Most people know turmeric as a golden spice. Turmeric essential oil is a lesser-known but lovely oil with a warm, earthy, slightly woody scent. It's a beautiful addition to massage blends and cozy diffuser mixes.
What is turmeric essential oil?
Turmeric oil is steam-distilled from the root of Curcuma longa. Its main aromatic compounds are turmerones.
Turmeric oil vs. turmeric powder
This is a common mix-up. Most of the turmeric research you see in headlines is about curcumin, the compound that makes turmeric yellow. Curcumin doesn't come through in steam distillation, so turmeric essential oil contains little to none of it. The oil has its own aromatic compounds and its own uses. It also won't stain your skin or towels yellow like turmeric powder does.
Benefits of turmeric oil
1. A warming, grounding massage oil
Turmeric's warm, earthy scent makes it a favorite in massage blends for tired muscles and joints, often paired with ginger.
2. A calming, earthy scent
In a diffuser, turmeric adds a grounding base note to brighter citrus oils.
3. An addition to skincare rituals
Turmeric has been part of traditional beauty rituals for centuries. A drop or two of the oil in a carrier oil makes a nice addition to a facial massage. Early lab research on turmeric oil's antioxidant and soothing properties is promising, though human studies are limited.
How to use turmeric oil
- Massage oil: 3–4 drops in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil such as argan oil.
- Face oil: 1 drop in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil, or in a few drops of our Argan & Prickly Pear Face Serum for a gua sha massage.
- Diffuser: 2 drops, blended with orange or lemon.
Turmeric blends well with
Ginger, orange, lemon and vanilla. Try 2 drops turmeric + 2 drops ginger + 3 drops orange in a diffuser for a spiced, golden scent.
Side effects and safety tips
- Always dilute before skin use and patch test first.
- Don't swallow essential oils. If you want turmeric's food benefits, cook with the spice.
- Check with your doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a medical condition.
- Keep away from children and pets.
More on safe use: Essential oil dilution guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
Is turmeric oil good for dark spots?
Most of the skin-brightening research is on curcumin, not turmeric essential oil, so evidence for the oil is limited. It's best enjoyed as part of a relaxing face massage.
Will turmeric oil stain my skin yellow?
No. The yellow pigment (curcumin) doesn't come through in the essential oil, so it won't stain like turmeric powder.
Can I use turmeric oil on my face every day?
If it's well diluted (about 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil) and your skin tolerates it, yes. Patch test first.
Is turmeric essential oil safe to take as a supplement?
No. Don't swallow essential oils. Turmeric supplements are a different product; ask your doctor if they're right for you.
Shop organic turmeric oil
Our Organic Turmeric Essential Oil is 100% pure, undiluted and certified organic, in a 10 ml glass bottle.