Oil used in cosmetics: importance and the best natural options

Understanding oil use in cosmetics represents an essential step for building a coherent and effective skin routine. 

Simply put, oils used in cosmetics are lipid-based substances that provide lubrication, hydration, and nourishment to the skin. They can be derived from plant or synthetic sources, and play a key role in guaranteeing skin health and an optimal appearance. 

At a time when health-conscious consumers are looking to make informed purchases, brands should elevate their efforts in providing not only high-quality ingredients, but also educate consumers about their science-backed claims. In this context, understanding the keys of oil use in cosmetics represents a fundamental piece of the puzzle for truly transformative skincare routines.

Why is oil used in cosmetics: the basics of skin hydration 

The journey to understanding the fundamental role of oils used in cosmetics begins by looking at sebaceous glands in the skin. These specialized structures are responsible for producing and secreting sebum, an oily lipid-based substance that plays several crucial roles in maintaining skin health. 

Sebum is fundamental for keeping the skin hydrated by preventing water loss. In order to do so, it forms a thin, oily layer on the surface of the skin, able to lock in moisture and maintain the skin’s lubrication, flexibility and integrity. This oily layer also acts as a barrier against external environmental factors such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms: sebum is essential for skin.

Skin hydration and issues with deregulations in sebum production thus represent key concerns in dermatology and cosmetics, as issues in this area can lead to a series of wide-ranging consequences: from a compromised skin barrier to accelerated aging or the impairment of the skin’s repair and defense mechanisms.

This is precisely where the role of oil used in cosmetics immediately stands out and, more specifically, the role of natural oils. Obtained through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction, the high content in triglycerides in plant-based oils is one of the secrets behind their hydrating and emollient properties. 

As cosmetic science confirms these attributes, a renewed interest in plant-based oils for cosmetic formulas is reimagining their ages-old contribution for beauty and skin health. Simply put, the value of oils used in cosmetic formulas is based on their capacity to fight skin dehydration from an integral perspective: 

• They act as natural moisturizers by forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface which helps to prevent water loss.
• Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, they provide skin nourishment and can fight free radicals and premature aging.
• Some oils used in cosmetics present natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, thus adding a protective function.
• They can support the skin’s natural healing processes and provide soothing properties.
• Thanks to their role in maintaining hydration and barrier function, they can be key in managing skin conditions.

Natural oils used in cosmetics and the case for carrot oil

The rise of botanical beauty has opened the door for a wide range of natural oils aiming at promoting skin hydration. In this context, jojoba oil, argan oil or rosehip oil can be cited as some current popular options.

However, a somewhat less in-vogue ingredient might hold the key to unlocking a truly game-changing example of oils used in cosmetics. Such is the case of carrot oil. The outstanding cosmetic applications of carrot oil build up from this substance’s rich content in carotenoids and, more specifically, beta-carotene (provitamin A), alpha-carotene, and lutein. 

These compounds are potent antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. In fact, carotenoids have been found to effectively prevent and control the production of free radicals, while also reducing free radical reactions and restricting oxidative/free radicals-induced damage (Keller, KL., Fenske, NA., 1998). 

When it comes to skin hydration, the oil’s high content of fatty acids and Vitamin A helps restore the skin barrier and increase sebum production within healthy parameters. 

But the far-reaching and integral effects of carrot oil on skin health don’t stop here. As such, its potential to maintain the normal conditions of the skin, contribute to proper skin metabolism and improve scars and skin dryness (CIV., 1992; Campos, PM., 1998) all contribute to this oil’s effects. Other benefits of carrot oil include:

• Activation of the production of dermal proteins
• Construction of a thicker epidermis with a better keratin layer
• Modulation of collagen synthesis
• Stimulation of general cell metabolism and mitosis
• Increase of skin elasticity and softness
• Reproduction of basal cells and perfect differentiation

Carrot oil thus stands out as an outstanding ingredient alternative for promoting overall skin health and moisture, even for those with dry or scaling skin. Additionally, its anti-aging, repairing and regenerative activity contributes to this ingredient’s comprehensive impact on skin health.