The basics for essential oil beginners
Here’s how to choose essential oils and make them a part of your life, according to Zack Lee of Hyuuga in Singapore
I remember my first essential oil purchase, but it wasn’t for relaxation or pleasure.
It was for keeping the bugs away.
Well, it did smell amazing so it still gave me a good feeling (not so much for the bugs, though).
I understand that for some people, essential oils – with their scents and calming properties – are a way of life and provide them with so much more.
Zack Lee, the co-founder and apothecary of Hyuuga (pronounced as “hee-you-gah”) in Singapore, is one of them.
Hyuuga offers essential oils and essential oil blends that are 100 per cent pure and natural. They also have mists, sanitisers, diffusers and pocket perfumes.
You’ll see it all at their online shop, and experience it all through their stockists and personalised workshops. There you’ll find more uses for them too. (For example, did you know you can have scented cocktails?)
What does Zack remember of his first essential oil purchase?
“My first essential oil was lavender. I used it in a simple ceramic diffuser by my bedside to help with sleep,” he recalls.
“The calm it brought was immediate. This quiet bedtime ritual lingered on for months, and the experience opened the door for a deeper appreciation and understanding of natural botanical scents and its presence in our daily lives. This was later conceptualised as Hyuuga’s philosophy.”
It also led to something else. “I began distilling my own essential oils, drawn by a quiet curiosity that soon became reverence. I came to see them not just as scents, but as the soul of the plant – living memories captured in every drop. They hold emotion, energy and story.
“Through this journey, I’ve come to understand the delicate balance in blending, the grace of intentional use, and how scent can become a gentle anchor for rituals of grounding, clarity and care,” he adds.
“At Hyuuga, we carry this philosophy into every bottle. Our essential oils are hand-bottled in small batches, with a deep focus on quality and integrity. Each one is crafted as an intimate experience – one that nurtures a connection between body and mind and the spaces we inhabit.”
Looking to make your first essential oil purchase? Zack has advice for you below.
Start your essential oil journey with Zack of Hyuuga
If you’re new to essential oils and essential oil products
Zack: “Start with a few core oils; don’t overwhelm your senses. Let your body guide you. Less is more.”
How to figure out which essential oils to get
“Trust your instincts, close your eyes, and take a few sniffs. Your nose and body will know what resonates.”
Common misconceptions or mistakes with essential oils, and how to avoid them
“I once mistook fragrance oil for essential oil – it gave me headaches. Since then, I’ve learnt to check labels and trust the scent.”
Memorable experiences tied to essential oils
“One of my most memorable experiences was visiting a space in Korea. The moment I walked in, it felt like I had stepped into another world. The natural scents surrounded me, and with them came an emotion I’d never felt before – calm, lifted and free, which allowed me to think that life should have pauses like this.”
How to create a good essential oil blend
“Layer your notes – top, middle and base. It’s like composing music. Aim for harmony, not just strong individual notes.”
Your favourite unconventional ways to use essential oils and mists
“I run a small cocktail space in Singapore called Luni Scent Bar & Kitchen, where we mindfully combine the art of ancient healing, essential oils with artisanal cocktails, and other beverages to create unique sensory experiences.” (Get tips on scented cocktails here.)
The essential oil you can never go wrong with
“Bergamot. It’s uplifting and calming at once!”
The best essential oil to give away as a gift
“Frankincense. It’s meaningful, sacred and universally grounding.”
The essential oil or scent that you think will get the spotlight next
“Our very own Nightbird essential oil blend, which consists of rose geranium, ylang ylang and neroli essential oils. They come together to help promote a sense of tranquillity and rest. It smells mesmerising with its floral melody notes, with a serene and calming sweet ending.”
The essential oils or scents you use when you’re…
• in a not-so-good mood
“Clary sage + rose geranium essential oil.”
• low on energy
“Peppermint + grapefruit essential oil.”
• happy and upbeat
“Sweet orange + ylang ylang essential oil.”
• needing that extra something, when you feel like something’s missing
“Rose and cedarwood essential oils, which promote grounding!”
Best practices for essential oils
• Consider the time
“Only use essential oils for up to two hours at once, as that is the most our body can take in a setting.”
• Find out first whether it is a “strong” or “hot” oil
“For example, cinnamon oil is ‘hot’ and causes a hot sensation when applied topically or on skin. Take greater precaution with these oils.”
• Always dilute
“‘Hot’ oils can be more concentrated and can cause irritation if undiluted. Even if it is not a ‘hot’ oil, always dilute it to be safe and do a patch test to gauge your skin’s reaction to the oil.”
• Always use it in moderation
“Too much can cause a reaction and may cause harm to the skin.” (Check out their guide for more.)
Top essential oil habits
“I use calming floral blends at night before sleep and mist my space based on the day’s activities. It feels like clearing the air both physically and emotionally.”
How to maximise your purchase of essential oils
“To get the most out of your essential oils, start by knowing which scents you like and researching their origins, as this affects quality. Consider the season too, as oils may be pricier when in limited supply. Buy only what you’ll use to avoid waste!”