Natural cosmetics: the role of essential oils!

Clean Beauty is more and more present in our daily consumption. We are looking for a more natural, greener and chemical-free beauty. In order to respond to this desire, the old chemical molecules are once again giving way to essential oils and their virtues in many cosmetic brands. Thanks to their powerful and concentrated active ingredients, essential oils effectively target many problems: irritations, wrinkles, hydration, etc. Let's discover their benefits together.

THE ESSENTIAL OIL ?

Essential oil is a substance concentrated in active principles, extracted from an aromatic plant, and obtained by steam distillation of flowers or fruits or by cold pressing of a peel. The essential oil is the distilled essence of the aromatic plant.

As essential oils are composed of 100% of active ingredients, they should be used with caution. It is important to know how to dose precisely and rigorously, to the drop. A bad use, can cause side effects or irritations on your skin.

ESSENTIAL OIL/VEGETABLE OIL: A WINNING DUO FOR COSMETICS

Some pure essential oils such as geranium, tea tree or immortelle are much too powerful to be used directly, without risk, in cosmetics. This is why they are most of the time mixed with a cream, a gel or a fatty substance such as vegetable oils, for example.

Vegetable oils are extracted from the seeds and fruits of oleaginous plants (which contain oil). In addition to allowing optimal dilution, they improve the skin tolerance of essential oils on mucous membranes and sensitive skin and reduce the risk of irritation. Finally, vegetable oils allow a variation of cutaneous penetration of essential oils with a degree of action more or less important in particular on the epidermis, the dermis or the hypodermis. The choice of vegetable oil when diluting an essential oil is therefore essential.

Essential oils are very often used in cosmetics because they contain many active ingredients to target specific problems. For a "greener" cosmetic, they replace chemical molecules harmful to the skin or the environment while being very effective. A few drops are enough to bring many properties to the product.

The benefits of essential oils are numerous and diversified: calming, relaxing, anti-infectious, healing, anti-wrinkle or moisturizing.

ESSENTIAL OILS, A MULTITUDE OF VIRTUES

Among the most famous, here are the essential oils most used in cosmetics as well as their different virtues:

• True Lavender (also known as lavender officinale) is known for its anti-stress, sedative, anti-depression, calming, sleep-inducing, healing and regenerating properties for the skin. Lavender essential oil is often used for its Provençal scent which brings a real added value to products.
• Cypress promotes good blood circulation and reduces venous congestion such as the effect of heavy legs or varicose veins.
• Geranium Rosat or Geranium Bourbon very close, is often used for the skin (wrinkles, eczema, stretch marks) and is known for its soothing, healing and antiseptic properties.
• The Damask Rose delays the appearance of wrinkles.
• The Sea Samphire facilitates the reduction of cellulite, tones the figure and is also used in anti-aging treatments.
• The essential oil of Palmarosa has regenerating and toning properties.
• The essential oil of Verbena is a very powerful antioxidant, which can protect the skin from UV rays and skin aging. It stimulates and tones the skin.
• Chamomile andYlang-Ylang essential oils are perfect for soothing sensitive skin.

The formulation of a cosmetic product requires a detailed study of consumer needs in order to choose the essential oils used in its products. Indeed, it will not use the same essential oil for a product against cellulite, anti-aging or against skin imperfections.

Many brands use mainly natural ingredients in their formulas, including essential oils. They combine powerful and concentrated active ingredients in a single product. A single product can have both regenerating and moisturizing virtues, and this, in a much more natural way than by using chemical and dangerous molecules.

Choose cosmetic products made with original ingredients. Discover our collection of essential oils based on five iconic and unavoidable fragrances of Provence composed of between 95% and 97% naturally-sourced ingredients.