What is the difference between vegetable oil and
an essential oil?
In common parlance, we use “oil” to designate a vegetable oil. This can therefore lead to confusion with essential oils. However, their composition is very different and these two types of oils are not used in the same way.
Beyond their similar names, confusion between vegetable oil and essential oil may arise from their common plant origin and their frequent use in areas such as aromatherapy and natural skincare products. It is important to pay attention to the distinction between these two types of oils due to their very different applications and varying concentrations. Using an undiluted essential oil on the skin can be irritating or even dangerous, while carrier oils are generally safe to use.
What is vegetable oil?
A vegetable oil is a fatty substance extracted from an oilseed plant whose seeds, fruits or nuts contain lipids. Vegetable oils therefore have numerous properties linked to their concentration of fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Comptoir des Huiles vegetable oils are obtained by first cold pressing*, an exclusively mechanical extraction process at low temperature which allows all the benefits of the oil to be preserved.
*With the exception of Carapate oil, artisanal, whose extraction process has been handed down ancestrally in Madagascar.
Vegetable oils are frequently used in cosmetics for a variety of applications, such as:
- Skin hydration: Vegetable oils can be applied directly to the skin to hydrate and nourish it. They can also be incorporated into moisturizers or lotions.
- Makeup removal: They help dissolve makeup and cleanse the skin deeply.
- Massage: Vegetable oils are ideal for massages. They can be mixed with a drop of an essential oil for an aromatherapeutic effect.
- Hair care: Vegetable oils can be applied to the ends of the hair to nourish them. You can also make oil baths to deeply nourish them or create hair masks by mixing different vegetable oils.
What is an essential oil ?
An essential oil is a volatile odorous substance produced by certain plants. They can be extracted by steam distillation of aromatic plants (leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, stems, etc.), this is the most commonly used extraction method. We call them “oils”… But they contain no fatty acids! They are mainly composed of terpenoids and aromatic molecules. They have diverse and varied properties depending on the plants from which they come.
Very concentrated in active ingredients, they are aggressive for the skin and can only be applied in very diluted doses. We therefore do not choose an essential oil at random, because they can present certain dangers. Some essential oils are not suitable for pregnant women, children, or people with specific health conditions, so check their safety before use.
Essential oils are used for various reasons thanks to their aromatic, therapeutic and cosmetic properties:
- Aromatherapy: An essential oil diffuser allows you to benefit from their aromatic properties. This can help relax, energize or create a calming ambiance.
- Addition to skincare products: A few drops of essential oils can be added to your moisturizers, lotions or facial masks. Be sure to dilute them properly in a carrier oil to avoid irritation.
- Aromatic bath: You can add a few drops of essential oils to your bath for a moment of relaxation. Combine them with a vegetable oil for better dispersion in water.
- Natural Fragrance Sprays: It is possible to create your own natural fragrance by mixing essential oils with alcohol or water in a spray bottle.
How to combine vegetable oils and essential oils in cosmetics?
In cosmetics, for skin use, an essential oil must be incorporated into a vegetable oil. Diluting essential oils in vegetable oils allows them to act on the skin for longer. Depending on the desired benefit, you can also select a vegetable oil and an essential oil which have similar properties in order to increase their benefits tenfold. You can also use vegetable oils in synergy with each other. For example, the Eye Contour oil which combines calming Calophyll oil and regenerating Prickly Pear Seed oil.
