Plant power: The benefits of using essential oils
How can you elevate your beauty products to the highest possible standard? You might want to consider incorporating essential oils into your skincare, haircare and wellness ranges. It’s a great way to improve the quality of your formulations and uniquely distinguish them from your competitors' products too.
Renowned for their potent properties, botanicals can create healthy-looking skin and hair as well as boosting wellbeing. Depending on what essential oil blends you choose, they can offer enticing aromas and a range of therapeutic properties.
However, as the use of essential oils increases in popularity, there has also been an accompanying spread of misinformation. Essential oils must be used at precise concentrations to ensure their safety and effectiveness. It’s important to work with a trusted manufacturer who will ensure formulations meet the appropriate standards.
Let’s take a look in more detail about what essential oils are and how they are made…
Focus on essential oils
Essential oils are technically an extract but they are processed and named differently. They are highly concentrated plant extracts, which are gained through distillation or cold pressing.
Known for their aromatic properties and natural benefits, essential oils have been used for centuries. From the refreshing scent of lavender to the uplifting aroma of citrus oils, each one carries its own unique blend of properties. Whether it’s balancing oil production, combating acne, or reducing the appearance of fine lines, essential oils can address a wide range of skincare concerns.
You often need a large amount of plant matter to produce just a small measure of essential oils. All essential oils are very concentrated and, as such, are covered by highly regulated safety standards.
A reputable beauty manufacturer will ensure that all health and safety requirements are successfully fulfilled. It’s important to note that there are restrictions on how essential oils are used in cosmetics, with most suppliers providing International Fragrance Association (IFRA) documents on the levels of essential oils that can be used safely.
How are essential oils made?
- Essential oils are mainly steam distilled. In short, water is heated with the botanical, then the steam carries the fragrance before cooling and condensing. The liquid that’s produced forms two layers: with the required oil at the top and water at the bottom.
- With some essential oils, heat destroys the fragrance. This is the case with citrus fruits and a different method is needed to extract the oil. For example, you might instead take orange peels and roll them in a drum with spikes, which pierces the peel. The peel is then pressed to extract the oil.
- Another extraction method is creating ‘absolutes’. This is when you extract your fragrance using a solvent (like alcohol), and then you drive off that solvent to leave your highly concentrated ‘absolute’ remaining.
Discover more
At Hera Beauty, we offer a wide range of essential oil blends - whether you’re looking for something calming, invigorating or simply an aroma that captivates the senses. Take a look at our recap on industry trends to discover how 2024 has become the year for choosing a ‘signature scent’.
Want to find out more about how to incorporate essential oils into your beauty formulations? Get in touch today.