July 28, 2024

Guide to the Use of Essential Oils in Cosmetics

Essential oils concentrate extraordinary beauty virtues in just a few drops. They offer numerous benefits for the skin and the overall well-being of mind and body thanks to their concentrated fragrance.

They are often included in cosmetic formulations not only for their fragrance but also for their multiple properties and the precious nutrients they provide to the skin. In this article, we will explore the world of essentials and learn how to use them correctly to gain the maximum benefit without risk.

What are essential oils?

The essentials are very complex mixtures of low molecular weight volatile compounds mainly composed of lipophilic terpenoids, aromatic phenylpropanoids, and terpenes.

The specific composition of each essential oil varies according to the specific biosynthetic pathways of the plants and the approaches used in their extraction.

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts obtained from aromatic plants that are taken from various parts of the plant, such as flower petals, leaves, or roots, but also from the bark or peel of fruits in large quantities and subjected to extraction processes such as:

steam distillation, commonly used for most essential oils,
cold pressing, mainly for citrus fruits,
solvent extraction, ideal for delicate plants like jasmine.

The extraction processes vary depending on the type of plant or flower; for example, steam distillation is used for most aromatic plants such as lavender or geranium. Steam extraction, on the other hand, is used in cases of plants or flowers that do not release the essential oil through steam distillation.

The substances obtained are insoluble in water. The essential oil is considered a natural extract as it is a substance naturally present in the plant that serves to protect it from pests or fungi.

Essential oils are highly concentrated chemical components that contain the essence or scent of that plant and require a large amount of plant material for processing, therefore they usually have much higher concentrations of active ingredients and are much more concentrated than traditional carrier oils, such as hazelnut or coconut oil, which tend to be milder and are used specifically to dilute strong essential oils.

Why are essential oils used in cosmetics?

Essential oils can be used in various ways, the most common being aromatherapy, where the essential oil is diffused into the environment, also included in Turkish baths or steam inhalations to allow for inhalation. Some essential oils have an intoxicating aroma that communicates directly with the limbic system, linked to emotions, and act as mood tonics or revitalizers.

At the topical level, however, it is necessary to pay particular attention because essential oils cannot be applied directly on the skin.

In fact, the assistance of a carrier oil or other oil activating components is necessary to address a specific need. On the other hand, the topical application of essential oils allows the skin to absorb the product directly, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of the essential oil both aromatically and for their properties.

The essentials are selected in cosmetics also due to a consumer need: more and more people are looking for cosmetics with sustainable profiles and natural origins that have functional effects in treating certain imperfections.

Essential oils are a renewable bioresource of active ingredients that can be exploited for the production of eco-sustainable cosmetics with antioxidant, bactericidal, fungicidal, antiparasitic properties, and much more.

These oils have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and also act as natural preservatives. They contain bioactive molecules that can be absorbed by the skin to penetrate the bloodstream and alter its processes.

For example, it has been shown that essential oil of Artemisia helps block the hormonal pathways associated with the onset of inflammatory processes that cause acne. Terpenes, in fact, provide numerous benefits to the skin and help reduce the proliferation of microorganisms involved in the appearance of acne and eczema.

One of the most common uses of essential oils in skin care is for the prevention of acne, utilizing the ability of essential oils to inhibit the proliferation of propionibacterium acnes, while helping to reduce inflammation and the formation of post-acne scars.

Another example is geranium essential oil, highly effective against various dysfunctions of skin physiology, including acne, dry skin, skin aging, dermatitis, or eczema, a capability due to the presence of linalool and geraniol that contribute to the restoration of the skin's native elasticity and the improvement of blood circulation.

Do essential oils benefit the skin?

Now that we have seen what essential oils are and what their main characteristics are, it is time to understand if it is actually safe to use them on the skin.

The essential oils included in skin care products are often diluted, but it is still necessary to pay attention: some components of essential oils are beneficial for the skin, as we have seen. For example, many of them are rich in sources of antioxidants such as caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, while others contain antibacterial ingredients that protect against skin issues such as fungi.

Overall, every skin reacts differently to cosmetic products, and it is true that the topical application of pure essential oils can also lead to irritation, contact dermatitis, dryness, and redness. Those same beneficial substances, such as citronellol and linalool found in vegetable oils, could therefore result in a negative outcome.

For this reason, it is better to rely on cosmetic products from responsible companies that do not use more than 1% of essential oils in their products. This way, it is possible to enjoy both the aromatherapeutic benefits of essential oils and their active properties without any risk.

In any case, it is advisable to proceed with a patch test on a small area of skin to see if there are any adverse reactions, and this applies to any new product.

Before purchasing a product containing essential oils, it is also advisable to check that there is a carrier oil present that can dilute it and that the amount of essential oil present is below 1%. As long as a professional skincare product is used, one can feel more at ease.

Essentia Spa: a selection of essential oils for the care of body and mind

As we have seen, essential oils when diluted and present in low percentages within cosmetics are safe and beneficial for the skin.

For this reason, LeLang has selected some precious essentials for the Essentia Spa line designed to satisfy the mind thanks to a neurocosmetic ingredient and improve skin well-being.

The products of the Essentia Spa line contain various specific essential oils including:

Peppermint essential oil: extracted from the leaves of mentha piperita subjected to steam distillation and appreciated for its abundant therapeutic properties and refreshing benefits for the skin. It has antimicrobial and antiseptic activity that helps reduce pimples and blackheads. Additionally, it is used to cool the skin; therefore, through products like scrubs or creams, peppermint provides a natural cooling effect that stimulates and reactivates superficial circulation, improving skin tone.
Geranium essential oil: it has firming properties for the skin, is soothing and calming, improves hydration, and soothes irritated skin. Ideal for helping the skin to regenerate naturally, leaving it clearer with visible natural brightness and health. Geranium oil is antiseptic and antioxidant, helps in cleaning the pores and restoring the natural balance of sebum on the skin's surface. Perfect to use in exfoliating products to cleanse effectively without drying out the skin.
Oil of Salvia Officinalis: contains two powerful free radical scavengers such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. These antioxidants help reduce free radical damage by absorbing the unpaired electrons that cause skin imperfections such as wrinkles, signs, and spots. Rosmarinic acid, in particular, has been shown to be effective in increasing collagen production in the skin, helping to enhance the skin's natural defenses.
Rosemary essential oil: a plant extract with multiple virtues that has the ability to stimulate blood circulation. Its vasodilating properties promote blood flow and revitalize the skin by providing oxygen and essential nutrients to skin cells. Also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, rosemary essential oil contains flavonoids that combat free radicals and is rich in caffeic acid and triterpenes with a toning effect.
Chamomile essential oil: soothing and restorative, promotes skin healing, fights inflammation and dermatitis, and repairs damaged tissues, a remedy for sensitive and irritated skin.

These precious essential oils, diluted with hazelnut oil or shea butter, are absorbed by the skin and tone the body skin, releasing a delicate aroma that refreshes the mind, awakens the tone, and revitalizes the skin.