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People are waking up to what’s in their food and what they put on their skin.

We’re learning that artificial dyes in foods and personal care products may contribute to allergies, hyperactivity, and even cancer. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, the average woman applies over 100 chemicals to her body before breakfast. It’s a sobering thought and a powerful reminder.

Many of these ingredients are hidden in everyday skincare. Parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances are just a few of the compounds that absorb directly into the bloodstream. As functional medicine expert Dr. Will Cole (n.d.) explains, the skin is part of the body’s detox system. When it is overloaded with toxins, those show up on the surface as acne, rashes, eczema, and more. These are signs of a system pushed beyond its limits.

And there is a better way. A simpler, more nourishing way.

As natural wellness aromatherapists and caretakers, we don’t need to rely on products filled with unknowns. Organic jojoba and sweet almond oils support the skin’s natural barrier, lock in moisture, and bring calming nourishment. And those are only the beginning. Coconut oil, avocado oil, and calendula-infused olive oil are just a few of the many plant-based allies that work in harmony with the body’s wisdom.

Aloe vera gel is another. Naturally cooling and deeply hydrating, it’s perfect for after-sun care. And it blends beautifully into a simple, effective recipe I’ll share below.

True care is intentional. And the most trustworthy ingredients are often the most familiar.

While what Dr. Hyman shares may sound alarming, it confirms what we’ve long known. This is exactly why the Aromahead Institute and Aromatics International exist. Our purpose is to offer a different path. One grounded in plant-based science, informed choices, and a deep respect for the body’s natural rhythms.

What You’ll Discover In This Newsletter

Aromatic Creations Recipe

Aloe Vera Sunburn Relief Spray

Summer invites us to spend time outside, but sometimes the sun and heat can become overwhelming. This recipe helps you return to balance.

Aloe vera gel moisturizes and relieves sun-kissed skin. Calendula hydrosol offers anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties. And lavender hydrosol supports regeneration while calming the skin and the senses.

Ingredients
• 1 oz (28 g) Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe barbadensis)
• 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) Calendula Hydrosol (Calendula officinalis)
• 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) Lavender Artisan Hydrosol (Lavandula angustifolia)

Directions
Add each ingredient to a clean 2 oz (60 ml) PET bottle. Cap tightly and shake gently to blend. I like to add a sprayer instead of a cap for ease of use.

Mist over the skin to cool, soothe, and support healing. 

This recipe does not contain added preservatives. Make a small batch, store it in the refrigerator, and refresh the blend every few weeks.

Watch the Recipe in Action

I made this blend during a demonstration in our lavender field! Watch the process on YouTube.

Bundle Option
For effortless at-home blending, we created a ready-made kit containing everything you need: aloe gel, hydrosols, and bottles so that you can easily craft this blend.

Each bundle includes a 4 oz (112 g) organic aloe vera gel, 100 ml lavender and calendula hydrosols, and four 2 oz (60 ml) PET bottles with pop-up caps. You’ll make three complete sprays and enjoy bundled savings. It’s a gentle way to welcome ritual into your summer care.

Notes of Discovery

The Beauty of Lavender

Lavender is timeless. Its delicate purple blooms sway in summer breezes, humming with bees and steeped in calm. The scent alone feels like a deep exhale, a balm for both body and spirit. 

In my latest blog post, I invite you to explore the many gifts of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia), from its ancient history to the modern science behind its soothing properties. You’ll learn how to use this versatile oil for skin care, stress relief, sleep support, and more. Plus, we’ll discuss how to choose a high-quality oil you can trust.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll discover:

• The history and chemistry of lavender (and why it’s so good for your skin, nerves, and immune system)

• How to use lavender for physical, emotional, and mental wellness

• Easy, effective recipes for bath salts, muscle rubs, and calming roll-ons

• Tips for choosing pure, unadulterated lavender essential oil

• What to blend with lavender (and what to use if you run out)

Product Spotlight

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe barbadensis

Organically grown in Mexico’s warm, sunlit regions, our aloe vera plants flourish in rich volcanic soil and desert air, ideal for potent, skin-supportive properties.

This gel is a proprietary blend of pure inner leaf juice and a soft, cooling gel made from the inner fillet. Cold-pressed and minimally processed, it’s 99.11 percent pure or higher. Its light, silky texture and clean feel offer gentle hydration and natural support for sun-exposed or irritated skin.

Why we love it:
• Organically grown and cold-pressed for maximum integrity
• Crafted from both inner leaf juice and purified inner fillet gel
• Light and clean, with no sticky residue
• Contains only minimal thickeners and preservatives
• Ideal for sensitive skin, after-sun care, dry patches, and daily blends
• Best stored in the refrigerator and used within a few months for peak freshness

This is one of those ingredients that earns its place on the blending table again and again!

From The Vine

Working with Aloe Vera Gel

Q: If aloe vera gel already has a preservative, why are we still concerned about shelf life in our blends?
An excellent question, and one that comes up often.

The preservative in high-quality aloe vera gel protects the aloe itself. However, the stability changes once we add other ingredients, especially hydrosols or water-based botanicals. These additions introduce new variables the original preservative system was not designed to manage.

Q: So what’s the best way to keep blends fresh?
The simplest solution is to make small batches and store them in a cool, dark place, ideally the refrigerator. This helps extend the life of the blend while preserving its therapeutic benefits and keeping it safe to use.

Q: Can I find aloe vera gel without preservatives?
Technically, its shelf life would be just a few days, even under refrigeration. A gently preserved aloe is the safest and most effective option for practical use, especially in aromatherapy and skin care.

In our work, stability matters as much as purity. That’s why we always aim for both.

Stay Inspired!

A gentle reminder that when we choose clean, plant-based blends, we nurture the surface that honors the harmony between our skin and our sense of self. May this inspire us to care deeply, live consciously, and celebrate the skin we are in each day.