Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box is a monthly subscription box that sends you therapeutic grade essential oils paired with ingredients, bottles, and extras to make 5-6 natural recipes.
This is a review of the $39 monthly recipe box AND the free starter box which arrives in your first month of subscription. According to the Simply Earth site:
Every month, we’ll send 4 full size 100% pure essential oils + 1 -2 extra + bottles to make 5-6 recipes. So you’ll have everything you need. Each month is a new theme. Plus, you’ll get more ideas and recipes on how to use the oils inside your box outside of the recipes included.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box
The Subscription Box: Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box
The Cost: $39.00/month + free US shipping
The Products: 4 full-size 100% pure essential oils + 1 -2 extras to make 5-6 recipes around each month's theme. Simply Earth donates 13% of profits to a charity.
Ships to: The US for free
Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box September 2019 Review
Yay! I am so excited to dive into this box. I am love anything to do with essential oils or homemade beauty, so I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of this box. The first things I grabbed from the package were two cards with a note from Katie (the curator and aromatherapist behind this box!), a sneak peek for the October box, and all the info on the included oils this month. It also let me know that 13% of my purchase cost was donated to Exodus Cry, a non-profit dedicated to the end of human trafficking. It makes me feel extra excited to support companies that give back and deliver awesome boxes.
Also included were 6 recipe cards and coordinating stickers to use on all my handmade items. Cute!
Now, for the oils I received this month:
Bay Essential Oil, 5 ml - Retail Value $11.99
From Simply Earth:
The laurel leaf is known for its symbolism as the victor’s wreath that crowned men in ancient Greece and Rome. This essential oil works great for mental well being as it is an uplifting and energizing oil that can also promote confidence.
So I don't like using bay leaves in cooking, but apparently I love them as an essentail oil. Who knew? This oil smells kind of like the holidays! Think thick dark green leaves and a little bit of a rosemary element.
Cajeput Essential Oil, 15 ml - Retail Value $9.99
From Simply Earth:
Cajeput has been used as a remedy for countless ailments and conditions including the common cold, headaches, toothaches, sore muscles, fever and even skin diseases for many years.
I had never heard of this oil, which was exciting, because my collection is pretty substantial. This one smells like trees and medicine. Not eloquent, but that is the best way I can think to describe it! I personally really like it and find that it opens up my sinuses without feeling like menthol.
Lemongrass Essential Oil, 15 ml – Retail Value $7.99
From Simply Earth:
Lemongrass can be found in traditional Indian medicine, used to treat infectious illnesses and fevers. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy because of its countless benefits to mental well-being.
I might be the only person alive who dislikes lemongrass, but I am ok with myself. It just drowns out all the other oils it is mixed with and takes over blends in a way I don't like. I plan on gifting this oil and replacing it in the recipes with lavender or sweet orange instead.
Happy Joy Essential Oil, 15 ml – Retail Value $9.99
From Simply Earth:
Feeling down in the dumps? Need something to brighten your mood? Happy Joy Essential Oil Blend is bound to make your day better! The fresh and sunny scent provides a refreshing aroma that can be used in a variety of ways. This synergy will provide a boost of energy and a breath of fresh air to bring you happy and joyful feelings.
I loved this uplifting blend of geranium, sweet orange, grapefruit, and ylang-ylang! It smells so happy and fresh. I plan on using it in recipes as well as in my diffuser.
Simply Earth Almond Oil, 4 oz - Retail Value $7.99
Almond oil is one of my favorite carriers, especially when it comes to face products. It is on the lighter end as far as oils go, so it works well at providing moisture without feeling too heavy. It is also a great source of vitamins A, B, and E, and is odorless.
Aloe Glycerine Soap Base, 3 oz - Retail Value $2.99
Also included this month was a bag of glycerine soap base. I am already so excited to make some soap! This has aloe in it, so I expect it to be super moisturizing.
And we also received a soap mold that proudly proclaims "100% Handmade"! I am into this. You best believe if I make my own soap, I want everyone to know I did it. Speaking of which, should we make some soap?!
I decided on the Flowers, Spice, and Something Nice soap recipe as my first project. I have some dried Rose of Sharon blossoms and mostly dried peach rose petals. I liked the idea of adding them to the pretty semi-clear glycerine base.
You can use a double boiler to melt the base, but mine is still coated in wax from a recent attempt at candle making. I decided to go the easy route and microwave the base. You want to do this in 10-second intervals, because if you don't, it bubbles up something fierce, and is less clear and harder to pour.
It also started to solidify really fast, so be prepared to mix in your additions pretty quickly. I stirred in a few drops of the Cajeput and Bay oils as instructed, then filled my molds. (Both of these oils shouldn't be used with children. I would select different kid-friendly oils if you are making this for the wee-ones!)
These cooled down in about 20 minutes and were easy to peel out of the silicone mold. They actually looked quite nice, unless you looked at the backs. I was shocked to see my Rose of Sharon petals turned green! For a flower that started out pink and dried to purple, this was yet another color changing surprise. Flowers are fascinating.
All in all, I loved this project and it has made me want to experiment more with soapmaking for sure!
Also included, since this was my first month, was a big bonus box filled with extra accessories and oils. You will receive a similar assortment your first month of subscribing, and every 6th box, just to make sure you have all the tools and ingredients you need to keep making more awesome handmade oil products.
Simply Earth Coconut Oil, 12 fl oz - Retail Value $13.99
Coconut oil is so versatile. You can use it in almost any skin product you can think of! I am excited to turn some of this into a nice makeup remover balm, scented with lavender and sweet orange oils. You can also apply it as is to skin, lips, or anywhere else that needs moisture. This solid form would be great for homemade lip balms.
Simply Earth Fractionated Coconut Oil, 4 fl oz - Retail Value $7.99
I also received sole liquid coconut oil which will make a great moisturizing base for oil blend roll-ons!
Simply Earth Beeswax Pellets, 2 oz - Retail Value $1.50
I kind of want to try a lip balm with this and the coconut oil. Maybe lemon and rose oils for the scent? What do you all think?
Set of Six 10 ml Amber Glass Roll-On Bottles - Estimated Value $6.00
These are a must-have for anyone who enjoys making their own oil blends and taking them on the go in roller form! Simply mix a safe amount of your oils with your fave carrier oil, and go!
Set of Six 5 ml Amber Glass Dropper Bottles - Estimated Value $6.00
These are also incredibly useful for creating and storing blends. The dropper tops make adding them to your diffuser a snap!
Verdict: This was my first Simply Earth box and I am WAY into it. They send you all the things you would need to make your own beauty and skincare items, which is something I am super into right now. The 6 recipes this month were easy and fun, and I am so thrilled I finally tried soapmaking. This will likely begin a new obsession, but at least it is practical in addition to being a great time. I also thought the additional first box bonus items were generous and useful, and I really appreciate that they send one of those every 6 months. It takes the time and effort out of buying supplies locally, meaning I can focus on the fun stuff. I can't wait to see what arrives in the October box!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No—if you subscribe today, you'll receive the November box. October has sold out!
Value Breakdown: This box costs $39.00 (with free shipping) and the retail value of the contents of just the regular monthly box total $50.49 without the soap mold. Each of the 7 items (including the mold) has an average cost of $5.57. The bonus first-month box adds an additional $35+ in supplies, wax, and carrier oils.
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