What is black pepper essential oil?
Black pepper essential oil is steam distilled from the fruit of the pepper plant. The oil is light green to yellow in colour with a strong spice, woodsy and musky aroma.
The black pepper plant is a climbing perennial plant that produces small berries, known as peppercorns.
Origin and History
Black pepper was first cultivated around the 16th century and is native to India. It was referred to as ‘black gold' or 'the king of spices' and was even used as a form of commodity money.
Black pepper was most commonly used in food and in medicine. Today, black pepper essential oil is mostly used for its spicy scent in aromatherapy and cosmetics products for skin and hair.
Blending suggestions
Black pepper essential oil is a middle note and blends well with most oils. It has a spicy and woodsy scent that blends well with essential oils like bergamot, cinnamon and geranium.
Here's a couple of our favourite blends with black pepper essential oil:
Citrusy with a hint of spice blend
3 drops Bergamot oil
2 drops Black pepper oil
2 drops Grapefruit oil
Spicy warming black pepper blend
3 drops Black pepper oil
6 drops Tea tree oil
2 drops Cinnamon oil
How to store black pepper essential oil
Ensure black pepper essential oil is kept in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Storing the essential oil correctly will help prevent it from degrading overtime and prolong the quality. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children.
Safety precautions
Black pepper essential oil isn't restricted by IFRA class, and is generally non-irritating. However, pure black pepper oil should not be applied topically. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
We recommend doing a patch test with the diluted essential oils to test for sensitivity or irritation.
According to the current IFRA standards it isn't restricted for any class. We would suggest that 4% is a sensible maximum dilution for leave-on skincare products. Although due to the strength of the scent, less than 4% would usually be enough.
Black pepper essential oil is not food grade and should not be ingested. Make sure to keep out of reach of children, but it is generally safe in skin treatments for children.
FAQ's
What is black pepper essential oil INCI name?
The INCI name for black pepper essential oil is piper nigrum oil.
Where does our black pepper essential oil originate from?
Our black pepper oil originates from India.
What is black pepper essential oil good for?
Black pepper essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to uplift mood and reduce anxiety. It is also said to reduce aching muscles, however there are no studies to support this.
It is a very popular middle note in perfumes due to its warm, spiced aroma. Black pepper oil can be used in cosmetics like soap, creams and body butters.
