – Offers a similar floral-woody aroma without harming endangered trees.

📖 Scientific Research & Studies

• 🌿 Skin Healing & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: A study in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that linalool in Ho Wood oil helps reduce redness and irritation in sensitive skin.
• 🧘 Stress & Sleep Support: Research in the Journal of Complementary Medicine suggests that linalool-rich essential oils like Ho Wood promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

🌿 Why We Use It

At Herbs on the Hill, we love Ho Wood oil for its calming, skin-renewing, and eco-conscious benefits. Whether used in luxurious skincare, relaxation rituals, or emotional wellness blends, it remains a gentle yet powerful essential oil.

🌍 Compared to Conventional Alternatives

✔ 🌱 Natural vs. Synthetic Stress Relief – Many stress-relief products use artificial relaxants, while Ho Wood oil naturally promotes calmness.
✔ 💆‍♀️ Gentle on Skin – Unlike harsh skin treatments, Ho Wood soothes without irritation.
✔ 🌿 Sustainable Alternative to Rosewood – Protects endangered forests while providing a similar floral-woody aroma.

🛍 Found in These Products

• 🌸 Ho Wood & Lavender Sleep Mist
• 🧖‍♀️ Skin Rejuvenating Ho Wood Facial Serum
• 💆‍♂️ Calming Ho Wood Aromatherapy Roller

⚠ Disclaimer

"This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Herbs on the Hill provides natural ingredients for skincare and wellness. If you have specific concerns, please consult a healthcare professional before use."