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Stress-relief lotions contain essential oils or other ingredients to create an aromatic lotion or cream. These products may help reduce a person’s stress levels when they massage it into their skin.
This article examines how stress relief lotions work and reviews 10 of the best stress-relief creams.
Manufacturers infuse stress-relief lotions with aromatherapy fragrances that they claim alleviate stress.
However, many people question the effectiveness of these creams, and researchers need to conduct more studies to understand the full effects of how these lotions work.
In a
In addition, some individuals received a prompt about the stress-relieving properties of aromatherapy before they took the test.
The study found that aromatherapy on its own did not reduce stress during the test. However, the people who had received the information about aromatherapy’s stress-relieving properties reported feeling less stressed during the test.
Researchers concluded that it was the suggestion of aromatherapy’s benefits that caused the participants to feel calmer rather than the aromatherapy itself. The researchers believe that this might have important implications regarding stress management techniques.
Learn more about relaxation techniques for stress relief here.
Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
While research into the relationship between aromatherapy and stress relief is limited, there is some evidence that certain essential oils on their own may reduce postpartum stress and depression in some people.
One 2016 study identified lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in females who inhaled lavender essential oil every 8 hours for 4 weeks after giving birth.
Learn more about lavender essential oil here.
Researchers suggest that aromatherapy may help alleviate pain in some conditions. For example, people with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) may experience a reduction in pain after inhaling some essential oils.
Researchers looking into tea tree oil found it could help improve the symptoms of tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot. However, more research is needed to support these findings.
Lotions and other cosmetics do not require
However, the manufacturers have to abide by the laws and regulations the FDA has set before they can sell the product. For example, they must clearly list the ingredients on the label and make sure the packaging does not contain misleading information.
Here, we review 10 of the best stress-relieving lotions from a variety of brands.
Please note, the writer has not tested these products. All information is research-based.
Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint
Bath and Body Works’ Eucalyptus Spearmint lotion combines eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils.
The company claim that this combination will help alleviate stress when a person massages the lotion into their skin.
The moisturizing formulation contains vitamin E and shea butter.
Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint is available for purchase online.
Aveda Stress Fix Body Lotion
Aveda’s Stress Fix Body Lotion combines several ingredients to create a moisturizing cream that has aromatherapy properties.
The scent formulation includes certified organic lavender, lavandin, and clary sage.
Aveda Stress Fix Body Lotion is available for purchase online.
Jergens Lavender Body Butter Moisturizer
Jergens’s body butter is a gentle formulation of shea, cocoa, and mango butters.
According to the manufacturer, the lavender essential oil can help calm and relieve stress.
Jergens Lavender Body Butter Moisturizer is available for purchase online.
Thymes Eucalyptus Body Lotion
Thymes’ body lotion uses eucalyptus to help promote stress relief. The lotion contains shea butter for hydrating the skin.
Other ingredients include eucalyptus oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera.
Thymes Eucalyptus Body Lotion is available for purchase online.
Public Goods Lotion
Public Goods Lotion contains several different essential oils, such as eucalyptus, mint, and citrus.
The lotion is fast-absorbing and has a gentle formulation, which is ideal for people with sensitive skin.
The company state that this product s vegan-friendly and paraben-, synthetic fragrance-, and phthalate- and formaldehyde-free.
Public Goods Lotion is available for purchase online.
H2O+ Eucalyptus & Aloe Body Butter
H2O+’s body butter uses a eucalyptus, aloe, and coconut butter formulation. The company say that this is a deeply hydrating cream useful for treating areas of the body prone to drying out, such as the knees and elbows.
H2O+ Eucalyptus & Aloe Body Butter is available for purchase online.
Aveda Stress-Fix Body Creme
Aveda’s Stress-Fix Body Creme is a rich moisturizing aromatherapy creme.
According to Aveda, the formulation consists of various ingredients with hydrating and potentially stress-relieving properties.
Ingredients include sustainably harvested algae extracts.
Aveda Stress-Fix Body Creme is available for purchase online.
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Body Lotion
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Lavender + Vanilla Body Lotion may help with reducing stress.
Proponents of lavender say its properties promote drowsiness, which helps people get to sleep.
The company recommend massaging the lotion into the skin before going to bed to calm the mind.
A Well-Based Life Pure Aromatherapy Body Lotion
Pure Aromatherapy Body Lotion and hand cream hydrates the skin.
According to the company website, the cream is PETA-certified, vegan, and cruelty-free. The aromatherapy scent is a blend of lavender and orange.
Pure Aromatherapy Body Lotion is available for purchase online.
Aromatherapy Orange Ginger Body Lotion
Bath & Body Works’ aromatherapy body lotion contains an infusion of ginger and orange essential oils. Its moisturizing formulation contains vitamin E and shea butter.
The company state that the combination of orange and ginger essential oils will energize and invigorate.
Aromatherapy Orange Ginger Body Lotion is available for purchase online.
A person should talk to their doctor if they struggle to control their stress after trying home remedies or natural solutions, such as stress relieving lotions.
A doctor can help find a suitable treatment plan that might include a mixture of therapy or medication.
If a rash or reaction develops after using any stress-relieving lotion, stop using the product. A person should see their doctor if they develop a rash that does not go away or gets worse.
It is always best to test a new lotion on a small patch of skin to see if an allergic reaction occurs.
Manufacturers often infuse stress relief lotions with essential oils for their supposed relaxation and calming properties.
But, it is unclear exactly how effective they are at reducing stress. More research is needed to support the relationship between essential oils and their effect on stress, pain, and anxiety.
Stress relief lotions are generally safe to use, but some people may develop a topical rash or reaction if they have sensitive skin.