My First Experience with Plant Oils
Quite by accident, I discovered just how much my skin loves plant oils.
Once, while making a face cream, I had some oil left over that I had originally intended to use in the cream. I decided to try applying it directly to my face.
I was surprised that it didn’t leave my skin feeling heavy or unpleasantly greasy. Quite the opposite. My skin felt smooth and soft to the touch, with a lovely natural glow.
It was a real “aha” moment for me.
Although I had already read a great deal about the properties of plant oils, I wanted to experience their effects on my own skin. I’m the kind of person who prefers to try things first and only then decide whether they suit me.
That experience awakened an even greater curiosity in me.
I began exploring plant oils, their composition, properties and, above all, the differences between them. Gradually, I discovered that not all oils are alike and that these differences can significantly influence how an oil feels on the skin.
What Makes Plant Oils So Special?
Plant oils are primarily composed of different fatty acids. Their composition plays an important role in determining an oil’s properties, stability and the way it feels on the skin.
In addition to fatty acids, they may also contain tocopherols (vitamin E), phytosterols, carotenoids and other naturally occurring compounds. Their concentrations vary depending on the plant, extraction method and degree of refinement.
Plant oils are primarily emollients. They soften and smooth the skin while helping to reduce water loss from its surface. In this way, they support the skin’s protective barrier and contribute to a more comfortable skin feel.
Over time, I have grown particularly fond of a few oils:
- Rosehip oil – contains linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, as well as naturally occurring carotenoids. I appreciate its composition and the pleasant feeling it can leave on the skin.
- Grapeseed oil – rich in linoleic acid, relatively lightweight and often pleasant to use on combination skin.
- Jojoba oil – actually a liquid wax, with a composition that differs from most plant oils. It leaves the skin feeling smooth and silky.
- Evening primrose oil – contains linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. It is particularly interesting in formulations designed for dry and sensitive skin.
- Argan oil – contains mainly oleic and linoleic acids, along with tocopherols. It gently softens and nourishes the skin.
Each of these oils has its own characteristics. That’s why I enjoy exploring them individually, rather than only as ingredients in skincare products.
Not Every Oil Suits Every Skin Type
If you compare a few plant oils you have at home, you’ll quickly notice the differences.
Some are thicker, while others are more fluid. Some spread very lightly across the skin, while others leave a richer, more protective feeling. They also differ in colour, scent and how quickly the oily sensation fades after application.
When choosing an oil, it’s therefore not only about the beneficial compounds it contains.
What also matters is how the oil feels on our skin.
Dry skin may appreciate a richer oil, while combination skin often benefits from a lighter feel. With sensitive skin, choosing the right oil requires particular care.
Of course, there is no universal rule. Even two people with similar skin types may experience the same oil quite differently.
That’s why I believe it’s important to observe our skin and listen to what it tells us.
Sometimes our skin doesn’t need more. It simply needs what suits it.
Which plant oil is your favourite?
