9 POPULAR NATURAL OILS EXPLAINED
There are a lot (and I mean a lot!) of oils used in beauty products these days. Every time I flip open a magazine, some article is extolling the virtues of argan or apricot kernel or almond oil. Natural ingredients! Secret age fighters! Which is all good, but I always want to know what the heck they actually do!
So we decided to explore the virtues of different plant-based oils, and covered the big ones like jojoba, coconut, olive, etc., in Part I of this story. This time around, we’ll feature some lesser-known but still common oils found in beauty products. (Note: even with two parts, our list isn’t comprehensive. There are so many oils out there that we know we’re just scratching the surface!)
Borage Seed beauty Oil
Derived from a pretty deep-blue wildflower, borage seed oil contains a fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid, which is sometimes used to fight skin inflammation and problems such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. It’s been in use for more than 1,500 years! (Hooray for anything that might help with eczema.)
Lavender beauty Oil
Along with smelling like heaven itself, lavender oil is a big hitter in the natural remedies world. An anti-viral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory, it has tons of uses. It’s great during an aromatherapy massage and can help heal bug bites, acne, and eczema. Plus it’s a natural relaxant that can help you sleep, and it may help ward off colds. Go get some lavender oil, already!
Rose or Wild Rose beauty Oil
Rose oil is so, so glamorous. And expensive: it takes about 60,000 rose petals to produce an ounce of rose oil! Not only does it smell incredible—it’s also good for cleansing and moisturizing dry, sensitive, or mature skin. And for treating yourself like royalty.
Strawberry beauty Oil
Strawberry oil has the essence of fresh berries and summer—and exfoliates and brightens in the most gentle way possible. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, its natural fruit acids renew the complexion—no scratchy granules required.
Orange Peel beauty Oil
Orange peel oil is easy to obtain and used in tons of products—it’s excellent at treating cracked, dry, and dull skin, and helps fight acne. And because it’s a natural degreaser and has been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, it’s common in household products and our favorite makeup brush cleaner, Parian Spirit. You can even try orange oil as an insect repellent!
Neem beauty Oil
Neem oil comes from the fruits and seeds of the neem, an evergreen tree that grows in India and other tropical climates. The oil has a growing cult following, because it can help to combat acne and other skin problems. Because it’s good for soothing and nurturing sensitive spots like the scalp, neem is popular in hair products, too. (Strange fact: neem has also been used to treat leprosy.)
Safflower beauty Oil
Linoleic acid, a powerful dirt- and oil-removing fatty acid, makes safflower a versatile ingredient in cleansers, creams, and conditioners. Moreover, it’s a superstar moisturizer that prevents water from leaving the skin.
Palm beauty Oil
A true multi-tasker, palm oil has been used for more than 5,000 years in concoctions designed to help hair and skin look its best. Today, you’ll find it in everything from soaps and shampoos to lotions and foundations. Palm oil contains tocotrienols, a type of vitamin E added to many anti-aging products, and a refatting agent, meaning it helps restore natural oils stripped from skin and hair by using certain cleansers and shampoos. Controversy surrounds the harvest of palm oil, including claims of deforestation to make way for palm oil plantations, so look for products with sustainably harvested oil.
Soy or Soybean beauty Oil
An oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean, soy oil can be used to even out skin tone and help fight the signs of aging. It’s easily absorbed into the skin and helps to smooth skin texture. What doesn’t soy do?