This month I’ve been pleasantly distracted in the world of fragrance developing beautifully scented soy candles and body products for Christmas. Over the next series of posts, I think it’s only fitting to scent things up a bit, starting off with essential oils.
What is an Essential Oil?
Firstly, let’s not confuse essential oils with other plants oils I have written about such as rosehip oil, evening primrose etc here. As a quick comparison:
Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils that evaporate. They are distilled (usually steamed) from leaves, stems, bark or flowers to capture the ‘essence’ of a plant. Hence they have a strong characteristic aroma and contain chemical compounds known for their therapeutic benefits. Because of this, they are considered ‘active’ ingredients and should be used with care as their potency may also trigger a negative reaction, especially when applied to the skin. Ironically, when people react to a skincare product, it mostly comes down to the fragrance added (natural or synthetic) to make it smell nice.
Base oils or true oils (rosehip, sweet almond oil, avocado oil etc) are not volatile, so they don’t evaporate and are therefore not known for their aroma. They are extracted (usually cold pressed) from the fatty part of a plant, such as the seed, kernel or nuts. They are also known as ‘carrier’ oils as they are used to ‘carry’ essential oil or other active ingredients on to the skin. They too have therapeutic benefits, but because they are not highly concentrated or potent, they are not considered an irritant to the skin. Most people can slather away, unless you are known to have nut or seed allergies.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils that evaporate. They are distilled (usually steamed) from leaves, stems, bark or flowers to capture the ‘essence’ of a plant. Hence they have a strong characteristic aroma and contain chemical compounds known for their therapeutic benefits. Because of this, they are considered ‘active’ ingredients and should be used with care as their potency may also trigger a negative reaction, especially when applied to the skin. Ironically, when people react to a skincare product, it mostly comes down to the fragrance added (natural or synthetic) to make it smell nice.
Base oils or true oils (rosehip, sweet almond oil, avocado oil etc) are not volatile, so they don’t evaporate and are therefore not known for their aroma. They are extracted (usually cold pressed) from the fatty part of a plant, such as the seed, kernel or nuts. They are also known as ‘carrier’ oils as they are used to ‘carry’ essential oil or other active ingredients on to the skin. They too have therapeutic benefits, but because they are not highly concentrated or potent, they are not considered an irritant to the skin. Most people can slather away, unless you are known to have nut or seed allergies.
Essential Oils in Skincare
Essential oils in skincare can be a little tricky. What may smell wonderful, fresh and uplifting, may not be best left on the skin. Citrus oils are a classic example of this, especially bergamot, lime and bitter orange. They are highly photosensitive which means they may cause skin discoloration when exposed to bright sunlight.
Because essential oils are all about scent, the reverse also applies. If you don’t like the smell of lavender because it reminds you or grandma’s linen cupboard, then a cleanser with the antibacterial properties of lavender is not going to be one you will use.
The essential oils used in Drift Escentuals Skincare Range have been carefully selected using the ‘form follows function’ principle i.e. the purpose of the essential oil is the starting point of the blend. It is then finely balanced with other beneficial essential oils to create an appealing scent.
Over the next few posts, I’ll cover my preferred essential oils and their benefits in skincare. Let me know your favourite essential oil in the comments below and I’ll ensure to include too.
Nicole x
Because essential oils are all about scent, the reverse also applies. If you don’t like the smell of lavender because it reminds you or grandma’s linen cupboard, then a cleanser with the antibacterial properties of lavender is not going to be one you will use.
The essential oils used in Drift Escentuals Skincare Range have been carefully selected using the ‘form follows function’ principle i.e. the purpose of the essential oil is the starting point of the blend. It is then finely balanced with other beneficial essential oils to create an appealing scent.
Over the next few posts, I’ll cover my preferred essential oils and their benefits in skincare. Let me know your favourite essential oil in the comments below and I’ll ensure to include too.
Nicole x
