What do base oils mean? Types of base oils. Vegetable oils in cooking

Homemade soap making makes it possible to have at home a natural cosmetic product with a reliably known composition. The advantage of this is not only to reduce the likelihood of side effects, but also to provide additional healing or cosmetic measures that restore the health and appearance of the skin. Soap base oils are used to create handmade soaps, lotions and shampoos. However, it can be very difficult to choose the most suitable among their huge variety.

In this article, you will learn:

Soap oils

The beneficial properties of natural oils and the effect on the skin of the body

Base oils in aromatherapy, cosmetics and home soap making are called liquid and solid fats of plants. An example of an elementary base oil known to everyone is olive, sesame or almond, although today several dozen others find their place. In general, this kind of products are actively used in everything that concerns the care of the body: the creation of cosmetics, massage, sunburn, treatment and strengthening of the skin, hair and nails.

The beneficial properties of base oils are provided by a specific chemical composition, 95% consisting of triglycerides and fatty acids. These components, as well as soap components and waxes, play an important role in the formation of a lathering substance. In addition to them, sterols, phosphatides, fat-soluble vitamins, lipochromes and other residual products are also found in natural base oils. Naturally, the fewer stages of processing the fat goes through, the more valuable it is, in view of preserving the maximum amount of accompanying substances.

Handmade soap base oils are valuable as a product that produces the following effects:

• stimulate tissue regeneration and growth;
• accelerate metabolism, while improving the assimilation of accompanying nutrients;
• stimulate the natural processes of collagen and fibrogen production;
• strengthen the intercellular membranes;
• prevent the destructive activity of free radicals;
• increase the tone of the skin;
• help to retain moisture in skin cells;
• stimulate blood circulation in tissues;
• normalize the work of the sebaceous glands.

Handmade soap oil composition

As already mentioned, base oils are a complex collection of fatty acids, and the proportions of saturated and unsaturated ones determine the hardness, melting point and other physical parameters. For example, almost all fats with a high unsaturated acid content are solid at room temperature.

It is natural to assume that combinations of certain acids, as well as other components of the composition, determine how the product is absorbed and affects the skin. So, it is known that the more efficiently the oil is absorbed, the more oleic (monounsaturated) acid it contains. Its presence also stimulates a more active assimilation of related substances. It is worth knowing that there is also a minus in such a feature - the quickly absorbed oil clogs the pores. This can result in acne.

What oils to choose for soap by skin type?

Long-absorbed oils leave a film on the surface of the skin, therefore, when creating cosmetic products, one has to look for a middle ground between the raw materials of both types. An indication for the use of oils with certain acids may be the nature of the skin. For example, for dry and damaged skin, nourishing omega-6 acids are needed - linoleic and gamma-linolenic, and for diseased skin - disinfecting omega-3, for example, linolenic. For more details on what specific effects certain types of oils have, see the table below.

The opinion that unrefined oils are more useful and effective for soap making is wrong. The process of cleaning the liquid from impurities does not affect the fatty acid composition in any way. The presence of an additional proportion of vitamins and minerals in products with minimal refining, such as extra virgin olive oil, is important in cosmetic and culinary applications. However, any type of product can be used to make homemade soap.

Solid base oils in soap making can be used on a par with flowable counterparts. Despite the fact that butters, as they are also called, remain solid at room temperature, this does not affect the hardness of the final product in any way. In the matter of the appropriateness of including them in a mixture of oils for making soap, one should rely on the beneficial properties with which the soap will be enriched.

Base oils for handmade soaps: table of properties

Blend of oils for making soap

Naturally, you want homemade soap making to produce the most useful product that has the cosmetic and medicinal properties of a variety of oils. For this purpose, it is proposed to mix no more than 4-5 base oils with each other. They tend to go very well with each other, so they open up a lot of room for experimentation.

