Every formula begins as a scent.
Composition
Roots, resins, flowers, woods, herbs and citrus are selected for their relationship to skin and for the atmosphere they create during use.
Base notes give a blend its length. Heart notes set its character. Top notes are what you meet first.
The finished texture is composed around that aromatic structure, together with hydrosols, oils, clays, salts and butters.
The botanical palette
Base notes
FrankincenseBoswellia Carterii Oil
Aroma
Bright, dry citrus at first, then deep resin with a peppery, balsamic finish.
Skin ritual
A long-time choice for dry and mature skin. It calms the skin and leaves the complexion looking smoother.
Aromatherapy tradition
A resin with a long sacred history, valued for the calm it brings to the mind.
Found in
Nearly every OSHAN formula.
VetiverVetiveria Zizanioides Root Oil
Aroma
Deep, heavy root with damp earth and wood, and a light trace of smoke.
Skin ritual
Suits dry, dehydrated skin and leaves it feeling softer and more supple.
Aromatherapy tradition
Known for generations as the oil of tranquility, and long used in calming baths and meditation.
Found in
Royal Hawaiian SandalwoodSantalum Paniculatum Wood Oil
Aroma
Rich, sweet wood with a full body that stays on skin for hours.
Skin ritual
ʻIliahi is naturally rich in santalols. It smooths the skin and softens the look of imperfections.
Aromatherapy tradition
Used in incense and meditation blends for its quiet, contemplative scent.
Found in
HelichrysumHelichrysum Italicum Flower Oil
Aroma
Warm and honeyed at first, with an herbal, tea-like earthiness underneath.
Skin ritual
Improves the look of marked, uneven skin and softens the appearance of blemishes.
Aromatherapy tradition
Traditionally used in aromatic practices associated with reflection and emotional steadiness.
Found in
MyrrhCommiphora Myrrha Oil
Aroma
Soft, warm earth with a light spice that lifts the top.
Skin ritual
Used in skin preparations since ancient Egypt. It calms the skin and keeps it looking smooth.
Aromatherapy tradition
Used for thousands of years in incense and ceremony, and still valued in meditation blends.
Found in
CedarwoodCedrus Atlantica Wood Oil
Aroma
Sweet, warm wood with a rich balsamic finish that lasts.
Skin ritual
Clarifies the skin and keeps oily, congested complexions looking clear.
Aromatherapy tradition
One of the earliest incense materials, once used to build shrines and bath houses.
Found in
PatchouliPogostemon Cablin Oil
Aroma
Deep and earthy, with a wine-like top and mellow, balsamic wood underneath.
Skin ritual
A classic for rough, cracked skin. It leaves the complexion smoother, with a soft glow.
Aromatherapy tradition
Traditionally used in grounding and evening aromatic rituals.
Found in
CardamomElettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil
Aroma
Spicy-sweet and warm, turning woody and sweeter as it dries down.
Skin ritual
Gives warm skin a cool, refreshing sensation.
Aromatherapy tradition
In Ayurveda, cardamom is said to enliven the heart and refresh the senses. It is one of the oldest oils in perfumery.
Found in
Cocoa AbsoluteTheobroma Cacao Extract
Aroma
Dark, unsweetened chocolate, warm and balsamic, with a faint bitter spice.
Skin ritual
Here for its scent. Its dark, warm aroma makes a balm or soak feel more comforting.
Aromatherapy tradition
Used in scent for a sense of comfort.
Found in
VanillaVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Aroma
Rich, dense vanilla with chocolate nuances and a faint bitter edge.
Skin ritual
Its main aroma molecule, vanillin, is a known antioxidant. It gives a rich balm a warm, comforting finish.
Aromatherapy tradition
Perfumers use it to smooth rough edges and bring comfort to a blend.
Found in
Heart notes
LavenderLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Aroma
Sweet herbs and flowers, green and deep.
Skin ritual
Gentle on every skin type, and a classic for calming occasional discomfort on sun-warmed skin.
Aromatherapy tradition
Its cool, clean scent has long been said to calm body and mind, and it is a favorite in evening baths.
Found in
Jasmine (Pikake)Jasminum Sambac Oil / Flower Wax
Aroma
Sweet, green and fruity, with a honeyed tea note that sweetens as it dries.
Skin ritual
Suits dry, dehydrated skin. It helps skin stay moisturized and gives the complexion a healthy glow.
Aromatherapy tradition
In some cultures the flowers decorate the bed of newlyweds, and jasmine is worn as an anointing oil for blessings.
Found in
Blue TansyTanacetum Annuum Flower Oil
Aroma
Warm, bitter-green herbs with a soft camphor top and a woody finish.
Skin ritual
Its deep blue color comes from chamazulene. It soothes the look of redness and suits blemish-prone skin.
Aromatherapy tradition
Diffused to refresh and open the senses.
Found in
Clary SageSalvia Sclarea Oil
Aroma
Fresh, sweet herbs with a bitter edge, over tea and soft tobacco.
Skin ritual
Calms the skin and has a long history in hair care, for healthy-looking hair and scalp.
Aromatherapy tradition
A long-standing choice for calming baths, with a scent often described as euphoric.
Found in
GeraniumPelargonium Graveolens Oil
Aroma
Rosy and sweet, with a fresh green leaf.
Skin ritual
Suits both dry and oily skin. It smooths the look of skin and gives hair a healthy shine.
Aromatherapy tradition
Its scent is said to be centering and sensual at once.
Found in
Neroli / Orange BlossomCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
Aroma
Light white blossom with a fresh, sweet top and a bitter green edge.
Skin ritual
Suits sensitive and mature skin. It soothes the skin and keeps it looking supple.
