Known as the “miracle hair and nail oil”, Sweet Almond Oil is extremely rich in Vitamin B, which is the main vitamin that is responsible for the rapid growth of keratin, the protein that our hair and nails are made of. It’s gentleness makes it a particularly useful oil to use on babies and those with sensitive skin in general. It has a soft, sweet smell which can be attributed to the light scent of the almond and can also be used as a massage oil.
Best Known For: use as a cuticle and nail oil, a conditioning hair oil.
Use this oil if: you have damaged or brittle nails, if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, or if you have dry, irritated or sensitive skin.
Suitable for: All skin types, specially dry and sensitive skin. Dry and damaged hair.
Avocado Oil – The ‘Healing’ Oil
A beautifully rich and pure oil made from the fleshy pulp surrounding the avocado pit.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Shelf Life: 10-12 months
Natural Contents: Vitamin A, B1, B2, D and E.
Have you ever wondered why most deep hair conditioners use Avocado Oil as it’s base? Because it’s so wonderfully rich and FULL of protein! Avocado Oil has one of the highest sources of protein out of all the oils and because of this, is known for its’ healing properties for damaged hair and skin. It contains high amounts of Amino acids, sterols and essential fatty acids that feed the skin and provide tons of moisture.
Avocado oil is known to have amazing healing and regenerative properties and is very useful when healing sunburn or damaged skin that is undernourished.
Best Known For: Treating damaged hair and skin, by way of facial and hair masks.
Use this Oil If: Your hair is damaged or your skin is feeling extremely dry.
Suitable for: Damaged hair. Dry hair, irritable and dry skin.
Grapeseed Oil – The ‘Absorbant ‘ Oil
A light green cold-pressed oil which is pressed from the seeds of various varieties of Italian grapes – the by-product of winemaking.
Country of Origin: Italy
Shelf Life: 14-16 months
Natural Contents: Vitamins A through E.
Due to Grapeseed Oils’ high lanoleic acid value (which is greater than most oils), the oil is highly moisturising and is light for use in skincare. The oil absorbs very quickly into skin’s pores, making this an excellent base carrier oil for essential oil fragrances. Grapeseed is especially good for people whose skin does not absorb oil very well and does not leave a greasy residue.
It is also used very frequently within the aromatherapy sector as a massage oil, due to its’ absorbent properties. For those who like to make their own natural products, adding grapeseed oil will help preserve the ingredients as it’s a natural preservative.
Best Known For: Use as a massage oil; natural preservative
Use this oil if: you love mixing your own massage oils and body butters.
Suitable for: All skin types.
Glycerine – Prison for moisture
Vegetable glycerin is moisturising for the skin and helps to seal or lock in moisture. A must for dry, curly or kinky hair!
Country of Origin: Worldwide
Shelf Life: 18-24 months
Natural Contents: As vegetable glycerin is a by-product of coconut, it contains mostly fatty acids.
Completely Vegetable derived (extracted from coconut), Vegetable Glycerin can be found in a variety of skincare products and is often used as an alternative to alcohol to extract botanicals. Glycerin is used in moisturisers to stop skin drying out and in the formulation of skincare products to deal with psoriasis, rashes, burns, bedsores and cuts.
Best Known For: locking in moisture
Use this Oil If: Your hair and skin are damaged and are in need of serious hydration.
Suitable for: All skin types; dry and normal hair.
Argan Oil – The ‘Hair’ Oil.
Argan oil is cold-pressed and is very rich in anti-oxidants, historically being used in anti-ageing products. Produced from the kernels of the Argan tree in Morocco.
Country of Origin: Morocco
Shelf Life: 12-18 months
Natural Contents: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Proteins and Minerals.
Argan, or “Moroccan” oil is widely known as being a ‘hair’ oil, mostly due to the fact that in contains an incredible amount of vitamin B and protein content which is essential for hair and nail maintenance and growth. In fact, Argan oil is also amazing for the skin and having used it a few times myself, my skin has always felt incredibly soft, supple and smooth.
Castor Oil – The ‘Magic Growth’ Elixr
A thick, vegetable oil that derives from the Castor bean. Used predominantly to treat burns and scars. Also widely used as a hair growth oil.
Country of Origin: Jamaica
Shelf Life: 12-18 months
Natural Contents: Vitamins A-E as well as a HELLUVA lot of protein
These are all the oils for now. I hope this information proves helpful for anyone who is looking to use more oil based products for the upcoming winter months and if you would like a part 2, please let me know as I have a whole ton of other oils that I could talk about!
Really fascinating post and I told you it would be worth it because it was really interesting and fun to read ๐
Fabulous read and full of information. I'm big on oils as we know and mix and match DIY skincare, where do you get your oils from? X
Cheers love! I get mine from http://www.aromantic.co.uk, naturallythinking.co.uk, http://akuawood.co.uk/ and http://www.akomaskincare.co.uk/ ๐
Aw thanks a lot honey. Was going to say I find it near damn impossible to find oils in this town at times. When I do, it's like I have to buy the entire lot cos I won't see it again lol xo
oh cant believe i missed this post ๐ love it.. x i also use akomaskincare.co.uk