Director of Formula Botanica Lorraine Dallmeier shares with us her top 9 natural beauty oils to help you achieve radiance and healthy glowing skin in preparation for summer.
Botanical oils are some of the most underrated beauty ingredients. Lots of people are scared of applying oil to their face, because they think it will make their skin feel greasy.
The skin produces its own natural moisturiser called sebum, which prevents it from drying out. Because the outer layer of our skin contains natural oils, this makes it easier for oil-based beauty products to penetrate into your skin’s top barrier where they lock in moisture.
If you are looking for a healthy summer glow, I recommend adding one of these 9 botanical oils to your beauty regime. You don’t even need to purchase a blended facial oil, you can simply buy one of these carrier oils by itself and apply it neat.
1. Prickly pear seed oil (Opuntia ficus-indica) – otherwise known as Barbary Fig Seed oil, this beauty oil is extracted from the tiny black seeds of the prickly pear fruit. It is extremely high in antioxidants such as tocopherol (Vitamin E)[1]. Its rich anti-ageing properties make it ideal for dry and mature skin.
2. Marula oil (Sclerocarya birrea) – this African oil is particularly rich in oleic acid, which is known to exert good antioxidant activity. Marula oil has been shown to improve skin hydration and smoothness[2]. It absorbs easily on the skin, helps lock in moisture, and improves smoothness and hydration.
3. Argan oil (Argania spinosa) – this well-known cosmetic anti-ageing oil is prepared by pressing the slightly roasted kernels of the argan tree. It is very high in Oleic (Omega 9) and Linoleic (Omega 6) fatty acids, whichrevitalise and nourish dry skin[3]. Argan is known all around the world as an anti-ageing oil and is deeply moisturising for mature skin and dry hair, a good option for use as a hair oil in the summertime.
4. Andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis) – this golden Central American oil has attracted great interest from the cosmetic industry in recent years for its potential anti-inflammatory properties[4]. It has been found to have good emolliency, helping moisturise and heal your skin. This oil will nourish your dry and sensitive skin and as an added bonus, it will also repel insects, which makes it an ideal choice for packing when you go on your summer holiday!
5. Avocado oil (Persea gratissima) – unlike most commonly known botanical oils, dark green unrefined avocado oil is pressed from the fruit and not from the seed. It contains a high level of Vitamin E and is softening and soothing on the skin[5]. Avocado oil is an excellent hair, skin and nail oil. It provides barrier repair for the skin and has a green, fresh taste and smell. It is slow to penetrate the skin’s outer layers, which means it provides longer lasting moisture.
6. Pomegranate seed oil (Punica granatum) – this superfruit produces an oil rich in fatty acids, including punicic acid. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties[6] which mean it can help soothe dry cracked sun-exposed skin. Pomegranate seed oil is also heralded as an antioxidant-rich beauty oil. One study found it to regenerate the skin’s outer layers[7], making it great for mature skin, and also a good option for supporting skin through summertime when we are exposed to stronger levels of UV.
7. Babassu oil (Orbignya oleifera) – derived from the tallest palm in Brazil, Babassu oil is chemically very similar to coconut oil in that it’s high in antioxidants but babassu oil won’t feel quite as greasy. It is a rich emollient that can be solid at room temperature depending on where you live. This oil is excellent for treating dryness of the skin, hair and scalp.
8. Moringa oil (Moringa olifera) – high in oleic acid and similar in chemical composition to olive oil, Moringa oilis cold pressed from the seeds of the Moringa tree. The oil is light and spreads easily over the skin[8]. It’s an effective moisturiser and softens chapped lips and dry skin but is also great for treating dry and itchy scalp.
9. Sacha Inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis) – this oil is cold-pressed from the small nuts of a tree in the Peruvian rainforest. Sacha inchi oil contains high levels of antioxidants as well as fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6[9]. It can help reduce facial redness and is great for sensitive skin owing to its ability to protect the skin’s natural barrier.
One caveat however: always make sure that you are buying a cold-pressed carrier oil and not an essential oil, as these should never be applied neat to your skin.
As summer approaches and you want to give your skin a nourishing treat with an exotic facial or body moisturiser, consider one of these nine botanical beauty oils. You’ll be able to brighten up your skin, which perhaps you’ve neglected as it’s been covered up for the duration of winter, creating a radiant glow using the power of plants.
About Formula Botanica
Formula Botanica, the ODLQC accredited Online Organic Cosmetic Science School founded in 2012 with over 1500 students and graduates in 86 countries. Director of Formula Botanica Lorraine Dallmeier BSc (HONS) MSc MIEMA MRSB CEnv,a Biologist by training, developed a love of plants for cosmetic application after working in the field of environmental management for over a decade. Lorraine is a Chartered Environmentalist, as well as a full Member of the Royal Society of Biology, the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment.
Formula Botanica’s virtual HQ is located in the UK but they are an international Organic Cosmetic Science School with an international team of experts. There are 10 digital courses at present, 100% online, which students can study at their own pace in their own time. The courses teach everything you need to know in order to go from complete beginner to organic cosmetic formulator and teacher. Many graduates have used their courses to successfully launch or grow their own cosmetics business. They fly the flag for organic and natural skincare all over the world and are ambassadors for a healthier, safer way of life.
Lorraine Dallmeier of Formula Botanica is available for expert comment on beauty formulas, ingredients, both synthetic and natural, beauty and business advice. Business case studies and success stories are available for placement.
For all enquiries contact Rebecca Goodyear Health & Beauty:
+44 (0) 20 3 651 7360
hi@rebeccagoodyear.com