Essential oils versus Infused oils

This may sound silly to those in the natural health industry, but I didn't actually know what the difference was between essential oil and infused oil until recently. So I'm gonna explain what I know about both types of herbal oils. Both oils are good for us when used correctly. but they have very different purposes in our skincare.

Essential Oils

USES
Essential oil is what we sell at Mob studios next to our diffusers. You don't need to use very much oil, because essential oils are extremely concentrated. 3- 7 drops of oil in the diffuser is plenty. People diffuse oils to for aromatherapy to promote relaxation, mood enhancement, or a sense of calm. The oil contains the essence—the distinct fragrance and flavor compounds—of the plant. 

The other use of essential oil is topical application where oil is applied to the skin. Often used for massage, home remedies, and skin care products, essential oils can be mixed with a neutral "carrier oil" (like coconut, jojoba oil) to prevent skin irritation. Here are some facts about how essential oils are used in skincare...

• Natural Fragrance: They are frequently added to cosmetics in low concentrations (typically 1% or less) to provide a natural scent instead of synthetic perfumes.

• Bioactive Benefits: Many provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anti-inflammatory properties depending on the botanical source.

• Penetration: Because they are lipophilic (fat-loving), they can easily pass through the skin's lipid barrier

​HOW THEY ARE MADE
Essential oils are a complicated product to make... thus... most product companies outsource their oils.

• Steam distillation: Plants are exposed to hot steam to force the aromatic oils to release and turn into vapor, which is then cooled and collected back into liquid oil.

• Cold pressing: Citrus oils are usually extracted mechanically by pressing or squeezing the rinds.

• Purity: True essential oils are pure botanical extractions. Synthetic or artificial imitation oils do not contain the real plant compounds. 

*Safety note: Because essential oils are intensely concentrated, using them improperly can cause skin rashes, allergic reactions, or harm if swallowed
*Most essential oils last between 1 to 6 years, depending heavily on the plant source, chemical composition, and how they are stored.

​Next lets talk about infused oils.

​USES
Culinary
​Skincare
      Moisturizing: Massage herbal-infused oils (such as calendula or lavender) directly into damp skin 
      Salves and Balms: Use herbal oils as the foundational base melted together with beeswax to create healing            salves for dry skin, minor burns, or irritated areas.
      Scalp and Hair Care: Massage nourishing oils into the scalp to condition hair and stimulate circulation. 
      Body Massage: Use infused oils to ease muscle tension and boost blood flow during a massage

HOW THEY ARE MADE
Infused oils can be made easily at home so many skin care companies make their own infused oils.
Infused oils are made by steeping whole plant parts in a carrier oil. Plant parts (like leaves, flowers, or roots) soak in a base vegetable oil—such as olive, jojoba, or sunflower oil—for weeks. The oil slowly extracts the fat-soluble compounds of the plant. Infused oils are mild in scent and gentle on the skin. They contain the properties of both the base carrier oil and the infused herb.  These oils are safe to apply directly to the skin without dilution. You can use them for massages, skincare, or even cooking (depending on the food-safe base oil used).

"The process of infusing oils requires steeping the plant over a period of time to properly imbue the plant’s benefits. “A plant has a broad spectrum of constituents—or ingredients and chemicals—and they all work together,” Mitchell says. “Nature has intelligence. Plants were here long before we were, and the innate intelligence of plants is amazing. By infusing oils into a carrier oil for topical use, all the plant’s benefits may be utilized, not just the volatile oils. When essential oils are extracted, most of the plant material is left unused. When oils are infused, the entire plant soaks into the oil for three weeks or three months, depending on the type of plant and process required." -Em's herbals

*Safety note: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE CARRIER OIL USED IN INFUSED OIL PRODUCTS .
 Infused oils typically last 1 to 2 years when stored properly, SO EXPIRATION DATE IS IMPORTANT WITH INFUSED OILS.

Now that I know the difference between the two oils, I have started looking at products differently. I know that a product made with essential oil will have a stronger smell (most likely) and a longer shelf life and the oil will most likely be outsourced from an essential oil distillery. I also know that a product made with infused oil will have better healing properties, a shorter shelf life, and hopefully grown locally. 
​
This is very exciting to me with my plans for Badger Hill Orchard!!!!

Next, step...understanding carrier oils.

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