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Vegetable, Why?

Long-chain organic acids, commonly called fatty acids, are the main constituents of vegetable oils. Their use in cosmetic products (skincare) strengthens the skin barrier, that is, the outer layer of the skin, and also the extracellular matrix (ECM), often described as the cement that supports the bricks, i.e., the cells that make up the various layers of the epidermis, called corneocytes (see Figure). The resulting effect of using essential oils in skincare formulations is water retention, through an emollient mechanism, which consists of obstructing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) that leads to skin dehydration. The skin barrier also plays an important role in protecting against external aggressions.

Other effects resulting from the use of vegetable oils are increased skin elasticity and smoothness, as well as providing cosmetic formulations with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, and/or regenerative properties, depending on the oils used.

So-called petrolatum, paraffin or isoparaffins, mineral oil, etc., are petroleum derivatives still used in many cosmetics. The adverse reactions (allergies and others) that can result from the application of these compounds, as well as the search for sustainable ingredients that respect the skin's balance and the environment, are the basis for replacing these components with organic vegetable oils, preferably obtained through physical or biotechnological processes that prevent the decomposition of natural constituents and, therefore, guarantee their benefits.