Light and heavy oils

Different oils are used for soap making. When mixing, it is recommended to use light and heavy oils in approximately equal proportions. Lungs include liquid, quickly absorbed liquids with a delicate structure, squeezed from apricot or peach seeds, hazelnuts, almonds, evening primrose, grape seed, borage, black currant, etc. Heavy oils are thicker, slowly absorbed and can clog pores, but they have a large amount of antioxidants: cottonseed, sesame, flaxseed, cocoa, avocado, walnut, wheat germ, jojoba. The addition of heavy oils to light oils extends the shelf life of the entire mixture.

Perhaps any housewife would agree that good soap should smell good. The best, as well as the safest and brightest flavors, are essential oils. All oils for soap making should be chosen correctly and only in stores of natural and organic raw materials, in order to be as sure as possible that the quality of the product will be the best.

How to mix?

The question of how much base oil in soap making is needed in relation to essential oil is purely individual, but the approximate share is considered to be up to 4 drops per 100 grams of the finished product. To saturate homemade soap with a wonderful aroma, sandalwood, patchouli, grapefruit, chamomile, ylang-ylang, rose, fir, pine, spruce, cedar, lemon, lavender or mint oils are good. Experimental combinations are naturally not prohibited.

Now you know how to properly use oils for soap making and you can make your own natural and high-quality hygiene products, and most importantly - in accordance with your skin type. Always be beautiful and healthy!

What is base oil?

Among the wide variety of essential oils, there are those that are recommended dilute with base oils before applying to the skin. And those who are just starting their acquaintance with essential oils may have a question: "What are base oils?"

Base oils, which are also called vegetable or transport oils, are oils extracted after cool pressing from seeds, kernels, nuts and fruits of oil plants. Base oils penetrate the skin and make it soft, firm and smooth, nourish and moisturize. Due to the high concentration fatty acids and vitamin E, as well as phytosterols, phospholipids, vitamins, macro- and microelements base oils are active biostimulants of physical, chemical and biological processes: they normalize cell metabolism, promote normal blood circulation, and restore the structure and function of cells.

Base oils do not have a strong aroma, and at the same time retain the smells and properties of aroma oils well. It is the base oils that are considered the best for diluting essential oils as they provide deep penetration of essential oils into the skin when applied externally.

Each of the base oils has its own unique properties (anti-inflammatory, revitalizing, protective, regenerating, healing, etc.) and boasts a wide range of applications. Below we will provide a list of the most commonly used base oils so that you can choose the oil for you.

Base oils with which it is best to dilute essential oils

APRICOT SEED OIL is appreciated for its unique healing properties and for its delicate delicate aroma and pleasant texture. The first experience of using this oil dates back to the medicine of Ancient Tibet. In addition to vitamins C, A and B, usual for base oils, it contains an active form of a rare vitamin F, unique tocopherols and magnesium, potassium, and zinc salts.

AVOCADO OIL has long been known in Mexico as the "beauty oil". Its unique nourishing and regenerating properties transform the skin. Avocado oil contains very high levels of vitamins A and E, which are responsible for antioxidant properties, PP, K and D, as well as vitamins B1 and B2. In addition to vitamins, it contains zinc, salts of phosphate acid, potassium and other trace elements, phytosterols, chlorophyll, the amino acid histidine, squalene, and lecithin.

AMARENTH OIL - Amaranth oil is considered a unique natural remedy that promotes a qualitative increase in cellular respiration. Amaranth oil is considered the only source of squalene among the bases - a unique substance that is as close as possible to natural cellular compounds, but also provides a high-quality activation of cellular respiration.

ARGAN OIL - a valuable oil, which contains unique natural antibiotics, belongs to the most demanded bases in aromatherapy. Argan oil contains phytosterols, squalene, polyphenols, high molecular weight proteins, natural fungicides and antibiotic analogues, which determine its regenerating and healing properties.

GRAPE SEED OIL - one of the most famous base oils, belonging to the group of very valuable. The anti-aging and lifting effect, as well as the ability to be absorbed into the skin without residue, favorably distinguish this base against the background of other vegetable oils. One of the most valuable characteristics of this base is the high content of antioxidants in the form of procyanides.

