Oils have been used in cosmetics since ancient times. Several thousand years ago, grooming oils were the only cosmetics. During this time, they have proved themselves to be excellent. Innovative cosmetics are definitely more effective, but many products are still based on the same oils.
Essential and base oils
Both base and essential oils are natural, extracted from plants. Essential oils have a strong, even pungent smell and pronounced pharmacological properties. You could say that it is the oil concentrate of the plant (flowers, leaves, fruit peel, bark), the quintessence of all its properties. Unlike conventional oils, essential oils do not leave a greasy residue as they are very volatile. The concentration of active ingredients in them is so high that pure essential oils are not used in cosmetics. A small amount of essential oil is diluted with another, base oil to apply to the skin. Tea tree rose oil, orange oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, pine oil and eucalyptus oil are the most popular.
The base oils are oils from plant seeds that do not have a strong aroma. They are non-volatile, penetrate deep into the skin and dissolve essential oils perfectly, so they are used as a delivery medium and sometimes called carrier or transport oils. Base oils also have beneficial properties, but do not contain active ingredients in such high concentrations as to cause burns and allergies. They have a softer effect. Popular ones include grape seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and organ oil.
Skin oil
Almost all skin creams have an oil base, so in one way or another we use these substances in our daily care. Recently, however, many cosmetics manufacturers have been releasing grooming oils as a stand-alone product. This form has advantages. The oil is similar in structure to sebum, the secret of the skin's sebaceous glands, and is therefore well absorbed and able to penetrate the deeper layers of the epidermis. Natural oils are suitable for all skin, especially sensitive skin, as they do not dry, irritate or clog pores.
Manufacturers saturate base oils with essential, other fat-soluble nutrients and obtain cosmetic products with a number of beneficial properties. For example, body butter smooths, softens, moisturises and nourishes the skin. A cosmetic grooming oil usually has fewer ingredients than a cream, so it is considered a more natural product.
Hair oil
Hair oil is the most topical. Firstly, it is indispensable for the scalp because it perfectly nourishes the hair follicles. This stimulates hair growth , reduces hair loss and makes it stronger. Secondly, oil is a great eye opener specifically for hair. Even though hair is made up of tissue that is already dead, it needs care, otherwise it becomes brittle and flaccid. The oil penetrates deep into the structure, fills voids and glues the flakes together. Hair becomes strong, silky, healthy and manageable.
Hair oils can be natural (burdock, coconut oil) or cosmetic (multi-component), liquid or solid with the addition of wax. The liquid ones are usually used as hair masks, while the solid ones are not only caring products, but also as styling products.
How to use oils
There is no single rule. Grooming body butter is usually applied to the skin after a shower, when it is still slightly damp - sometimes it is called that, shower oil. However, there are oils that combine caring, protective and decorative properties. Pearl or gold pigments are added to their composition, giving the skin a subtle glow. This oil is applied to exposed skin whenever you feel like it.
Oils, both base and essential oils, are sold in pure form. But which is better? Buy hair growth oil or make your own? Everyone answers this question for themselves. The expiry date must be taken into account (old oils or improperly stored oils lose their properties) and the concentration of essential oils must be monitored.
