The Science of Botanical Oils: How Nature’s Oils Support Healthy Skin
The skin is a dynamic, self-regulating organ—the body’s largest external organ—designed to act as a protective barrier between our internal systems and the outside environment. It produces lipids, antioxidants, and moisturizing factors to maintain strength and adaptability, while also hosting a diverse community of microorganisms known as the skin microbiota. This microbiota plays a crucial role in keeping the skin balanced and resilient.
However, internal and external stressors—such as environmental pollutants, harsh skincare products, nutrient deficiencies, or lifestyle factors—can disrupt this equilibrium, impacting both the skin’s microbiota and its barrier function. When this happens, the skin may show signs of imbalance, such as dryness, sensitivity, or excess oil production.
Many synthetically made skincare ingredients—such as lab-created emollients and stabilizers—are designed to mimic the skin’s natural biology. However, botanical oils provide these essential compounds in a bioavailable, unaltered form, supporting the skin’s natural processes without additives or unintended side effects.
For centuries, botanical oils have been used in skincare traditions worldwide, and modern research now explains why. Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients, these oils can reinforce the skin barrier, minimize moisture loss, and provide protective compounds that work in harmony with the skin.
Image taken by @halo_magda_ (on Instagram)
What Makes Botanical Oils Beneficial?
Each botanical oil has a distinct composition, but most contain a combination of lipids, vitamins, and plant compounds that contribute to skin health.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): EFAs are crucial for maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier, which helps retain moisture and keep skin supple.
Linoleic acid (omega-6): Often deficient in oily and acne-prone skin, linoleic acid helps regulate sebum consistency, reduce congestion, and support barrier function.
Oleic acid (omega-9): Often deficient in dry and mature skin, oleic acid helps stimulate natural oil production, enhancing moisture retention, and supporting elasticity.
Antioxidants & Polyphenols: Many plant oils contain antioxidants like vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids, which help protect against environmental stressors. Oils such as raspberry seed, pomegranate, and sea buckthorn are particularly high in these protective compounds.
Phytosterols & Skin-Soothing Compounds: Plant sterols help support skin elasticity and may contribute to a calming effect on reactive skin. Oils such as baobab and borage oil are particularly rich in these naturally occurring compounds.
Do Botanical Oils Hydrate the Skin?
A common misconception is that oils “hydrate” the skin. Since hydration refers to water content, botanical oils do not provide hydration but instead help the skin retain moisture by reinforcing the lipid barrier. When applied after a water-based product—or simply on damp skin—they help lock in hydration, preventing transepidermal water loss without disrupting the skin’s natural function.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Skin
Not all oils are the same—choosing the right one depends on your skin’s needs:
For dry or mature skin → Oils high in oleic acid deeply nourish and replenish lipids for enhanced moisturization & softness.
For oily or acne-prone skin → Lightweight, fast-absorbing oils rich in linoleic acid and antimicrobial properties help maintain balance without clogging pores.
For normal to combination skin → A balanced blend of nourishing oils, not too rich nor too light, providing optimal moisturization and nourishment.
Additionally, different oils vary in molecular size and absorption rate. Some penetrate deeply, while others remain closer to the surface—in other words, some are lighter and other heavier on the skin. Understanding this can help tailor oil selection based on preference and skin type.
Skin Health Is Holistic
While topical skincare plays an important role in supporting the skin barrier, overall skin health is deeply interconnected with internal and external factors. Nutrition, emotional well-being, stress levels, and environmental conditions all influence the skin barrier and microbiota, which in turn affect the skin’s resilience and appearance.
Choosing high-quality botanical oils is just one piece of a holistic approach to skincare, so why not treat your skin with the natural properties of clean botanical oils that your body deserves?
Would you like to explore how our botanical serums can fit into your routine? Browse our collection here.
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1. Scientific Studies on Plant Oils & Skin
Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). "Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science." American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. DOI:10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. DOI:10.3390/ijms19010070
Xie, Minghui, et al. "Application of Plant Extracts Cosmetics in the Field of Anti-Aging." Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology, vol. 1, no. 2, 2024, article 100014, [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdsct.2024.100014](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdsct.2024.100014).
2. The Role of Essential Fatty Acids in Skin Health
Ziboh, V. A., Miller, C. C., & Cho, Y. (2000). "Metabolism of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by Skin Epidermal Enzymes: Generation of Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Metabolites." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 71(1), 361S-366S. DOI:10.1093/ajcn/71.1.361S
3. Composition & Benefits of Specific Botanical Oils
Gǎlbǎu, Cristina-Ştefania et al. “The Potential of Plant Extracts Used in Cosmetic Product Applications-Antioxidants Delivery and Mechanism of Actions.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 13,11 1425. 20 Nov. 2024, doi:10.3390/antiox13111425
Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). "Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science." American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. DOI:10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
4. Antioxidants & Polyphenols in Plant Oils
Hano, Christophe, and Duangjai Tungmunnithum. “Plant Polyphenols, More than Just Simple Natural Antioxidants: Oxidative Stress, Aging and Age-Related Diseases.” Medicines (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 7,5 26. 9 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/medicines7050026
