An essential oil contains a high concentration of aromatic molecules. In rare cases, for a one-off or localized application for example, an essential oil can be applied pure to the skin. However, more often than not, as the application becomes more extensive, or the skin becomes more fragile, prior dilution in a suitable carrier becomes essential. The carrier, usually a vegetable oil, reduces the aggressiveness of an essential oil, while providing its own benefits. Vegetable oils (V.O.) also reveal all their virtues in food.
Choosing the right carrier is therefore essential. Some vegetable oils are particularly well-suited to babies' sensitive skin, while others perfectly complement the action of essential oils. The choice of carrier depends on the user's profile (age, skin condition, etc.), the pathology to be treated and the route of administration of the essential oil. In fact, certain vegetable oils are specifically suited to the oral route, such as walnut oil or olive oil.
A vegetable oil is extracted from the fats of certain oleaginous fruits (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, etc.), pits (apricot), seeds (grape) or even seeds (sesame). Just like essential oils, vegetable oils comply with strict standards. As with an essential oil, the quality of a vegetable oil is checked by chromatography. Each virgin vegetable oil has an identity card containing all the information needed for proper traceability: country of agricultural production, storage, oil analysis bulletins.
Vegetable oils contain numerous elements. They all contribute to the plant's health and resistance:
The nature of the fatty acids varies from one vegetable oil to another. Some, like sunflower oil, have a high omega-6 content, while others, like rapeseed oil, are particularly rich in omega-3s.
Most vegetable oils are difficult to store; they are fragile products, sensitive to air, light and heat. In fact, the fatty acids contained in oils can oxidize under the influence of certain factors, transforming into molecules that are potentially toxic to the body. This oxidation phenomenon generally leads to a change in the oil's color or odor. Most vegetable oils can be stored for several months at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Some, however, are much more sensitive to oxidation and should be kept refrigerated after opening. This is the case for borage or cottonseed oil. Once the bottle has been opened, the addition of vitamin E helps delay oxidation.
To guarantee their efficacy, vegetable oils must meet strict quality standards. Like essential oils, they are subjected to rigorous analyses, such as chromatography, to determine their exact composition. A quality vegetable oil must be :
Vegetable oils are fragile products, sensitive to air, light and heat. The fatty acids they contain can oxidize, producing harmful molecules. This oxidation phenomenon, recognizable by a rancid odor or a change in color, can be avoided by :
Some particularly sensitive oils, such as borage or cottonseed oil, require refrigeration.
In addition to their use in aromatherapy, vegetable oils are a perfect addition to a healthy diet. Rich in essential nutrients, they help to :
Soin-et-Nature offers a selection of high-quality organic plant oils to meet your natural skincare and wellness needs. Here are the available categories:
The organic vegetable oils available on Soin-et-Nature are ideal for your skincare rituals, massages and homemade cosmetic preparations, while respecting your skin and the environment.