POMEGRANATE SEED OIL has unique protective, nourishing and moisturizing properties, allowing you to get rid of many serious problems with dryness and loss of skin elasticity. In terms of vitamin E content, pomegranate oil is considered the only competitor to wheat germ oil.

WALNUT OIL - has very pronounced properties of quick hydration, deep saturation of the skin, especially noticeable on dry skin areas. Within one minute after application to inflamed areas, it has a visible soothing effect.

JOJOBA OIL has a thousand-year history of application, it is really unique in its chemical composition and properties that are not lost even during long-term storage. Possessing anti-inflammatory properties, it heals cracks, cuts, injuries, irritations and dermatitis, and is also effectively used in anti-cellulite formulations, including for eliminating stretch marks. Jojoba oil can be used for all skin types - dry, oily or normal, problem areas and at any age.

WHEAT GERM OIL - its main characteristic is not saturation with useful substances, but balance, thanks to which it acquired its healing and cosmetic properties. Wheat germ base oil mixes well with almost all essential oils. It is an ideal base for cosmetics.

ANIMAL OIL - St. John's wort is a well-known medicinal herb in herbal medicine and folk medicine, all of its unique properties of a "wound healer" are fully preserved in the base oil. The healing properties of St. John's wort oil cover a fairly wide range of anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It acts as an excellent antidepressant, has a general sedative effect, has a pronounced analgesic effect and can be used as a sedative.

CALENDULA OIL is known in folk and traditional medicine as an amazing anti-inflammatory agent. In cosmetology, it is calendula oil that is most often used for the care of inflamed and sensitive skin, with an emphasis on the soothing properties of this base oil.

CEDAR OIL - The best pine nut oil is considered to be Siberian cedar oil. This is one of the primordially Russian vegetable oils, the unique characteristics of which also determine its special status in aromatherapy. This oil has a wide range of medicinal properties, which are much more pronounced than cosmetic ones. It is believed that in medical terms it surpasses and fully replaces any, even the rarest vegetable oil.

COCONUT OIL is used primarily for the care of very dry and sensitive skin. It has emollient, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, while remaining a highly nourishing oil with strong protective properties.

CORN OIL as a base oil in aromatherapy is undeservedly used. But the therapeutic characteristics of corn oil deserve attention: the nourishing, softening and stimulating effect is expressed both in the effect on the whole body and in the care of all skin types.

SESAME OIL has more than a thousand years of active use as a kind of beauty elixir, anti-aging agent, additive to strengthen hair and relieve headaches. Sesame oil is stored for a very long time due to not only the high content of vitamin E, but also the unique natural preservative - sesamol (Sesamol). In addition, it contains vitamin C, beta-sitosterol.

LINSEED OIL - Known for thousands of years for its healing properties, it is considered one of the most versatile vegetable oils. It is the most concentrated oil in terms of vitamin F content, and it also has the broadest palette of fatty acids (twice that of fish oil), minerals, supplemented with vitamins A and E.

M

ALMOND OIL - Soft, very pleasant, relatively budgetary and rich in nutrients, the oil boasts not only its properties, but also a rich history of use. Both in the Ancient East and during the greatness of the Roman Empire, almond oil was valued and widely used both for health purposes and to maintain youth and beauty.

CHERRY OIL - rare, valuable and super effective. One of the best bases for the care of mature and aging skin, the characteristics of which are the most pronounced nourishing and protective properties.

SEA BUCKTHORN OIL is ranked among the classic vegetable oils. Balancing in the composition all vitamins and microelements necessary to maintain and restore health and skin turgor, sea buckthorn has long been considered one of the main bases for the care of aging and fading skin.

OLIVE OIL is one of the leaders in popularity and availability among all aromatherapy bases. The unique composition allows the oil to be fully absorbed and penetrate deeply at the cellular level.

PEACH SEED OIL - Soft, light peach oil combines nourishing and moisturizing properties with a fast toning and softening effect.

