Essential oils in skincare.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are volatile components of aromatic plants. A plant contains many complex substances that are often used in skin and body care, one of which is the essential oil. An essential oil is the purest form of aroma you can imagine. It is extracted from the plant in various ways, but the most commonly used procedure is via steam distillation. To obtain 1 liter of essential oil, for example from sage, you need no less than 700 kg of leaves. So it is not an easy process.
WHY DO WE USE ESSENTIAL OIL IN COSMETICS?
For the wonderful scent that we can add this way. Nothing can match the scent of pure essential oils, they bring to life the essence of the flowers and plants from which they were extracted. Moreover, they are purely natural. Plant, distillation and then you have the essential oil, that's it. This is in contrast to fragrances and perfumes that are completely chemical and can therefore never stand the test of nature.
In addition to using an essential oil for fragrance, some essential oils also have skin-improving effects when used in sufficient concentration.
WHICH ESSENTIAL OILS ARE USED AT SELF ?
At Self we use mandarin and geranium oil to create that typical Self scent. Citral and geraniol, two components of mandarin and geranium oils that we use at Self , are found in countless other essential oils and are also widely used in skin care.
WHY ARE ESSENTIAL OILS SO DISCUSSED? AND WHAT ABOUT SELF ?
As with many ingredients, essential oils can trigger a reaction in some people if used in high percentages. There are sometimes comments from some quarters about the use of essential oil in skincare, but keep in mind that this is usually when it is used in a higher percentage. Some essential oils have skin-improving properties when used in certain concentrations.
We specifically chose these oils because of their good properties.
Mandarin oil works against tired skin, stretch marks and scars, works on elasticity and promotes healing of the skin. Geranium oil has disinfectant and antifungal properties, the oil also promotes the healing of the skin and regulates the skin's sebum production.
Self mainly uses the oils for the nice scent they give, so the concentration of the specific components (citral and geraniol) is so small that reactions are rare! But because I think transparency is very important, you can find the complete INCI list of our products in the e-shop. There you will also find information about the use of these essential oils (mandarin and geranium oil).
Essential oils - like so many other ingredients - can provoke reactions, but because we at Self opt for a very low percentage, the chance is very rare. The debate that sometimes rages mainly concerns use at high concentrations, where skin irritation can occur more quickly.
I hope I have given you a little more insight into the use of essential oils in cosmetics. If you have any questions, be sure to click around our website, where you will find a lot of information and reading material - you will also find an INCI list for each product and I would always be happy to assist you or provide more information!
