— THE BOTANICAL
A working library for people who make things
Explore articles on essential oils, carrier oils, butters, extracts and cosmetic bases — how each material behaves, what it’s good for, and how to formulate with it.
Search the NDA Journal
247 articles on oils, butters, extracts and formulation. Search by ingredient, concern or technique.
— GETTING STARTED
Start with the foundations
Essential Oils
All About Essential Oils
What they are, how they’re extracted, and how to use them safely — the whole foundation in one place.
Read the guideCarrier Oils
Carrier Oils: Types, Benefits & Uses
How to choose a base oil by absorption, feel, shelf life and the job it has to do in a formula.
Read the guideSafe Use
Blending & Diluting Essential Oils
Dilution rates, carrier ratios and blending method — read this before you mix anything.
Read the guideBROWSE BY INGREDIENT
BROWSE BY SEASON
Warming oils, holiday blends and the ingredient changes that get skin through cold, dry air.
Bright, green and citrus blends for the reset — plus allergy season and a house that needs airing out.
Cooling blends, travel kits and recipes for heat, sun and the insects that come with them.
Warm spice, back-to-school routines and the darker, cosier end of the scent wheel.
Handmade gifts worth giving, for the dates that come round every year.
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