Essential Oils and Their Natural Powers
An essential oil is a volatile odorant extracted from plants such as flowers, fruits, seeds…by a distillation with water vapour. From perfume to creams, deodorants and make-up, used in the formulation or simply for their aromas, essential oils are often found in cosmetic compositions. In addition to being natural preservatives, their virtues are innumerable, for men, women or children; their perfumes are unique and plural. They all share natural “super powers” in common: antiseptic, antibacterial and moisturizing abilities.
Essential oils and their hair benefits
The types of hair vary enormously from one head to another, but the diversity of the essential oils is even more extensive. For example, the essential oils of sandalwood, sage or rosemary help to take care of dry hair. For oily hair, lavender can be very useful because of its absorbing and regulating properties of sebum. Dandruff problems? The essential oil of bergamot or petit grain can help you hydrate your scalp. Essential oils combine many benefits, it is not necessary to get an essential oil or a product that includes, for each problem. Example: thyme not only has a toning action on the hair but it also enhances the shine. It is also recommended against hair loss.
Essential oils in makeup and manicure care
Essential oils are often used in makeup for their natural scents, which add a pleasant note to the application of products. In addition, their nourishing properties provide skin care in addition to the covering function of makeup, such as the essential oil of myrrh that moisturizes and firms the epidermis and is found in some tinted creams. The same goes for lipsticks: they reinforce the shine while moisturizing the lips. Given their fortifying action, they are also beneficial for the maintenance of nails, such as Ylang-Ylang essential oil or lemon essential oil, which allows them to whiten in addition to fortify.
Essential oils in perfumes
Used in perfumes for centuries, essential oils offer an infinite range of fragrances. From natural and discreet scents to more exotic or pronounced notes, essential oils allow everyone to find the scent that corresponds to them even if some have a more masculine or feminine olfactory character. Vetiver essential oil, for example, is found mostly in compositions addressed to men, while the one derived from vanilla is often more popular with women. Their fundamental role in perfumery has led some perfume companies to launch environmental programs aimed at protecting the plants they come from, such as Givaudan, which wants to secure supplies of patchouli and vetiver from Haiti.
Essential oils for self-made cosmetics
Cosmetics manufacturers are not the only ones who know how to exploit their properties; it is also possible for oneself to compose cosmetics and perfumes from essential oils. Internet tutorials, boxes of several oils, recipes…printed press and the internet are full of guides to prepare them yourself. Nevertheless, the essential oils sold pure in small bottle are not to handle without precaution. A few drops are usually sufficient to achieve the desired effects, while an overdose could be detrimental to health. They are not recommended for pregnant women.
Essential oils, organic and European regulations
An essential oil does not necessarily imply an organic product. Indeed, not all are from nature. Some are artificially made, especially when it comes to getting their odorous qualities. The European Commission also wants to better regulate their manufacturing conditions, traceability, since the DGCCRF (Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) has made a study denouncing the infringements of producers, and risks that they make consumers incur. Natural products do not mean harmless products. That is why it is imperative to learn about the exact composition of the products, to test them on a small area (avoiding face and private parts), or at best to seek advice from a pharmacist or a doctor, especially if you are sensitive to allergies.
Source of BeautyPress
