The Chemistry of Calm: Why Neroli and Lavender Reduce Cortisol

The Scent of Stillness

There’s something about the scent of orange blossoms and lavender that instantly slows everything down. It’s like your body recognizes peace before your mind even catches up.
Neroli and lavender have been used for centuries across the Mediterranean, not just because they smell beautiful but because they make us feel beautiful: calm, balanced, and grounded.

What Stress Does to the Skin

We talk about stress all the time, but rarely about what it does to our skin. When cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, stays elevated for too long, your skin goes into protection mode. Collagen production slows, the barrier weakens, and inflammation rises. That’s when you start to see dullness, breakouts, or redness that just won’t go away. Calming cortisol isn’t only good for your mind; it’s one of the best things you can do for your skin.

Why Neroli and Lavender Work

Neroli, the extract from orange blossoms, has been shown to help lower cortisol and increase serotonin, the “contentment” hormone. Its natural compounds send signals to the part of your brain that manages emotion, helping the whole body unwind.

Lavender works in a similar way. Its signature scent contains linalool, a molecule proven to reduce anxiety and support better rest. Lavender also has a visible effect on the skin, soothing irritation and helping calm inflammation.

Together, they create harmony: ingredients that care for both your mind and your skin.

Making Calm a Daily Ritual

You don’t need a spa day to feel calm—just intention. Try taking a few slow breaths while applying your moisturizer, or turning your skincare routine into a quiet nightly ritual. The small moments you repeat every day are what truly transform your skin over time.

Calm skin isn’t about perfection; it’s about rhythm.
Real calm isn’t a luxury—it’s something you nurture, one small ritual at a time.

Relterra Recommends

To bring a little serenity into your daily routine, look for products that feature neroli or lavender extracts. These ingredients help calm inflammation, soothe the senses, and leave skin feeling balanced and soft. Try this: 

• A hydrating body lotion with neroli or lavender to lock in moisture after your shower and encourage relaxation throughout the day.
• A gentle shower gel infused with these botanicals to transform an everyday ritual into a moment of calm.
• Creamy cleansers or masks with lavender to comfort sensitive skin.

Calm isn’t a destination—it’s a rhythm your skin remembers. Discover ingredient stories and rituals that bring balance to both mind and skin on Dear Skin.