Botanical oils in cosmetics
Modern cosmetics, like other fields, has undergone dynamic changes over the past decades. As a growing number of male and female consumers have sought more natural and organic solutions, botanical oils have begun to play a key role in cosmetic formulas.
Due to their remarkable skin care, nourishing and healing properties, oils have now become an indispensable ingredient in many cosmetic products, from creams and lotions to shampoos and serums. Botanical oils, however, can be sourced and used in a variety of ways for skin care, more or less beneficial to our health. In this article, we will take a look at how botanical oils are used in the cosmetic industry today.
Revival of interest in oils
The first uses of botanical oils in modern cosmetics can be traced back to the early 20th century, when substances such as almond oil and olive oil were used as moisturizing ingredients in homemade cosmetic recipes. However, real interest in botanical oils in commercial cosmetics did not develop until the 1970s and 1980s, with the growing environmental movement and increased interest in natural products. It was during this period that the public began to realize the negative effects of synthetic ingredients used in cosmetics. There was also an emerging awareness of the health benefits of using natural products. Oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil and coconut oil began to gain popularity as effective and gentle alternatives to synthetic substances.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the market for natural and organic cosmetics grew rapidly. Cosmetic companies, both small niche brands and large corporations, began to introduce product lines based on botanical oils. Consumers increasingly chose products containing oils from nuts, seeds and fruits, appreciating their moisturizing, anti-aging and regenerative properties. During this period, oils such as argan oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and rosehip oil particularly gained popularity. Today, botanical oils have become a staple ingredient in a wide range of cosmetic products, from skin care products to makeup to hair care products. Modern cosmetics use both classic oils and lesser-known, exotic oils, such as marula oil, prickly pear oil and tamanu oil.
Not all oils are beneficial
With advances in science and technology, oil extraction and refining methods have developed. However, the method that preserves the most valuable active components of botanical oil is still the cold-pressing method. Cold pressing is essentially an ancient technique for extracting oil from seeds, nuts and fruits, which involves mechanically squeezing the oil without the use of high heat or chemical solvents. The process is designed to preserve the oils’ natural nutrients and health properties. The low temperature prevents the degradation of valuable nutrients such as vitamins, fatty acids and enzymes. Cold-pressed oils are characterized by the rich, natural flavour and aroma of the raw material from which they are made, making them an ideal addition to cosmetics. The cold-pressing process does not require the use of chemical solvents, making these oils cleaner and more natural. Unfortunately, due to the higher efficiency of other production methods, in regular cosmetic you can often find oils that are deprived of their natural benefits.
In addition, it is best to use organic crops from organic farming for pressing, that is, crops where chemical compounds, herbicides, pesticides and artificial chemical fertilizers are not used during plant growth. In conventional crops, these substances are often used to protect plants and increase yields, but they can leave residues in plant products that can seep into the oils. Consuming oils free of these substances minimizes the risk of ingesting toxic chemicals that can affect our health. Only with organic oils can we be assured of its natural composition and top-quality health and care properties, without the harmful effects of pesticides on our skin or hair. Organic botanical oils are completely safe for our bodies, gentle and hypoallergenic, as they do not cause irritation or allergies. Although their cost is higher, it is worth considering investing in a product of such quality.
The future of botanical oils
The history of the use of botanical oils in modern cosmetics is a proof that natural ingredients, which have been used for centuries across cultures, still have an important place in skin and hair care. A resurgence of interest in natural cosmetics and sustainability has made botanical oils not only a popular choice among male and female consumers, but also a key element in the development of innovative and effective cosmetic products. As more and more people turn their attention to health and environmental protection, the importance of botanical oils in cosmetics will only grow, offering natural beauty and well-being. However, when buying cosmetics that have botanical oils in their composition, it is worth paying attention to the way they are pressed and the use of organically grown plants to ensure that we are using the highest quality oils on our skin, safe for our bodies.
