Already used in Chinese and Indian medicine, essential oils are currently enjoying an unprecedented resurgence of interest. Anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antibacterial, their extraordinary properties are used for medicinal, wellness, and... beauty purposes! Often overlooked, essential oils are impressive for their multitude and numerous virtues, so much so that it's hard to know where to start when you're just starting out. We'll help you see things more clearly.
What is an essential oil?
Let's start at the beginning, an essential oil is a concentrated aromatic extract that comes from the organs of a plant – flowering tops, petals, rhizomes, branches, etc. It is obtained from a distillation by steam distillation allowing the recovery of the aromatic molecules of the plant. We then obtain a perfectly pure product that must be used in very small doses, because it is naturally powerful and very rich in active ingredients.
To produce 1 L of essential oil, you will need 1 kg of cloves, 50 kg of lavandin, or 150 kg of lavender! Depending on the plant, or even the part of the plant, from which the essential oil comes, it will not have the same properties.
What are the differences between an essential oil, a vegetable oil and a floral water?
The particularity of essential oil compared to other types of plant extracts such as floral water (also called hydrosol) is its concentration. Floral water comes from the water used for distillation to obtain the essential oil. It contains less than 5% of aromatic molecules compared to essential oil, which is highly concentrated and powerful, which contains up to 100%. Floral water is therefore gentler than essential oil.
"Essential oil" is a misleading term. It is actually a concentrate of volatile substances, whereas vegetable oil is a true oil. It is produced by cold pressing from seeds, pulp, dried fruits, or flowers. Unlike vegetable oil and floral water, which have no particular contraindications, essential oils must be applied with caution, respecting the dosage and usage recommendations to avoid any risks.
Why use essential oils to take care of your skin?
We hear more often about essential oils for curing ailments than for preventing the appearance of wrinkles - and yet! The powerful bioactive component content of essential oils is very useful for specifically addressing the skin's needs. Essential oils penetrate the skin barrier deeply, allowing for good penetration of active ingredients and an effect on the entire body. Hence their cosmetic interest. In addition, essential oils contain aromatic molecules that give them a natural fragrance, thus avoiding the addition of synthetic perfumes.
Our current favorite beauty essential oils
Immortelle essential oil
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, immortelle essential oil acts as a free radical scavenger. A true booster of skin microcirculation, it is known to improve skin condition. Immortelle is a typical Mediterranean flower that derives its name from its exceptional longevity.
It strengthens the immune system of urban skin while improving skin texture. This infused oil, with a dry, melting feel, is formulated without synthetic fragrances and leaves your skin with an enveloping, sunny scent of immortelle essential oil.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is known to soothe the skin and mind. Its comforting fragrance is traditionally used to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. Anti-inflammatory, lavender essential oil is also restorative and regenerative, promoting skin detoxification.
Treat your skin to a detox treatment with organic lavender essential oil from Vaucluse. Its formula is suitable for all skin types and soothes and hydrates the epidermis. Your complexion will be radiant, and your skin will regain its softness and comfort. Its natural floral fragrance will captivate and relax the mind.