The intoxicating aroma of a rose, the zesty brightness of lemon, the warm spice of cloves—terpenes are all around us, and they might be Mother Nature's best-kept secret.
While plants originally evolved terpenes for protection, today we've harnessed their benefits for ourselves. From calming inflammation and fighting free radicals to antimicrobial support, there is a strong argument for infusing these plant-based ingredients into beauty and skincare.
Here, we unpack the world of terpenes, exploring their effects and the many ways they can elevate your self-care routine.
What Exactly Are Terpenes?
Technically, terpenes are naturally occurring, oil-based hydrocarbon compounds. But terpenes can be explained more simply as the molecules responsible for the distinctive aromas, flavors, and even subtle effects of plants.
Terpenes are produced by almost all plants, from mint and pine trees to roses, originally as a natural defense system and to attract pollinators. But from the human perspective, they are likely most known as the botanical building blocks of essential oils. For example, you'll find lavender essential oil rich in a terpene called linalool and forest blends rich in pinene.
These organic compounds are also deeply tied to the pleasant effects and experiences created by cannabis. This is because every cannabis strain has a unique chemical fingerprint made up of a distinctive blend of terpenes.
Of course, each strain profile lends itself to a memorable aroma and flavor, but terpenes also work alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD to create what's called the "entourage effect," a scientific theory popularized by researcher Ethan B. Russo.
According to this idea, cannabis terpenes and their effects work together to shape the overall experience of a strain, whether that's making you feel relaxed, energized, focused, or sleepy.
The Aromatic All-Stars: Top 10 Terpenes
Inside every hemp plant lies a world of aromatic potential. Each plant contains a phytochemical profile rich with terpene power.
The research has uncovered a long list of effects linked back to individual terpenes and essential oils, from antioxidant characteristics to stress-relieving qualities.
Here is a look at a few of the most prevalent terpenes found in hemp:
Myrcene
- Scent: Earthy, musky, clove-like
- Potential Benefits: Relaxing, anti-inflammatory
- Found in: Mangos, hops
Myrcene is one of the most prevalent terpenes found in hemp, but you can also experience it in mangos and hops. Its scent is earthy and musky — some may say it’s a bit hard to describe.
According to the current body of research, myrcene may help boost the natural pain-relieving effects of THC and CBD by encouraging the body to release its own feel-good chemicals.
When a cannabis strain has a lot of myrcene, it's often linked to the "couch lock" effect, which is that heavy, super-relaxed feeling. Strains with lower levels of myrcene are more likely to create a lighter, more energetic experience.
Limonene
- Scent: Citrusy, bright
- Potential Benefits: mood-boosting, antioxidant
- Found in: Citrus peels
Limonene is one of the most familiar terpenes produced by cannabis plants because it's also the primary terpene responsible for the zesty aroma of citrus fruits. It's bright, peppy, and inherently mood-lifting.
Research has tied limonene to a notable increase in serotonin and dopamine, with related benefits for stress relief, mood, and more. Interestingly, there is also some research suggesting that limonene could elevate the sleepier nature of CBD.
Linalool
- Scent: Floral, lavender-like
- Potential Benefits: Calming, may reduce anxiety
- Found in: Lavender, chamomile
Linalool is a terpene famous for its soft, floral aroma, most strongly associated with lavender. It's soothing, gentle, and commonly used in aromatherapy for relaxation.
Research suggests that linalool may help calm the nervous system, relieve stress, improve sleep, and even improve mental health. Some studies have also linked linalool to enhanced pain relief, particularly when paired with cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Caryophyllene
- Scent: Spicy, peppery, woody
- Potential Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic
- Found in: Black pepper, cloves
Next up: caryophyllene. This bold, spicy terpene gives black pepper and cloves their signature kick. Uniquely, it's one of the only terpenes known to directly interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB2 receptors.
Research shows caryophyllene's strong potential for reducing inflammation and easing pain. In aromatherapy contexts, it's thought to have calming and grounding effects.
Pinene
- Scent: Piney, fresh
- Potential Benefits: Alertness, may be anti-inflammatory
- Found in: Pine needles, rosemary
Pinene is the terpene expressed along a long walk through pines. It's one of the most common terpenes in nature and plays a significant role in the uplifting scent of many herbs, like rosemary and thyme.
Studies suggest that pinene may help improve memory and alertness by counteracting some of THC's short-term effects. It's also being explored for its potential to reduce inflammation and support respiratory health.
Terpinolene
- Scent: Floral, herbal, slightly citrusy
- Potential Benefits: Uplifting, antioxidant
- Found in: Nutmeg, tea tree
Terpinolene is a lesser-known terpene found in hemp. This aromatic compound has a complex scent, blending a fresh, floral aroma with subtle hints of citrus. Again, it can be hard to describe.
It's usually not a dominant terpene in hemp; more typically expressed as a minor component.
But when it is present, terpinolene contributes to a light, calming effect. Research suggests that terpinolene may have antioxidant properties and could promote relaxation. Some studies even hint that it may enhance sleep quality when combined with other calming compounds.
Humulene
- Scent: Earthy, woody, hoppy
- Potential Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving
- Found in: Hops, coriander
Humulene has an earthy, rich, and herbal aromatic profile. It's most commonly found in hops, coriander, and certain cannabis strains.
Research has linked humulene to notable anti-inflammatory effects, and early studies suggest it may naturally help relieve pain. Today, there has been little research into humulene's effects as a standalone terpene, with most work looking at humulene as part of terpene blends and essential oils.