MILK THISTLE OIL - Unlike many base oils, milk thistle is used almost exclusively internally. The rich set of trace elements also enhances the active effect of the oil, in particular its regenerating properties. The active antioxidant properties of the oil are determined by the high content of vitamins D, F, C and A in easily digestible fat-soluble forms.

BURNEY OIL - affordable and inexpensive, it has acquired the status of an extremely highly specialized product. Thanks to the combination of active components, burdock oil is a phytoactivator that stimulates metabolism, blood circulation, hair growth and their regeneration at the cellular level.

Soybean oil in the Far East is the leader among vegetable bases, it is actively consumed in food. One of the most valuable characteristics is the presence of lecithin in the composition (in the absence of deep purification, which deprives the oil of this component). Soybean oil also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, vitamins P, C, E.

PUMPKIN OIL instantly softens the skin, makes it more velvety to the touch, absorbs very quickly. Leaves no visible oily sheen or discomfort.

BLACK CURRANT OIL is considered the main therapeutic agent for all hormone-dependent skin diseases and as a result of exposure to chemicals or internal medication. Blackcurrant oil helps get rid of dermatoses, acne, dermatitis, reduces itching and eczema. One of the most effective base oils for rheumatic inflammation.

BLACK Cumin Oil - belongs to the category of not very expensive, but very valuable herbal bases in aromatherapy.

SHEA BUTTER (KARITE) when applied to the skin is perfectly distributed, evenly and equally thinly smeared, absorbed into the skin no worse than liquid base oils and at the same time does not leave noticeable greasy marks. This base oil acts as an anti-inflammatory base for ligament and muscle injuries or joint diseases, as well as the best base oil with anti-edema properties. Shea butter heals burns, scars, wounds, stretch marks, dermatitis, stimulates capillary blood circulation. It is able to protect both from excessive solar activity and from chapping and frostbite.

ROSE HIP OIL - extracted from dried rose hips, it was known as a medicinal and cosmetic product even before our era. At the same time, the popular name for the oil - "liquid sun" - is largely due to its stunningly saturated glowing color. The composition of rosehip oil is distinguished by a combination of vitamins and amino acids: ascorbic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linolenic and linoleic). In addition, rosehip oil contains small admixtures of trace elements and beta-carotene.

What is this base oil for essential oils, what is its application? What are the main functions, manufacturing features, which is more useful and which is less?

What are base oils used for?

The so-called base oil for medicinal oils serves as a solvent. In addition, it helps in the use of essential oils in the preparation of aromatic compositions used both in cosmetology and in other branches of human applied activity. It is quite difficult to apply 1-2 drops of essential oil to the entire surface of the body when performing a massage. But if you dissolve them in a much larger volume of another oil, then completely.

The main, but not the only purpose of using base oils is to form a basis for the dilution of organic esters (essential oils), which are strong-smelling substances that endow perfume and cosmetic compositions with unique and inimitable aromas.

Essential oils themselves, although they are liquid and flowing substances, nevertheless, in their pure form, they can damage the skin, since they are considered very concentrated and aggressive chemical compounds, and therefore are not used in their pure form, either in cosmetology or in perfumery. Before use, it is customary to dilute them using a base oil.

The range of applications for base oils does not end there. Due to their unique properties, they are used as such (in pure and isolated form) in cosmetology as a means for softening and moisturizing the skin, as well as for restoring and nourishing hair.

What can be the base oil for essential oils?

According to their chemical composition, all base oils are divided into two categories. Types of base oils:

The so-called butters;
Essentially, fatty oils.

The chemical composition of the former is dominated by saturated fatty acids, which makes them less fluid and rather thick. Such substances, as a rule, are cheaper, but at the same time less useful.

The advantages of such oils include a long shelf life and resistance to microorganisms. They retain their properties longer, deteriorate slowly, and have a significant shelf life.

