CARRIER OIL, MACERATED OIL and BUTTERS. WHAT ARE THEY and HOW ARE THEY OBTAINED?
CARRIER OILS
What are they?
Put simply, Virgin Plant Oils or Vegetable oils are called Carrier oils when their use is dedicated to wellness, massages, body, nails, hair, and face care. Used alone or in association with Essential oils or other carrier oils and natural extracts or ingredients, their function is then to “carry” the nutriments and specific properties of the associated natural product.
Each Carrier oil has its very own specific and sometimes unique properties, besides being wonderfully nourishing, moisturizing, and protective. Carrier oils are charged with indispensable essential fatty acid (Omega -3, -6,) crucial to our health and wellbeing and are rich in natural Vitamins A, E, B, C, D, E, K, B3, and F.
Carrier oils are all emollient and have been used for the longest time for our skincare.
How are they obtained?All our carrier oils are 100% pure and obtained by cold pressing of the pips, kernels, or seeds, of the plant. The cold process of extraction ensures that the oils natural characteristics are not altered or altogether lost, by contact with excessive heat. The oils obtained are then decanted through successions of mechanic filters (grids, colanders, and papers) to remove the crushed shells and remaining vegetal debris. No high heat, high pressure, chemical solvents, or additional chemical processing are ever involved in the obtention of our Carrier oils.
MACERATED OILS
What are they?
Most aromatic plants, (the distillation of which gives us the wonderful essential oils) are not oleaginous and therefore cannot yield vegetable oil/carrier oils.
To be able to benefit from the specific properties of both the essences and the oils, our ancestors had the insight to combine them in one operation they called Maceration or Infusion.
Macerated Oils are, therefore “Boosted Carrier Oils”.
How are they obtained?
Parts of the aromatic plant, valued for their inherent properties, are chopped and immersed in a neutral vegetable oil, often sunflower. This combination of neutral oil and aromatic plants parts is then subjected to sunlight for a length of time, to promote the transfer of the plant's active ingredients into the neutral oil. Once the maceration process is achieved, the vegetable oil is no longer neutral. The oily infusion obtained has become a carrier oil loaded with the beneficial active properties of the aromatic plant: a macerated oil.
BUTTERS
What are they?Our butter, like carrier oils, are vegetable fats, cold-pressed from oleaginous plants. Depending on its composition of fatty acids, the fat will be liquid – carrier oils - or thick, or even solid -vegetable butter- at room temperature. Just like our carrier oils, body butters are moisturizing, help protect the skin, are rich in essential nutrients and vitamins. Butters are highly versatile to use and well suited for a wide range of skin, cosmetic and hair care applications and contribute to the viscosity and stability of emulsions.
You can use our natural butter pure, just as they are. Heat them slightly, in the palm of your hand or in an oil burner, and butter becomes liquid and easier to apply, even better absorbed when massaged on a warmed skin. By combining our butter with essential oils, carrier oils, lotion, and cream bases, you can create a personal range of body, hair, beard care, and massage blends to best suit your individual needs.
How are they obtained?
Our unrefined, RAW, butter are traditionally crafted, crushed, cold-pressed (less than 40 ̊C) and extracted from the dried kernels, nuts, pip or pulp of the plant, like they have been for hundreds of years. The virgin oils are collected and bottled (first extraction), while the remaining oily paste is pressed a second time to produce the butter, which is then allowed to cool and solidify. As can be expected with any artisanal products there will be slight variations in colour, texture, scent, and other characteristics between one batch of raw butter to the next.
Carrier Oils: Your Ultimate Guide to Types, Benefits, and Uses
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are base oils used to dilute essential oils for topical application, ensuring safe and effective use. Despite often being called vegetable oils, many are extracted from nuts and seeds. Their "fixed" nature prevents rapid evaporation, allowing essential oils to penetrate the skin and extending their benefits. In aromatherapy and cosmetics, the right carrier oil can significantly enhance the final product's efficacy, aroma, color, and shelf life.
Composition and Extraction
Carrier oils contain various beneficial components:
- Minerals: Enhance skin brightness, protection, oil balance, and firmness.
