Everyone knows that fruits and vegetables that are grown without usage of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides are good for our health. That’s why organic produce is very popular despite the higher price. However, not everyone understands that natural organic cosmetics are no less important because some ingredients can be absorbed through the derma and go directly into our bloodstream. Skin is the largest part of the human body, has a lot of different functions and as important as internal organs. So if we generally avoid eating low-quality food, why do we still continue to use cosmetics packed with synthetic chemicals? Benefits of organic cosmetics and organic oils are made using only cold pressed method (which is the most expensive), while the cheapest oil extraction processes involve usage of chemicals. Therefore, when we are applying organic cosmetics, there is no chance that chemical residues will damage our skin (you should differentiate between food-grade and cosmetics oils, they have different degree of purification).
Conventional creams contain various oils and glycerine, as well as a magnitude of other components: emulsifiers, preservatives, parabens, silicones, synthetic perfumes, vitamins, acids and so on. In general, most of these components are petroleum-based and chemically or synthetically made. The main reason is that this is cheaper and also synthetic components are usually less allergic than natural essential oils. But it is not clear how all these substances will affect your skin in the long term – cosmetic companies are not likely to conduct relevant medical studies (because this is a very expensive process). In contrast, organic creams contain only natural organic ingredients: organic oils, natural bee wax, organic glycerine, plant-based emulsifiers and preservatives. In Australia, all these components must be approved by the Australian Certified Organic certification process for use in cosmetics. Because organic cosmetics are made from only natural ingredients, you can even eat them. Using organic cosmetics, you can be sure that harmful petroleum-based chemicals will not damage your skin or even get inside your body.
For our creams and serums we use the following mixture of oils:
Wheatgerm Virgin Oil
Has high vitamin E content so it has great antioxidant properties. Wheatgerm oil was found to be one of the most nutrient-dense substances in the plant world. It is a popular cosmetic ingredient, and contains high levels of linoleic fatty acids.
Apricot Kernel Oil
One of the best carrier oils for skin-healing. It contains omega-6, vitamins A and E and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Apricot Kernel oil helps to hydrate and nourish skin. It absorbs into skin relatively quickly and is considered non-greasy, so it can be used on virtually any skin type
It is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature and sensitive skin, and it helps to soothe inflammation. This finely textured oil spreads easily and is particularly rich in both oleic acid and linoleic acid.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is an excellent emollient and also helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture.
Rich with vitamins E and K, which are good for blood circulation. This carrier oil is only lightly oily and absorbs relatively quickly.
It is a great moisturizer suitable for all skin types, helps relieve irritation, inflammation and itching. Used as emollient, skin soother and softener because it has oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids.
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils, since it is non-greasy, spreads easily and also is great for nourishing the skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis (dry skin) and was shown in one study to reduce protein loss when used in hair.
Coconut Oil contain anti-oxidant vitamin E, making it an excellent carrier oil for skin-healing anti-aging serums. Coconut oil is also contain triglyceride lauric acid, known to be one of the healthiest oils for your skin and body.
Coconut oil not only helps to reduce signs of aging, it’s also great for strengthening the epidermis against cellulite, fading stretch marks, and eliminating keratosis pilaris.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a very thick oil – probably too thick to be used pure and it is better to use mixed with another carrier oil. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A and D, lecithin, potassium as well as vitamin E, contains chlorophyll and is classified as a mono-unsaturated oil.
Avocado oil is great ingredient for anti-aging serum because it helps with regenerating the skin and softening the tissue. Often used for people with dry, mature skins or dehydrated and undernourished.
Rosehip Seed Oil
The oil contains provitamin A (which is known for its potent ability to reduce the depth of wrinkles, fade fine lines, lighten age spots) and tretinoin or all-trans retinoic acid, a vitamin A acid that retinol converts to. Rose hip seed oil is high in the essential fatty acids: linoleic acid or omega-6, and linolenic acid or omega-3, which help to improve the elasticity, texture, and appearance of skin. It quickly absorbs into the skin replenishing moisture and creates a protective barrier on the skin to help prevent dehydration.
