Vegetable oils are one of the essential ingredients in cosmetics. These active ingredients are generally used in their pure state or added to other skincare products. They are appreciated for their nourishing, moisturizing and revitalizing properties for face, body, and hair. But the vegetable oil shelf life is limited, too. Should it be refrigerated? Find answers.
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How to Store Vegetable Oil Properly.
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Published February 29, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
10 min read
What Are Vegetable Oils Used For in Cosmetics?
As their name suggests, vegetable oils are fats extracted from oil seeds or fruits. They are first cold-pressed to preserve their beneficial properties. What's more, unlike moisturizing creams, they require no preservatives, and can even replace them.
Healthy and 100% natural in composition, vegetable oils are packed with fatty acids and unsaponifiables. Among fatty acids, we find monounsaturated acids such as omega-9 for their emollient, protective and nourishing properties, and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and 6 for their anti-inflammatory and regenerating virtues. Unsaponifiables include vitamins and polyphenols for their antioxidant and repairing properties, and phytosterols for their anti-inflammatory properties.
The function of these oils is to moisturize, deeply nourish, soften the epidermis and reinforce the skin's protective barrier. They are also used to regenerate damaged skin cells, relieve irritation, provide comfort and slow skin aging. Contrary to popular belief, vegetable oils are even suitable for oily skin, purifying, balancing, nourishing and moisturizing it.
How to Store Vegetable Oil?
Skincare products based on vegetable oils are mainly made up of fatty acids (90% of the formula). However, these are highly sensitive to oxidation, which can be caused by factors such as oxygen in the air, heat, interactions with the container or light. The oxidative potential of a vegetable oil depends on the nature and concentration of its fatty acids. For example, the more double bonds a fatty acid has, the higher its oxidation rate. If the fatty acids are altered, the vegetable oil may lose its benefits and become toxic to the body. This can be recognized by a change in the color or odor of the vegetable oil.
To slow down the oxidation process, prolong the vegetable oil shelf life as much as possible and preserve its virtues, it is essential to store it in the right conditions. First and foremost, it's essential to close the bottle properly after use, to avoid letting air in. Next, choose colored containers that protect from light. Should vegetable oil be refrigerated? Although some vegetable oils can be stored at room temperature, “sensitive” oils should be kept in a cool place, preferably in the refrigerator. This is particularly true for hemp, grape seed, black cumin, hazelnut, prickly pear, linseed, rose hip and other oils.
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