- Vitamins: Support skin health, oil balance, hydration, and tone.
- Sterolins: Moisturize, soften, and even out skin tone.
- Oleic Acids: Maintain softness, radiance, and moisture, combating aging signs.
- Linoleic Acids: Moisturize, emulsify, soothe, and benefit acne-prone skin.
- Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection and delays aging signs.
- Lecithin: Softens, soothes, and hydrates skin and hair.
- Phytosterols: Support collagen production, skin defense, and repair.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Maintain skin barrier, hydrate, and protect.
- Selenium: Offers antioxidant benefits and anti-aging effects.
- Medium-Chain Triglycerides: Provide intense moisture and hair conditioning.
- Palmitoleic Acid: Delays aging, moisturizes, tightens skin, and promotes hair and nail health.
Extraction methods include cold pressing, expeller pressing, oil maceration, and solvent extraction. Cold pressing is preferred for its purity, while expeller pressing may involve refining, bleaching, and deodorizing.
Carrier Oil Contraindications
While nut oils are generally safe, individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution. Opt for hypoallergenic alternatives to ensure safety.
Quality Factors
- Aroma: Mild, natural scent or odorless.
- Extraction Method: Cold-pressed, organic, unrefined, extra virgin oils are ideal.
- Consistency and Absorption: Choose based on skin type and desired effect.
- Fatty Acids and Tocopherols: Beneficial components for skin and hair health.
- Shelf Life: Oils high in unsaturated fats have a shorter shelf life (up to 6 months), while others can last 1-2 years. Proper storage is essential.
Storing Carrier Oils
Store in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is generally acceptable, but avoid it for oils like Avocado. Add 1% Vitamin E oil to extend the shelf life of oils prone to rancidity.
Types of Carrier Oils
- Hard Oils: Solid at room temperature, add firmness to products (e.g., Palm, Coconut).
- Soft Oils: Liquid at room temperature, provide moisture and nourishment (e.g., Olive, Canola, Sweet Almond).
When substituting, consider the oil's texture and contribution to the recipe. Blending oils allows for customization and combining therapeutic benefits.
Pricing
Carrier oil prices vary based on plant type, origin, processing, quantity, and supplier.
Uses & Benefits
Carrier oils are essential for diluting essential oils, preventing skin sensitization, and enhancing absorption. They also offer independent therapeutic benefits due to their nourishing constituents.
Carrier Oils Guide
- Nut Oils: Emollient, soothing, suitable for sensitive and oily skin (e.g., Almond, Hazelnut).
- Seed Oils: Condition and repair skin, soothe irritation, and promote even tone (e.g., Borage, Carrot).
- Fruit Oils: Gentle, nourishing, light, and suitable for sensitive skin (e.g., Apricot, Avocado).
- Essential Fatty Acid Oils: Hydrate, soothe, and balance skin's oil production (e.g., Argan, Calendula).
Absorption Rates
- Very Fast: Drying oils, high in polyunsaturated fats (e.g., Hazelnut, Rosehip).
- Fast: Light oils, quickly absorbed with a silky finish (e.g., Apricot Kernel, Grapeseed).
- Average: Leave a silky feeling (e.g., Jojoba, Argan).
- Slow: May feel gummy or waxy, leave a slight oily residue (e.g., Carrot, Sweet Almond).
- Very Slow: Heavy oils, require warming, leave a thick moisturizing barrier (e.g., Evening Primrose, Coconut).
Carrier Oils in Diffusers
Carrier oils are generally not needed in nebulizers or electric diffusers. However, they can be used in reed diffusers to soften the aroma of essential oils.
Where to Buy
Purchase carrier oils from health food stores, grocery stores, online vendors, or essential oil companies. Prioritize reputable suppliers offering high-quality, cold-pressed oils.
Remember: Choose carrier oils based on your needs, preferences, and skin type. Research specific oils for their unique properties and benefits. Enjoy the versatility and therapeutic potential of carrier oils in your aromatherapy and skincare practices!