Best Natural Cosmetic: Vegetable oil for daily care

Today I want to talk about some vegetable oils within our reach, which we can include in our daily skincare and natural beauty routine. They are natural cosmetic alternatives that value our skin and can be an attractive saving for our pockets.

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First of all, I am not one of those who think that industrial creams contain toxic and carcinogenic ingredients, etc.; you will not catch me out there. The industry is highly regulated, and creams and cosmetics that come into the market must pass fairly strict sanitary controls. A slightly suspicious substance is withdrawn from sale as soon as it is detected.

I'm also not a staunch defender of natural cosmetics, as they can contain many allergenic ingredients, and what's natural isn't always good for everyone.

However, cosmetic brands sometimes fool us a little and ask us for exorbitant amounts of money for creams whose ingredients are not worth it and do not even fulfill half of their promises. If you are interested in this topic, I recommend this other post I wrote some time ago.

Next, I will talk about some vegetable oils I find very interesting to give them at least a chance and try natural cosmetics for much less money than you would spend on fragrances.

Note: If you have atopic skin or if you have contact allergies (allergies to Peruvian balsam or fragrances, like me), be careful what you apply, no matter how natural or organic, and always start with a small area before expanding on its use, to check if you tolerate it well.

Natural cosmetics: What are vegetable oils, and how are they used?

Vegetable oils can be used instead of whatever cream or lotion we use, be it for the face, body, or hair, because unlike what the cosmetic industry believes with the Oil-Free label, many vegetable oils do not provide fat to the epidermis, as they are not comedogenic, they moisturize and nourish just like creams. The only thing you have to learn is to apply it correctly.

If you have ever applied oil on dry skin, you must have thought your skin had become oily. But what happens is to remain oily because the oil has not been able to penetrate the epidermis because the skin must be moist to carry out its moisturizing function. There are several alternatives to this:

Apply the oil as soon as you get out of the shower. Squeeze some excess water out of your body, but apply the oil before you dry it with a towel.
Spray hot water in the area you will treat before applying the oil.
Use hydrosol or floral water. This product is found in natural cosmetic stores, drugstores, and herbalists.

Ideas for turning vegetable oils into natural cosmetics

As a facial and body lotion that moisturizes and/or nourishes.
As a hair mask or conditioner, it depends on the results you want to achieve, and you should apply them before or after washing. Soon I will share some home recipes for treating hair with oil.
You can use it as an ally in hair removal during waxing with a knife or as a remedial balm after waxing.
You can get an excellent exfoliating ointment mixed with salt, sugar or bicarbonate.
You can add a few tablespoons to a soothing bath for deep hydration.
You can use it to give or receive a relaxing massage.

Vegetable oils for cosmetic use: Types of oils and their approximate price

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Olive oil. The king of our kitchen and one of the cheapest beauty products you can find. It attracts and retains the skin's natural moisture. It is an antioxidant and helps prevent skin aging. Its approximate price in the extra virgin olive oil version is 4-5 euros per litre, 7-8 euros if you want it in the organic version.

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Sunflower oil. Please, pure (unrefined) and the first cold pressing. Lately, in supermarkets, I see a lot of oil that looks like a sunflower but is actually from indeterminate seeds and obtained that way. It is highly moisturizing and has high amounts of vitamin E, which is linked to preventing wrinkles and aging. However, the most interesting thing about this oil is that it is the only one on this list that can boast 100% non-comedogenic, which is very attractive for people prone to acne. A litre costs around 6 euros, and you will almost certainly have to go to a gourmet or organic food store to get it.
Sweet almond oil. It is highly moisturizing, and its regenerative properties are attributed to it, making it ideal for treating scars and preventing stretch marks. It's not very reactive, so it's usually recommended for sensitive skin and young children. The price may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, but you can find a 1-litre container starting at 12.95 euros on Amazon.
Castor oil. They know it as Castor Oil in America but don't worry, they don't sacrifice any animals to get it. Jatropha is a shrub containing about 40-50% oil. Its cosmetic properties are its moisturizing and regenerative powers, and properties that strengthen hair, eyelashes and eyebrows are also attributed to it. It is one of the oils best tolerated by the skin, making it ideal for people with a tendency for oily skin. On Amazon, you can find it at 14.99 euros/litre.

Those are some examples of vegetable oils that we can use at home to treat ourselves naturally and economically. Have you ever calculated how much a litre of your face moisturizer will cost? If you finally dare to try one or have other suggestions, don't hesitate to add them in the comments section.