The history of cosmetic oils: from the gods to you and me

Both in ancient times and in modern times, human skin needs protection from exposure to the sun, wind, frost and the rapid appearance of age-related changes. We use high-quality cosmetics based on natural ingredients, including cosmetic oils. This tradition is several thousand years old, and in this article we will trace the known history of the use of cosmetic oils.

What are cosmetic oils

Cosmetic (or base) oils are thick substances that are easily absorbed into the skin and moisturize it well. They are also known as carrier oils because they carry dissolved essential oils and other ingredients well into the skin.

Base oils are predominantly derived from plants (although emu oil is obtained from ostriches, for example). The source is the part containing the most fat. Usually these are fruits, seeds, nuts.

Cosmetic oils include:

• emu;
• pecan;
• marula;
• jojoba;
• avocado;
• rapeseed;
• coconut;
• olive;
• sesame;
• macadamia;
• castor;
• peanut;
• apricot;
• sunflower;
• hazelnut;
• camellia seeds;
• walnut;
• borage seeds;
• sweet almond;
• evening primrose;
• grape seeds;
• fractionated coconut.

The best way to obtain these oils is cold pressing followed by filtration. This method was known and available in antiquity. Therefore, it is not surprising that our ancestors quickly began to use the gifts of nature rich in useful substances.

History of cosmetic oils

Some historians suggest that the Aborigines of Africa used emu oil for an unimaginably long time - more than 40,000 years. Vegetable cosmetic oils are mentioned in the earliest written sources that have come down to us. Archaeologists have uncovered many records that mention that the ancient Egyptians used castor, olive, sesame and other oils for personal care. An interesting fact - sesame and olive oils were Cleopatra's favorite oils.

Why were these oils important specifically for cosmetic purposes? The climate of Ancient Egypt was milder than the current one, but the sun, winds and sands still caused significant damage to the skin, causing burns, overdrying and other damage. Egyptian healers used to mix herbs, spices, and other ingredients with carrier oils before applying them to wounds or broken skin.

Oils were so valued in Egypt that they could pay wages to workers. And in ancient Mesopotamia, oil was not only highly valued - it was considered as essential to life as water! Pliny also mentions cosmetic oils in his writings. For example, according to him, almond oil smoothed out wrinkles and improved complexion.

In ancient Greece, base oils were first turned into a cream. This merit is attributed to the famous physician Galen. The famous "Galen wax" is considered the world's first cold cream and was a mixture of olive oil, beeswax and rose water. It was such a big breakthrough in cosmetology that its original recipe became the "progenitor" of modern products, such as Pond's and Nivea.

The Middle Ages also enriched the global "box" of cosmetic recipes with base oils. One famous example is Santa Maria Novella Nourishing Night Oil. This mixture of avocado and macadamia oils was made by Dominican monks - the remedy is still popular and in demand. Most medieval skincare formulations were somehow based on wax or base oils - their creaminess and fat content were especially appreciated.

The technological boom of the New Age for some time allowed mineral oils to eclipse vegetable oils. But later, mineral oils were considered a source of clogged pores and even skin cancer. Mineral oils used in cosmetics are safe. But because of such compromising information, vegetable oils were able to quickly regain their former influence. In addition, industry stars such as Shu Uemura, Josie Maran, and Linda Rodin have helped revive interest in base oils.

In recent decades, due to the wide availability of recipes on the Internet, anyone can make a cosmetic cream based on base oil. The desire to use pure natural cosmetics only increases the demand for cosmetic oils. You can try too. Who knows, maybe your products will become a new sought-after cosmetic line!