WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VEGETABLE OILS AND ESSENTIAL OILS?
In the world of natural cosmetics, oils play a central role due to their versatility and both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. However, behind this generic term lie two very distinct categories: vegetable oils and essential oils. Although both originate from the plant kingdom, their properties, extraction methods, and applications are quite different. Below, I will explain these differences, supported by studies and reliable sources.
WHAT ARE VEGETABLE OILS?
Also called base oils or carrier oils.
These are liquid fats extracted mainly from seeds, nuts or plant pulps (such as almond, jojoba, argan or coconut oil).
They are obtained by cold pressing or mechanical processes that preserve their nutrients.
We must pay attention to the price, because when it is really low, most of the time the oil is not extracted preserving its quality and functionality.
The same goes for cold-pressed and organic olive oil; it's always more expensive!
The same applies to those used in cosmetics. You should keep this in mind because it's important if you don't want to apply an oxidized vegetable oil with no beneficial properties to your skin…
Cold-pressed vegetable oils are rich in:
- Essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, 7 and 9).
- Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E, with an antioxidant effect.
- Phytonutrients that protect and repair the skin.
Uses in natural cosmetics:
- Moisturizing and nourishing for skin and hair.
- Vehicle or base for diluting essential oils and creams.
- Allies in massages and body care routines.
They are safe to apply directly to the skin, even on babies or sensitive skin (although it is always advisable to choose quality, virgin and organic oils).
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are highly concentrated and volatile substances, obtained from aromatic parts of plants (flowers, leaves, bark, resins), by steam distillation, cold expression extraction or similar methods.
Unlike vegetable oils, essential oils are not fatty: they are aromatic compounds that the plant uses for defense or attraction.
Uses in cosmetics and wellness:
- Aromatherapy (effect on emotions and mood): Essential oils act on the brain primarily through the olfactory system and, to a lesser extent, through absorption via the skin. Here's a breakdown of how it works.
OLFACTORY PATHWAY
The main pathway. With the inhalation of the aroma, the aromatic molecules enter through the nose and the olfactory receptors (located in the nasal mucosa) detect those molecules.
The signals travel through the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb.
From there, signals are projected to the limbic system, which regulates emotions (amygdala), memory (hippocampus), and responses to stress and pleasure (hypothalamus). This is why certain aromas can evoke memories or influence mood.
Physiological and emotional effects
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Modulation of the autonomic nervous system: some oils (such as lavender or bergamot) can promote relaxation, lowering heart rate or blood pressure.
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Neurotransmitters: Recent research suggests that certain compounds (e.g., linalool or 1,8-cineole) influence GABA, serotonin, or dopamine receptors, which could explain the anxiolytic or stimulant effects.
TOPICAL ROUTE
When you apply essential oils to the skin (for example, in massages with a carrier oil), their lipophilic components can penetrate the surface layers, enter the bloodstream, and reach the brain. They also reach the brain immediately through the sense of smell, which is why they are included in cosmetic formulas, giving them the name "emotional cosmetics."
Some of them, such as oregano, thyme, and tea tree oil, have antifungal and bactericidal properties on the skin.
Others, such as frankincense, geranium, or Atlas cedar, nourish the lines of expression
There are genuine synergies in cosmetics that multiply their effect when they are mixed together and vegetable oils and other powerful active ingredients such as biotechnological ones are added today.
Precautions:
- Never ingest them unless prescribed by a medical professional specializing in aromatherapy (this can be very harmful). Be careful with recommendations you see on social media!
- Ideally, dilute them with some vegetable oil, in your cream, or use them in diffusers.
- Not all are suitable for pregnant women, babies, or people with certain health conditions.
- If you suffer from an illness, always consult an expert in the field.
How to combine them:
The perfect synergy in natural cosmetics occurs when the following are combined:
-Vegetable oil as a nutritive base and,
-Essential oil, in a small proportion, to enhance its effects. For example: lavender to soothe the skin or rosemary to stimulate the scalp.
Virtually all the cosmetic formulas you can find at Attura are formulated with this type of synergy; they are the foundation and richness of natural cosmetics.
That's why I'd like to share with you different serums, in oil form, that we have in the online store, so you can enjoy them all autumn and winter!
MOON OIL
A high-performance facial oil with antioxidant properties designed to revive the skin and impart a distinctive glow. By deeply nourishing, it not only hydrates and revitalizes, but also promotes cell regeneration.
Its lightweight texture ensures rapid absorption without a greasy residue. The fusion of its essential oils results in skin that feels satiny, with a healthy glow and a rejuvenated appearance.
For skin types:
- Mature skin
- Combination skin
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
CAUTION: Do not use during the day, as it is photosensitive!
https://attura.shop/products/moon-oil?_pos=1&_sid=f6bd52fe9&_ss=r
DULKAMARA REVITALIZING OIL
Discover the essence of nature in "Revitalizing Oil," an exquisite blend of plant oils and aromatic botanicals. Enriched with powerful antioxidants, buds, and pure essential oils, this oil not only offers protection against aging but also revitalizes the skin from within. Its high content of essential fatty acids, such as omegas, ensures deep hydration and nourishment, giving the skin an even tone and a radiant glow. More than just an oil, it's a skin elixir that helps prevent wrinkles and stretch marks, making it an ideal companion for expectant mothers from the very beginning of pregnancy.
For skin types:
- Combination skin
- Dry skin
- Oily skin (ONLY for those who want to address the signs of aging: wrinkles, nutrition, radiance)
https://attura.shop/products/aceite-revitalizante?_pos=1&_sid=16a868cbd&_ss=
Firming Oil
Highly concentrated nourishing oil with firming and regenerating active ingredients
Antioxidants, Vitamins E and C, formulated to firm and improve skin elasticity. A booster with a woody aroma and spicy notes that works by enhancing collagen and elastin synthesis, helping to improve skin firmness and turgor, regenerating tissue, with a tightening and redensifying effect.
For skin types:
- Mature skin
- Combination skin
- Dry skin
https://attura.shop/products/aceite-reafirmante-facial-pecho?_pos=1&_sid=9eb9b0cc9&_ss=r
CLARIFYING BALANCING OIL
Nighttime facial oil with sebum-regulating, moisturizing, and antibacterial effects for combination, oily, and mildly acne-prone skin. It leaves skin feeling soft and smooth without a greasy residue thanks to its rapid absorption. It has a delicate and pleasant citrus scent. It regulates sebum production and balances the skin, thanks to its very high concentration of Omega 6 (linoleic acid). This essential hydrophilic fatty acid also provides excellent moisturizing properties, retaining transepidermal water to achieve the skin's proper lipid-water balance.
For skin:
- Acne-prone skin
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
https://attura.shop/products/aceite-facial-equilibrante-clarifying?_pos=1&_sid=932a7ef23&_ss=r
PROTECT OIL
An innovative solution based on the powerful Ximenia Oil. Protect Oil not only cares for sensitive skin but also provides unparalleled protection against environmental aggressors. Its natural properties create a protective shield that defends the skin against environmental stressors such as pollution and climate change. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you'll notice more resilient, hydrated, and healthy-looking skin.
For skin:
- Mature skin
- Combination skin
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
https://attura.shop/products/r3-protect-oil?_pos=1&_psq=r3&_ss=e&_v=1.0
I always like to choose cosmetics and formulations, since laboratories have certain technology to create synergies between Vegetable Oils, Essential Oils and Active Ingredients, increasing their potency, penetration capacity and effectiveness.
Now you know the basic differences between vegetable oils and essential oils. I'll soon be preparing a blog post with my favorite essential oils for working with emotions in autumn.
I'll be waiting for you soon!
