Here's why experts love oil macerates
In the world of natural skincare, oil macerates are attracting growing interest. Rich in active plant ingredients, vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, they are prized for their nourishing, repairing, and protective properties. But what exactly are these oils with their many benefits? How are they made and used in cosmetics? Here's everything you need to know about these treasures of nature.
What is an oily macerate?
An oily macerate is a preparation obtained by infusing plants in a neutral vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, sweet almond, etc.). This method extracts the fat-soluble compounds from the plants and concentrates them in the oil, creating a treatment rich in natural active ingredients.
Not to be confused with conventional vegetable oils While vegetable oil is extracted directly from a fruit or seed (e.g., argan oil, coconut oil), an oily macerate is the result of gently extracting the active ingredients from a plant into a carrier oil.
How is an oil macerate made?
There are two main methods of maceration, each influencing the quality of the final product:
1. Cold maceration (the gentlest and most effective)
- The dried plants are immersed in vegetable oil.
- The mixture is left to rest for 3 to 6 weeks away from light and at room temperature.
- The oil gradually absorbs the active ingredients.
- Filtration of the mixture to obtain the final oily macerate.
Advantage : Preserves heat-sensitive molecules such as vitamins and antioxidants as much as possible.
2. Hot maceration (faster but potentially damaging)
- The plants are heated in oil at a low temperature for several hours.
- Filtration is performed to separate the oil from the plant residues.
Disadvantage Certain active molecules, particularly vitamins, can be partially destroyed by heat.
Tip For better preservation, it is advisable to add a few drops of natural vitamin E to the oil macerate and keep it away from light and heat to prevent oxidation.
Essential oil macerates and their benefits
1. Calendula macerate (Calendula Officinalis)
- Properties : Soothing, anti-inflammatory, healing.
- Ideal for : Sensitive, irritated, or redness-prone skin.
- Use Applied directly to the skin or incorporated into repair creams.
2. Arnica macerate (Arnica Montana)
- Properties Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, promotes blood circulation.
- Ideal for Relieve muscle pain, bruises, and heavy legs.
- Use : For massage after exercise or on sensitive areas.
3. Carrot Macerate (Daucus Carota)
- Properties : Healthy glow, antioxidant, regenerating.
- Ideal for : Brighten the complexion, prepare the skin for tanning, moisturize dry hair.
- Use : As a facial oil, in a moisturizer, or as a hair mask.
4. St. John's Wort Macerate (Hypericum Perforatum)
- Properties : Healing, anti-inflammatory, soothing.
- Ideal for : Minor burns, sunburn, skin irritation.
- Use Apply in the evening, as it is photosensitizing, and apply SPF 50 sunscreen in the morning.
5. Bellis macerate (Bellis Perennis – Daisy)
- Properties : Firming, toning, skin tightening.
- Ideal for : Tone the skin of the bust, reduce sagging skin.
- Use : Massage on the décolleté and face.
How can you incorporate oil macerates into your beauty routine?
Oil macerates are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:
. As a facial care oil A few drops at the end of your routine to nourish the skin.
. In a moisturizer Add 2-3 drops to boost the properties of the treatment.
. As hair oil : Applied to the lengths to protect and nourish the hair.
. Body massage : Apply to damp skin to maximize absorption and benefits.
. In a bath A few drops for a nourishing and relaxing effect.
