Vegetable oils in cosmetics: incomparable benefits
What is a vegetable oil?
A vegetable oil, as its name suggests, is derived from a plant element. Vegetable oils are obtained from the seeds, pips, and kernels of plants or trees. Their extraction methods vary, as do their properties. Vegetable oils are prized for their incomparable virtues.The importance of choosing an organic vegetable oil
To provide your skin with quality care, it is strongly recommended to choose an oil - not only vegetable - but also certified organic . According to the COSMOS Organic specifications , a vegetable oil is certified organic when it contains at least 95% ingredients of natural origin . Similarly, at least 20% of its total ingredients must come from organic farming . When you opt for a certified organic vegetable oil, you take full advantage of the nutrients and vitamins from the plants contained in the cosmetic, without chemical agents and pollutants. In short, using an organic vegetable oil means choosing to really take care of your health and the environment.
Note : Unlike mineral and synthetic oils, vegetable oils are full of benefits.
So-called "mineral" oils are composed of petrochemical derivatives. They are produced through petroleum refining. Aside from the environmental damage caused by their manufacture, it's important to know that mineral oils don't nourish the skin. They simply create a sort of shield over the skin, giving us the impression that it's hydrated and treated. However, mineral oils are neutral and contain neither vitamins nor antioxidants. They therefore have no healing properties, unlike vegetable oils.
As for synthetic oils, they result from transformations that cause pollution. They are denatured and contain solvents and other synthetic molecules, which do not provide skin care and even prevent it from breathing. So-called "synthetic" oils are neutral and odorless. This is why they are often used. However, remember that in addition to having a negative impact on the environment, these oils have no real beneficial effect. In short, before adopting an oil, make sure it is plant-based and certified organic.
The benefits of a vegetable oil in cosmetics for the body and face
What's better than a vegetable oil to pamper your skin? Vegetable oils are true allies in cosmetics.
Plants are indeed excellent concentrates of vitamins and active ingredients with powerful benefits. Each oil has its own virtues. Depending on your needs, you can select the right oils for your health and beauty. If you take a quick inventory of your bathroom, what type of oil do you find? A multi-purpose oil? A body oil? Is the latter specifically suited to your skin type? As you can see, you must first target your skin's needs to select the appropriate plant oils. Each skin type has its own oil.
What oil is best for dry, irritated skin?
Dry skin needs an oil with moisturizing and restorative properties. For this skin type, oils rich in fatty acids, such as camellia seed oil, will deeply nourish and moisturize the skin.
Thanks to its high concentration of vitamin E, camellia seed oil (camellia oleifera seed oil) is also a powerful natural antioxidant . It helps fight free radicals and therefore slows down skin aging. This vegetable oil has a high content of oleic acids . These fatty acids are rich in omega-9 which contribute to the elasticity, suppleness, hydration and repair of the skin.
Sweet almond oil is also rich in oleic acid. Thanks to the fortifying and emollient properties of sweet almond, your skin will be soothed. Combined with a more easily absorbed oil—such as organic macadamia nut oil —your skin will be nourished and replenished.
Is your skin comedogenic or even acne-prone?
There's nothing like white tea oil (camellia sinensis leaf extract) to care for your skin. White tea is prized, particularly for its high concentration of antioxidants . These are recommended for protecting the skin, thanks to their very powerful regenerative action . White tea oil promotes sebum regulation and reduces scars, pimples and redness on the face and body. It is also an ideal treatment for stretch marks.Of course, you can opt for a combination of several oils. A blend of oils allows you to benefit from more benefits for your body and face. This way, you provide complete care for your skin.
Please note that some oils should be applied with caution, or even avoided, if you are allergic to certain plants. To decipher the composition of your oil, consult its INCI list , which is printed on the cosmetic.
Enhance your hair with vegetable oils
Vegetable oils also offer multiple benefits for hair and scalp. Vegetable oils are ideal for caring for your hair when applied as a mask. It's simply a matter of selecting the right oils for your hair type. Here are some examples of oils to choose from depending on your needs.Vegetable oils to combat hair loss and breakage
Castor oil is known to promote hair growth . Very thick and difficult to apply alone, it is recommended to combine it with a more liquid oil, such as argan oil . The latter has moisturizing properties and stimulates the production of keratin , which is essential for hair.
Vegetable oils for damaged hair
External aggressions (sun, hair dryer, pollution) weaken the hair. Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, safflower oil protects hair bulbs from free radicals. It coats the hair and protects it from dehydration. Safflower is a plant rich in linoleic acid (omega-6 and omega-9). Its oil is particularly soothing for weakened and mature skin .
Vegetable oil to soothe sensitive scalp (itching, irritation)
Chamomile oil is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties , making it ideal for calming itchy scalps.
Vegetable oil to moisturize dry hair
Jojoba oil is used for its moisturizing properties . It adds shine and strength to hair without making it greasy. On the contrary, it helps regulate sebum in oily scalps.
The regenerative powers of vegetable oils for nails
Just like hair, nails contain keratin. To treat brittle or splitting nails, there's nothing like massaging them with castor oil. Castor oil, rich in vitamin E, is also ideal for treating ridged nails. You can combine it with sweet almond oil for a smoother texture. A bath of castor and sweet almond oils, done several times a week, should provide the necessary care and strengthen your nails and cuticles. You can also mix castor oil with borage oil , which is known to strengthen brittle nails.
The different types of vegetable oils in cosmetics
Fatty vegetable oils
A fatty vegetable oil is extracted from the plant and requires no processing. It therefore contains 100% of the benefits of plants. Naturally, it is thicker than a modified oil and takes longer to be fully absorbed by the skin. The major advantage of fatty oils is that they are loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants. Fatty oils are ideal for massages.
Good to know: The misconception that fatty oils are not recommended for oily skin is false. On the contrary, oily skin needs to be moisturized and nourished. To regulate the sebum of oily skin, you can apply an oil such as jojoba or hazelnut oil .
Dry vegetable oils
Some oils are very fine and fluid. They are called "dry." They penetrate the skin more quickly than so-called "oily" oils. Dry oils give the skin a satiny effect and do not have the shiny effect of an oily oil. On the contrary, they are appreciated for their "dry feel." And then, a dry oil has the considerable advantage of being practical. It takes less time to dry than an oily oil and is, therefore, easily applicable in all circumstances.
White tea bud oil — extracted from the Camelia Sinensis, the tea tree—is particularly noble and beneficial . Its antioxidant properties make it an ideal ingredient for a dry oil. Especially since white tea bud oil is effective for all skin types .
Dry oils generally contain emollients. These are ingredients used to make the skin more supple and moisturize it well. This is particularly the case for fractionated coconut oil , which is called caprylic acid or Caprylic . Triglycerides - these lipids essential to the body - are naturally present in coconut. They serve as an oily base to produce a dry oil. The fluidity and dry texture of Caprylic allow the resulting dry oil to penetrate the skin well, without leaving a greasy film. Emollients are completely biodegradable, as specified by the Cosmebio label . Vegetable oils are a source of many benefits. Remember to always opt for certified organic oils, in order to benefit from all the active ingredients of plants.
As you can see, you can use an oil with a single ingredient or choose an oil made from extracts of several plants. Similarly, you can choose an oil specifically for hair care or a multi-purpose vegetable oil. Want to determine your skin type to give it the right care? Click here .
