They are certainly popular now, but it’s been a long time coming
I’ve been moisturizing my skin with botanical oils for over 20 years. When I was an editor at ELLE magazine, I often traveled to France, where I would pick up the iconic Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse and Clarins Huile Orchidée Bleue, and smuggle them back in my suitcase, since the same formulations were not available here.
I remember the universal horror when friends found out that I use oils: “Isn’t it greasy?” “Isn’t it oily?” “Ewww.” I patiently explained then, as I do now, that it depends on the kind of oil.
Because of their large molecular structure, petroleum-based oils—like mineral oil and liquid silicones (anything ending in -cone) sit on the skin’s surface, block the pores, make your skin look like a reflector shield and possibly lead to breakouts. But the plant oils that I use penetrate neatly into the skin, and leave it looking plump, radiant and well nourished. There are so many beautiful blends to choose from: argan, sweet almond, evening primrose, neroli, sesame, olive, lavender, coconut, avocado. The list goes on!
I use creams, too, but I love oils, because they are the purest, simplest way to take care of your skin. Think about it: When you remove the ingredients that exist simply to hold a lotion or cream together, what are you left with? Pure oil. Most oils do not need preservatives, since they do not contain water. And water is what provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
I am happy to see that face and body oils are finally swimming in the mainstream. And if you haven’t tried them yet, what are you waiting for?
FOR FACE
Decléor Aromessence Neroli Essential Serum A luxurious essential oil essence, with neroli, sandalwood, juniper berry and sage, this silky oil will keep skin plump and hydrated all day. Just a few delicious drops go a long way! decleorusa.com
EO Ageless Skin Care Organic Argan Face Oil An organic argan oil blend—with avocado oil, vitamin E and jojoba—this extremely versatile oil is great for hydrating face, cuticles or even a bath. eoproducts.com
La Bella Figura Organic Barbary Fig Seed Oil This little powerhouse—with prickly pear seed oil—is light, elegant and absorbent, to plump and nourish the skin, and calm redness or inflammation. Loaded with linoleic and amino acids, which also help fade hyperpigmentation. labellafigurabeauty.com
skyn ICELAND Arctic Face Oil Made of camelina oil, a light oil from the arctic, this emollient product is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids. skyniceland.com
ESPA Optimal Skin ProSerum If I didn’t know the results are based on science, I would think it’s magic—this oil works that well! Nourishing extracts of seaweed and algae, omega fatty acids and turmeric brighten, tighten, plump and even out skin tone. us.espaskincare.com
FOR BODY
Organic Pharmacy Virgin Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil with Frankincense & Vitamin E The lovely rose hip seed oil, loaded with antioxidant vitamins and essential fatty acids, harvested in the Andes Mountains in Chile, will help soften scars, stretch marks and fine lines. theorganicpharmacy.com
Shankara De-Stressing Body Oil With its lovely aroma, this therapeutic blend of Ayurvedic herbs and oils like neem and gotu kola nourish and balance normal, dry or combination skin. shankara.com
Pure Glam Green Beauty Unwind Body Oil This beautiful body oil—with lavender, marjoram, neroli and clementine—smells divine and is made with expeller food-grade coconut and sunflower seed oils to soothe dry skin and succor the soul. organicbeautynow.com
Juara Radiance Vitality Oil With frangipani flower extract, passion fruit seed oil, coconut, avocado and turmeric, this light and luscious oil will firm, smooth and brighten your skin. juarabeauty.com