Fatty base oils are very fluid due to the predominance of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the composition. These substances penetrate very well into the upper layers of the skin, which nourishes and saturates the skin with useful substances.

The disadvantages of fatty base oils include only their short shelf life. Due to their chemical composition, they are very quickly colonized by bacteria, which can lead to acidification of the oil.

Base oil, functions

The base oil in cosmetology is intended for several purposes. First, it softens and moisturizes hair and skin. Application to the skin contributes to the maximum saturation of the upper layers of the epidermis with valuable substances, which normalizes the functional state of the skin, slows down aging, improves its appearance, and so on.

Secondly, the application of base oils helps to loosen the superficial stratum corneum of the skin, which increases its permeability to many beneficial substances contained in cosmetics.

Thirdly, the normalization of the lipid composition of the skin contributes to an increase in its protective characteristics. With the regular use of cosmetics, the likelihood of developing septic pathologies decreases, and the regenerative capabilities of the skin increase.

Base oils, composition and useful properties

Base oils, as mentioned above, are based on fatty oils, both saturated and unsaturated. It is very simple to determine the predominance of one or another component: if a substance thickens strongly already at room temperature, therefore, it belongs to butters.

We can talk about the benefits of unsaturated fatty acids for a long time. The most useful representatives of this group of substances are oleic and linoleic acids.

Both oleic and linoleic acids very well and quickly penetrate through the surface layers of the skin, in which relatively high concentrations of these compounds are formed.

Softened skin retains moisture much better, which prevents drying out, normalizes its appearance, inhibits aging processes, increases its protective properties, and so on.

To maximize the humidification capacity, it is important to remember that the surrounding climate is not draining, which is especially true during the winter period when heating is involved. The best solution in this case would be to use a household humidifier.

Base oils are hypoallergenic. When applied to the skin, there are almost no hypersensitivity reactions, which significantly expands the range of their use and increases the potential audience.

Base oil - application

The use of base oils in cosmetology, in terms of the severity of the therapeutic effect, is not inferior to expensive creams. When choosing such cosmetics, you need to consider a number of criteria that I am going to mention.

Oils must be selected according to the degree of fat content of the skin. If a person has oily skin, it is recommended to use the following oils for basic use: from almond or grape seeds, jojoba and some others. They help to suppress the activity of the sebaceous glands, which will eliminate the negative characteristics of this skin type.

How often should these oils be applied? For such oils, use is limited to once a day, preferably at night, since it is quite fatty. If desired, you can add different essential oils to it.

Cosmetic oils are a storehouse of various vitamins and minerals and, unlike artificial oils, do not have harmful impurities: dyes, preservatives and fragrances. For this reason, getting on the body does not provoke allergies.

Oils nourish and moisturize our skin, saturating it with useful microelements, have anti-aging and softening properties. They are also used to treat various dermatological conditions.

Base oils are the main ingredient in home cosmetics. Unlike purchased products, you yourself choose the dosage of one or another component, depending on the desired result.

Solid oils used in soap making, creating lip creams and balms. In their properties, they are similar to human sebum, so they are easily accepted by the body and are necessary as a conductor for essential oils, which in turn have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.

Liquid oils no less useful. They are used in the preparation of soaps, cosmetics for the face and hair, nail products, and massage oils.

Basic cosmetic oils can act as standalone body care products for maximum nutrition and hydration. They help the skin to produce collagen, become more elastic and soft.

Due to the high content of vitamin E, a natural preservative and antioxidant, oils slow down the aging process, improve microcirculation and regeneration in the skin.

Cosmetic oils list and properties:

Avocado: moisturizes, nourishes, accelerates regeneration processes, protects against ultraviolet radiation

Apricot: nourishes the deep layers of the skin, slows down aging, promotes regeneration, increases elasticity, prevents pore expansion, normalizes the sebaceous glands

Peanut: softens the skin, even the most sensitive.