Ocimene
- Scent: Sweet, herbal, woody
- Potential Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antiviral
- Found in: Basil, mint
Even if you haven't heard of ocimene, chances are you are familiar with many of the fresh herbs that contain it. From basil to mint, ocimene has a beautiful, sweet, herbal aroma found throughout the herb garden.
It may also be incredibly valuable for its therapeutic benefits. While most studies remain in the early phases, there is evidence that this little-discussed compound has antiviral activity and noted anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Geraniol
- Scent: Floral, rosy, sweet
- Potential Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- Found in: Roses, geraniums
Geraniol is a core compound in the flower garden; after all, it's what gives roses and geraniums their signature scent. Its aroma sits somewhere between floral, almost rose-like, and sweet.
Like other terpenes on this list, geraniol is also under study for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Early research suggests it may also help defend against certain bacteria and fungi, making it a popular ingredient in both wellness products and natural skincare.
Bisabolol
- Scent: Floral, chamomile-like
- Potential Benefits: Soothing, wound healing
- Found in: Chamomile
Enjoy the soothing energy from chamomile tea? Chamomile flowers are rich in bisabolol, which has a gentle floral and herbal aroma. And, as it turns out, there may be a measurable reason why chamomile tea makes for a calming pre-bed ritual.
Preliminary research shows that bisabolol may help relieve depression and anxiety by reducing oxidative stress and possibly influencing the brain chemicals that control mood.
Disclaimer: Pure, isolated terpenes are highly concentrated and are not intended for direct consumption or undiluted application to the skin. In their pure form, terpenes can be extremely potent—and in some cases, even flammable. For safety, terpenes should only be used within expertly formulated products.
Synergistic Self-Care: Benefits of Terpenes for Skincare and Beauty
Terpenes are protective for plants; they create fragrance and flavor for our enjoyment, and there is a large body of research that has discovered a seemingly endless list of therapeutic benefits. But they also have a role in beauty.
Some of the benefits, including many terpenes’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, are helpful both inside and out. Reducing redness and irritation, and protecting against free radicals that contribute to the signs of aging are just a few examples.
But there is more. Did you know that terpinolene and pinene are antibacterial and antimicrobial? Or that geraniol can improve hydration and skin softness? Even beyond these direct effects, terpenes seem to work synergistically with other therapeutic ingredients to help increase absorption into the skin.
Aromatic Alchemy: How to Incorporate Terpenes into Your Routine
In nature and in our homes, terpenes are all around us. Maybe it's passing beneath pine trees on a daily dog walk or body oils infused with essential oils; chances are that terpenes are already part of your daily routine, even if you didn't realize it.
But considering the long list of reasons why terpenes make for excellent wellness partners, maybe it's time to discover new ways to live a terpene-rich life. Here are just a few ways to incorporate more terpenes into your diet, home, and wellness routine.
Terpenes in Your Diet
Let's start with your diet, where terpenes show up as flavor. Adding fresh herbs to your meals or a bit of lemon zest is an easy way to boost the terpene content of what you eat.
Another simple strategy is to increase the variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs on your plate. A more diverse diet naturally means you'll get a wider range of terpenes and plenty of other beneficial nutrients like vitamins and trace minerals.
Terpenes in Essential Oils
As we mentioned earlier, terpenes are the building blocks of essential oils. Whether it's lavender, bergamot, or peppermint, essential oils are concentrated sources rich in these organic compounds. You can bring more terpenes into your environment through aromatherapy diffusers, scented candles, or incense to encourage soothing, sleepy, or energized moods.
Essential oils are also commonly used in skincare products like creams, facial oils, and bath bombs. Since many terpenes offer topical benefits, such as soothing irritation, delivering antioxidants, and more, choosing skincare products made with specific oils can be a great way to add terpene power for more targeted effects.
Terpenes in Hemp
Another way to add more terpenes to your routine is by choosing products made with full-spectrum hemp extracts. The label "full-spectrum" means the extract contains not just cannabinoids like CBD, but also terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial plant compounds.
These compounds work together, offering a broader range of effects and potential benefits than isolated ingredients alone. For example, CBD, limonene, terpinolene, and geraniol have all been studied for their antioxidant properties.
The entourage effect theorizes that when combined, these terpenes may target similar issues through multiple biological pathways, creating a synergistic effect for enhanced wellness.
Prima: Harnessing the Power of Terpenes for Better Well-Being
From the very first visions for Prima, we have always been focused on working with all-natural and science-backed ingredients.
And this includes terpenes extracted from nature itself. To start, Prima's Beyond Body Oil contains an age-defying blend of squalane, magnesium, and terpene-rich organic hemp oil and Helichrysum essential oils.
For the face, Prima's Night Magic Oil contains a rich blend of hemp seed, rose hip extract, and avocado oils for radiant, flowing skin. Once again, this formula relies on the power of full-spectrum hemp extract and its range of terpenes to deliver clinically proven results.
Whether we're crafting skincare or boosting bath time rituals, our expert-formulated options are designed around targeted benefits and rooted in the healing power of nature.
Aromatic Gifts, Straight from Mother Nature
From stress relief to radiant skin, it's time to tap into Mother Nature. At Prima, we're passionate about harnessing these natural compounds in expertly formulated, science-backed products designed to support your well-being from the inside out.
Whether you're looking to nourish your body or reduce the signs of aging, unlock the transformative potential of natural beauty and skincare with Prima. Discover how nature's aromatic gifts can elevate your daily beauty routine
Disclaimer
The information provided in this content is for general knowledge and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD or any hemp-derived products, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking prescription medications.
