Botanical oils vs. essential oils
Botanical oils and essential oils are two different types of oils used in skin care, aromatherapy and other areas of health and beauty. While both have their own unique properties and uses, they differ in their ingredients, production method and function. At the same time, the use of both types of oils in skin care and health can bring beneficial results, provided they are used properly and tailored to individual needs.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what are the differences between botanical oils and essential oils, and answer the question often posed: can they be combined with each other?
How are they different?
Botanical oils are pressed from seeds, nuts, seeds, roots or other parts of plants, such as their pulp. They contain fatty acids (saturated, unsaturated, polyunsaturated), vitamins (A, E, K, or those in the B group), minerals and other nutrients, such as magnesium, calcium, nickel, iron, potassium, sodium, or zinc. The process of extracting botanical oils usually involves cold pressing or refining. The oils do not undergo distillation or major chemical processing, so they do not lose their health properties. They remain rich in fatty acids, which help moisturize and nourish the skin. They can promote regeneration, improve elasticity and soothe irritation. They are safe to use directly on the skin, alone or as additives to other cosmetics. They can be used on large areas of the body and in daily skin care. Examples of botanical oils include argan oil, hemp oil, linseed oil, jojoba oil, rasberry seed oil, nigella oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, etc.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are concentrated extracts from plants that contain volatile chemicals responsible for their intense fragrance and therapeutic properties. These are often terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols. Essential oils are obtained by steam distillation or extraction with solvents. This process concentrates the volatile active substances of plants. Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy to affect mood, stress, sleep and other aspects of mental and physical health. They have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Due to their high concentration, essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without dilution. They should also not be used on sensitive eye areas or damaged skin. Pregnant women and children should even avoid certain types of essential oils or use them in very small amounts. Essential oils are usually added to carriers, such as botanical oils, for safe use. Essential oils include, for example, lavender oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, and lemon oil.
Can they be used together?
Combining essential oils with botanical oils is a common practice and can be very beneficial in skin care and aromatherapy. There are many benefits from such a combination, such as:
♥ Safety of use. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate the skin when used in their pure form. Combining them with botanical oils, which act as carriers, reduces the risk of irritation and makes essential oils safer to use.
♥ Improved absorption. Botanical oils help essential oils be better absorbed through the skin, which can increase their effectiveness.
♥ Customization. Botanical oils can enhance the properties of essential oils, tailoring them to different skin needs. For example, avocado oil can provide extra hydration, while tea tree essential oil can have an antibacterial effect.
♥ Increased effectiveness. By combining various essential oils with botanical oils, synergistic blends can be created that can work more effectively on specific skin problems, such as acne, eczema and dry skin.
When combining essential oils with botanical oils, a few simple rules should be followed. First, the right proportions. Typically, 1-2 drops of essential oil per 1 tablespoon of botanical oil is used. This dilution is safe and effective for most skin types. For more sensitive skin or children, smaller amounts of essential oils are recommended. The total content of essential oils used for fragrance purposes should not exceed 1% of the mixture. Before applying such a mixture to a larger area of the skin, it is always a good idea to conduct a test on a small piece of skin (such as the inside of the wrist) to ensure that there is no allergic reaction. In this way, the resulting mixture can be used as a face serum, body moisturizer, massage oil or bath additive. When using it on the skin, massage gently to promote absorption. Prepared blends of essential oils with botanical oils are best stored in dark glass bottles in a cool place to prevent oxidation and preserve their freshness and effectiveness.
Together or not?
As explained, botanical oils are plant fats, while essential oils are concentrated extracts containing volatile aromatic compounds. Botanical oils are produced by cold-pressing or extraction, while essential oils are obtained by distillation or solvent extraction. Botanical oils are mainly used to moisturize, nourish and deeply regenerate skin and hair, while essential oils are used in aromatherapy and to enhance cosmetic and therapeutic products. Botanical oils are safe to apply directly to the skin, while essential oils may need to be diluted before application to avoid irritation.
Is it worth it?
The use of both types of oils in skin care and health can bring beneficial results, provided they are used properly and tailored to individual needs. Essential oils can be combined with botanical oils, which are a great carrier for them. Adding a few drops of essential oil to the bottle of our favourite botanical oil will not only add a nice fragrance, but also enrich it with essential oil properties. For example, lavender oil has relaxing, calming and even sleep-enhancing properties; tea tree oil, also known as the “cure-all” will positively affect our skin, hair and nail conditions; and rosemary oil will not only stimulate hair growth and reduce dandruff, but also help with skin problems, additionally improving our mood and well-being with its fragrance composition.