Apricot kernel oil: smoothes wrinkles, repairs micro-damage to the skin

Grape seed oil: tightens pores, relieves fatigue and inflammation

Cherry seed oil: relieves pain and inflammation, smoothes and repairs damaged skin, has a whitening effect

Mustard: prevents gray hair, restores hair structure, has anti-inflammatory and anti-sclerotic action

Jojoba: regulates sebum production, relieves irritation, moisturizes, prevents dandruff, heals burns

Wheat germ oil: powerful immunomodulatory effect, promotes regeneration, increases skin firmness

Hypericum: anti-inflammatory, promotes hair growth, reduces acne, used for burns

Calendula: relieves inflammation, soothes and heals. Suitable for very sensitive skin, tightens pores, prevents acne

Cocoa: softens, nourishes, restores, protects the skin from external influences

Castor: nourishes the skin, relieves inflammation, restores hair structure

Cedar: prevents aging, nourishes and regenerates hair, improves skin elasticity

Coconut: Heals skin infections, nourishes skin, smoothes wrinkles.

Almond: stimulates hair growth, improves skin elasticity, prevents pore enlargement.

Peach: prevents skin aging, smoothes wrinkles.

Shea Butter: regenerates, protects from the harmful effects of the sun.

Rosehip: has a rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory effect, helps the skin with damage, dryness, dehydration, removes stretch marks.

Of course, the list of cosmetic oils is huge, we have only indicated the most popular and affordable products.

Nourishing, moisturizing, softening and smoothing are properties of each of the listed oils, but some of them stand out for their special targeted action. Therefore, some oils are used with enviable frequency and for solving very specific problems.

List of cosmetic hair oils

Hair from day to day is exposed to various physical and chemical influences: streams of hot air from a hairdryer or a heated curling iron, severe frosts, caustic hair dyes, fixing agents and much more. For this reason, they need our special attention.

There are many different reasons why cosmetic oils are used for hair care. Let's list the main ones:

Restoration of hair structure

Giving them extra shine

Preventing split ends

Stimulating hair growth - nutrition of hair follicles and scalp

Dandruff treatment

Reducing the oiliness of the scalp

Improving the secretion of the sebaceous glands

Thermal protection (hot hair dryer or curling iron, severe frosts)

A variety of cosmetic oils are available to solve these problems. All of them, in addition to the general nourishing effect, have special benefits for the hair, which makes them popular hair care products.

So, cosmetic hair oils list:

Almond

Coconut

Grape seed

Burdock

Castor

• Pumpkin

  Olive

  Sunflower

• Ryzhikovoe

  Hypericum

  Tea tree

  Hemp

  Corn

• Corn

For normal hair, it is best to use corn, olive, linseed and almond oils. Avocado, jojoba, shea and coconut will restore dry and damaged hair, give it volume and protect it from dandruff and breakage.

Tea tree oil, like grape seed oil, normalizes the oiliness of the scalp. Particular attention should be paid to those products that prevent hair loss.

Hair base oils on the table.

Hair base oils are good on their own or in combination with other ingredients. They are added to various hair care products, but the amount is poor. Besides, objects of mass use may not bring the desired result.

For this reason, many people resort to using home cosmetics. This allows you to make the hair care procedure as effective and individual as possible. Don't get too carried away with the amount of additives. Let it be from 2 to 5 ingredients, then the properties of the oil will not be lost in the total mass.

Table 1. Base oils for hair

Cosmetic oils for face and body on the table

Natural oils are one of the best skin care products for the whole body. They contain a huge number of useful components, do not contain harmful substances, unlike store products, and therefore do not cause allergies.

Cosmetic oils can act as a stand-alone care product.

You can smear the body after a bath or as a massage aid. Often, oils are added to various creams, serums and lotions.

The nutritional value of cosmetics is determined not only by the amount of oil, but also by its properties. To understand them, consider the table.

Table 2. Cosmetic oils and their properties

The selection of cosmetic oils is very wide. You just have to choose the option that will help you get the desired result. What recipes have you used for home cosmetics? How do you rate the effectiveness of using oils?