Aromatherapy tradition
Its comforting scent is a favorite in relaxing baths and nighttime sprays.
Found in
Ylang YlangCananga Odorata Flower Oil
Aroma
Sweet, warm tropical flowers with ripe fruit and a light green wood.
Skin ritual
Long used in hair oils. It deeply conditions hair and refreshes the skin.
Aromatherapy tradition
A calming favorite in bath and massage oils before bed.
Found in
TurmericCurcuma Longa Root Oil
Aroma
Fresh-cut root, warm and spicy, with a crisp ginger and sweet orange top.
Skin ritual
Softens the look of blemishes and gives skin a healthy, even glow.
Aromatherapy tradition
Turmeric powder has a long tradition in Indian skin cleansers, prized for conditioning skin and giving it a golden glow.
Found in
Juniper BerryJuniperus Communis Fruit Oil
Aroma
Fresh pine and green wood with a sweet, balsamic edge.
Skin ritual
Tones the skin and gives the complexion a clear, healthy look.
Aromatherapy tradition
Diffused before meditation, and added to cleansing baths and saunas.
Found in
RoseRosa Damascena Flower Extract
Aroma
Deep, mellow rose with honey and spice, and a fresh green note as it dries.
Skin ritual
Balances moisture in dry, delicate skin and evens the look of skin tone.
Aromatherapy tradition
Long described as a heart opener.
Found in
LĀ Soothing After Sun Manoʻi, WAI Invigorating Hair + Body Manoʻi, KAI After Sun Bliss, KAI After Sun Rescue Milk, CALM ʻĀKALA Body Polish, CALM ʻĀKALA Sea Soak, PELE Rock Aromatherapy Diffuser, Aromatherapy HOME, WAIMEA Serenity Perfume Oil, ʻŌPIO Youth Manoʻi, NANI Beautifying Manoʻi, LĪHAU Restoring Gelée, MOHĀ Beautifying Concrete Gelée, ʻĪLIAHI Hydration Mist, ʻALOHI Glow Brightening Mask, PALUPALU Hydration Serum, KOKIʻO Hydrating Exfoliant, ʻANAPA Reflective Face Luminizer, HULALI Bronzing Face Luminizer, ʻĀLANA Radiance Face Soufflé
Blue ChamomileMatricaria Recutita Flower Oil
Aroma
Sweet, warm herbs with a hint of fresh fruit and a soft tobacco finish.
Skin ritual
Rich in bisabolol, a long-time ingredient in creams for sensitive skin. It calms skin that reacts easily.
Aromatherapy tradition
A familiar note in massage blends, prized for its sweet, fruity warmth.
Found in
Fresh GingerZingiber Officinale Root Oil
Aroma
Mouthwatering fresh-cut ginger, spicy-sweet, with a citrus top and a woody finish.
Skin ritual
Brings a warming sensation to the skin and helps dull, tired skin look more awake.
Aromatherapy tradition
Used in massage oils before and after exercise, and enjoyed across many cultures for its warmth.
Found in
PetitgrainCitrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil
Aroma
Fresh, leafy citrus with a soft, neroli-like flower and sweet wood underneath.
Skin ritual
Suits oily and combination skin and keeps shine in check. It was long used as a skin cleanser.
Aromatherapy tradition
A classic of citrus colognes, and a common choice for calming nighttime sprays.
Found in
CypressCupressus Sempervirens Oil
Aroma
Fresh, resinous green wood with a faint smoky finish.
Skin ritual
Gives skin an invigorating, tightening feel and improves the look of oily skin and large pores.
Aromatherapy tradition
Often diffused during yoga, and added to cleansing baths.
Found in
Top notes
Green MandarinCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
Aroma
Green, tart sweet citrus with a soft, neroli like flower underneath.
Skin ritual
A citrus oil with no known sun sensitivity, which suits after sun formulas. It gives tired skin a fresher look.
Aromatherapy tradition
A favorite in diffusers and room sprays for its fresh scent.
Found in
TangerineCitrus Reticulata Peel Oil
Aroma
Sparkling and tangy, with a sweet, bright zest.
Skin ritual
Gives skin a brighter, smoother look.
Aromatherapy tradition
Cheerful in a diffuser by day, and calming in nighttime blends.
Found in
Wild OrangeCitrus Sinensis Peel Oil
Aroma
Fresh, deep orange, sweet-tart and tangy.
Skin ritual
Refreshes a dull-looking complexion and adds antioxidant support.
Aromatherapy tradition
Diffused for a cheerful, uplifting mood.
Found in
YuzuCitrus Junos Peel Oil
Aroma
Bright, zesty citrus with green pith and a sweet, balsamic finish.
Skin ritual
Naturally high in limonene. It gives skin a brighter, more luminous look.
Aromatherapy tradition
In Japan, whole yuzu fruits have been floated in hot baths on the winter solstice since the early 1700s.
Found in
LimeCitrus Aurantifolia Peel Oil
Aroma
Fresh lime zest, fruity and rich, sweeter than tart.
Skin ritual
Purifies the skin and brings a clean, fresh finish to face and body washes.
Aromatherapy tradition
Used in massage blends for a calm, serene mood.
Found in
BergamotCitrus Bergamia Fruit Oil
Aroma
Bright, sweet citrus with green notes and a light, bitter floral edge.
Skin ritual
Italians have used bergamot for years to soothe and refresh the skin.
Aromatherapy tradition
Valued for its calming, balancing scent, and for lifting the mood.
Found in
We describe the historic use of aromatic plants and why each material was selected for an OSHAN formula. These traditions are part of our formulation practice; they are not medical claims. If you know you are sensitive to an aromatic material, review the full ingredient list for each product before use.