Behind the Scenes: Creating “Uplift Body Wash” — A Natural Blend of Lavender, Lemongrass & Cedarwood Essential Oils

If you love natural skincare and the idea of turning your daily shower into an aromatherapy ritual, you’ll enjoy a peek behind the scenes of how I created Uplift Body Wash — a refreshing, handcrafted body wash scented with lavender, lemongrass, and cedarwood essential oils.

As a certified aromatherapist and cosmetic formulator, I’m passionate about teaching people how to safely use essential oils in skincare and how to create products with care for people and the planet. Let’s dive into what makes this natural body wash formulation so special.

Lavender Essential Oil — Calm, Balance, and Relaxation

Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is a favorite in natural body care because of its well-known relaxing and calming properties. It helps ease tension, promotes balance, and supports overall emotional well-being — making it a perfect addition to any aromatherapy body wash.

For Uplift Body Wash, I used lavender at about 0.35%, within IFRA guidelines for wash-off products. Though lavender is currently “unrestricted,” I prefer to use it in moderation to create a soft, balanced scent. The result is a calming scent that soothes both skin and spirit.

Lemongrass Essential Oil — Fresh, Uplifting, and Cleansing

Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) adds a bright, citrusy top note that brings energy and positivity to the blend. In aromatherapy, lemongrass oil is known to ease stress, fight germs, and support clarity — making it one of the best essential oils for body wash when you want something refreshing and revitalizing.

According to IFRA safety guidelines, the dermal limit for lemongrass is 1.2% in wash-off products. I used it far below this level to achieve a light, lemony scent that complements lavender’s calm beautifully. Together, they create an uplifting aromatherapy blend that turns an everyday shower into self-care.

Cedarwood Essential Oil — Grounding and Harmonizing

“Cedarwood” can refer to several essential oils — Juniperus virginiana, Cedrus atlantica, or Cedrus deodara.

For this formulation, I chose Juniperus virginiana, also known as Virginia cedarwood, though it’s technically a juniper species. It’s the one I was first introduced to during my aromatherapy training, and it remains a favorite for its warm, grounding aroma.

As a base note, cedarwood anchors the brighter top notes of lavender and lemongrass, giving the natural fragrance a rounded, harmonious feel. The IFRA limit for this essential oil in body wash is 8.86%, but I used it well below that — because a little goes a long way in cosmetic formulation.

Safe Essential Oil Use in Natural Body Wash Formulation

Using essential oils in skincare can be deeply rewarding — but it’s important to do so safely and knowledgeably.

In the U.S., cosmetic labels aren’t currently required to list natural sensitizers like linalool and limonene, but that may change in the future.

As a cosmetic formulator, understanding IFRA essential oil safety, dermal limits, and allergen calculations is key to creating compliant, high-quality products. This is especially important for those who make handcrafted body wash, natural bath products, or spa formulations that prioritize both safety and sensory experience.

It’s also essential to note that while aromatherapy skincare enhances mood and self-care, cosmetic products are not intended to treat or cure conditions. According to the FDA, cosmetics are defined as products used for cleansing, beautifying, and promoting attractiveness — not for therapeutic purposes.

That said, a beautifully balanced natural body wash with essential oils can absolutely uplift your mood and make your daily routine feel luxurious.

The Power of Scent in Everyday Self-Care

My Uplift Body Wash combines the best of lavender, lemongrass, and cedarwood essential oils to create a natural, mood-boosting cleanser that’s gentle on the skin. Every detail — from safe essential oil percentages to the synergy of the scent — was chosen with care.

This formulation is a reminder that everyday rituals can become meaningful moments of wellness. A simple shower can transform into a sensory escape when crafted with intention and high-quality natural ingredients.

If you’re curious about aromatherapy formulation, want to create custom products for your spa or salon, or are interested in natural body care product development, I’d love to connect.

Book a discovery call to learn how I can help you bring your vision to life.

What scents make you feel uplifted, relaxed, or grounded? Share your favorites in the comments below — I’d love to hear!

Aromatic blessings,Tricia Ambroziak

Certified Aromatherapist & Cosmetic Formulator