It is commonly used in skin care products. It is commonly used for a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis, and eczema, for mature and sun burnt skin as well as brittle nails and wrinkles. Rose hip oil is also frequently used to heal scarring and diminish photo-aging
Camellia Oil
Camellia oil is high in vitamin E and other antioxidants and contains no natural trans fats thus camellia oil can work as anti-aging oil: it protects the skin from free radical damage due to its antioxidant properties.
The molecular weight of the oil is an almost identical match for skin, allowing it to absorb quickly and thoroughly and so it is a brilliant moisturizer.
Camellia oil has more naturally-occurring antioxidants than almost any other botanically derived oil.
Castor Oil
One of the amazing benefits of castor oil is that it can slow down aging. Castor oil stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. It delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and makes the skin smoother, softer, and younger. Castor oil is a natural skin moisturizer so it helps to remove dry patches and restores hydration of the skin.
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid that fights off the acne-causing bacteria. It effectively penetrates the skin layers, making it an excellent remedy for acne.
Castor oil is extremely good in clearing your skin of spots and marks. It is so effective that dermatologists recommend castor oil to treat uneven skin tone, spots and marks because of its ability to reduce pigmentation.
Macadamia Oil
Macadamia oil contain Palmitoleic acid at such a high concentration is rarely found in vegetable oils. This fatty acid is mostly found in fish oils. This fatty acid is secreted by young children’s sebaceous glands giving them pulp and dewy skin. It almost disappears from the sebum by aging. It helps to recapture the skin of childhood. It effectively hydrates dry and rough skin and reduces the appearance of the fine lines including those around the eyes. It is ideal for use where penetration and lubrication are essential and provides amazing slip for massaging. It shows excellent absorbency with protective barrier which does not clog the pores of the skin. It is nontoxic, non-allergenic and non-staining. It is easily removed by soapy water. It is well known that lipid peroxidation damages cell membranes. It was determined that the presence of palmitoleic acid plays a key role in this protection. Use of macadamia nut oil may protect cells in a similar manner. This may be particularly true in skin exposed to excessive sunlight. It is also an excellent emollient and possesses a good afterfeel and superior spreading coefficient. Macadamia oil's rich, cushiony skinfeel and high oxidative stability make it especially suitable for heavy creams and suncare formulations.
Macadamia oil is an excellent botanical replacement for mink oil in most applications. It is also used for hair.
Shea Oil
Shea butter is have anti-inflammatory, emollient and humectant properties. Shea butter has been used as a sunblocking lotion and has a limited capacity to absorb ultraviolet radiation.
Shea Oil leaves a smooth and healthy feel to the skin and offers benefits for numerous skin problems including dermatitis, eczema, burns, cutaneous dryness, and other irritations. It is nourishing and moisturizing for the skin.
Naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production. Shea butter has been used in Africa and other countries for years to improve skin and hair. With long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction.
Jojoba oil
It is rich in vitamin E and is a unique liquid wax used as an oil. Jojoba has a very close chemical composition to the skin’s own sebum making it an excellent moisturizer and ideal for all skin types.
It can in most cases be used on acne skin and it helps to control acne, it is also an antioxidant - so the oil does not become rancid and can prevent rancidity in other oils.
Jojoba oil is non-toxic, non-comedogenic and non-allergenic. It is also not an irritant, so it can safely be used around the eyes and on the skin. In addition to that, it does not cause a greasy feeling when used on the skin like other oils do.
Grape seed oil
Grape seed oil is a preferred cosmetic ingredient for controlling moisture of the skin. Light and thin, grape seed oil leaves a glossy film over skin when used as a carrier oil for essential oils in aromatherapy. It contains more linoleic acid (which quite important for the skin and the cell membranes) than many other carrier oils.
Grape seed oil is also used as a lubricant for shaving and as a growth and strengthening treatment for hair.
It has mildly astringent qualities which help to tighten and tone the skin, which makes it useful for acne and other skin complaints.
Grape seed oil has regenerative and restructuring virtues and has great skin moisturizing properties.
This article contains information from Wikipedia.