If essential oils are powerful products that must be handled with care, vegetable oils are much gentler, and therefore much easier to use. This is why we often recommend diluting essential oils in a vegetable oil. The second will soften the possible harmful effects of the first, while allowing it to develop its properties. Vegetable oils are therefore a “simple” gateway to aromatherapy. Less powerful than essential oils, they are less "dangerous", and the risk of overdose is almost zero. It is still advisable to respect certain precautions for use and to be aware of the associated risks. Be careful, however, risk does not equal danger, if the instructions for use are followed, there is no need to worry. The examples of vegetable oils cited in this guide do not represent an exhaustive list.
This article was updated on 22/12/2023The different ways of using vegetable oils
Skin application
All vegetable oils can be used for skin application. However, some being more powerful, it is necessary to use them mixed with other vegetable oils before any use. This is for example the case of certain vegetable oils such as Borage, Karanja or Mustard.
Ingestion
A large part of vegetable oils can also be used ingestion for their nutritional benefits, but not only ! Vegetable oils are excellent carriers for the safe ingestion of essential oils. In addition, skin health can also be achieved through the ingestion of vegetable oils.
THE oily macerates can only be used through the skin, some can only be used orally under medical advice. Some special cases exist. For example, Broccoli oil should not be ingested because of its rich composition in erucic acid, just like Mustard oil. However, it is not on these that we would have bet, so be vigilant.
A large number of vegetable oils can be ingested: Sweet Almond, Argan, Avocado, Baobab, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Borage, Camelina, Safflower, Hemp, Chia, Coconut, Wheat Germ, Inca Inchi, Flax, Macadamia, Nigella, Hazelnut, Evening Primrose, Pumpkin Seeds, Grape Seed, Perilla, Plum, Sesame and Tiger Nut.
The potential risks of certain vegetable oils
Photosensitization
When used through the skin, certain aromatic molecules cause reactions and redness in the skin if they are used before exposure to the sun, this is what we call photosensitization. It is therefore preferable to do not expose yourself to the sun for 12 hours following application of a so-called photosensitizing vegetable oil.
Example of photosensitizing vegetable oil: St. John's wort
Hepatotoxicity
Hepatotoxic vegetable oil may cause adverse effects with prolonged oral use. These oils should therefore not be used in cases of liver pathology : cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver failure or intolerance to paracetamol. They should be used in low doses and for a short period of time.
Example of hepatotoxic vegetable oil: Borage
Comedogenicity
Some oils are called comedogenic, that is to say, they can promote the appearance of imperfections such as pimples or blackheads. It is therefore important to carefully check the comedogenicity index anduse an oil suited to your skin type.
Examples of comedogenic vegetable oils: Coco, Rosehip, Carrot, Wheat germ, Mustard, Monoi, Linen, Chia and Cocoa butter
Allergies
Vegetable oils contain more or less allergens. Allergenic vegetable oil should be used with caution and for a short period of time. It's better to carry out an allergy test in the crook of the elbow before use over a larger area. Several factors can cause a skin or oral allergy depending on the allergen: nuts, gluten, botanical family, substances contained in oils.
Here is a summary of vegetable oils that can be allergenic:
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Vegetable oils from nuts : Almond, Macadamia, Hazelnut and Sesame
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Vegetable oils containing gluten : Wheat germ
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Vegetable oils from the family of Asteraceae : Calendula, Safflower and Daisy
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Vegetable oils containingaspirin or salicylate derivatives : Meadowsweet
Interactions and contraindications
If you are taking medication...
If you are taking medication, make sure that combined use with vegetable oils is not harmful to your health. In all cases, contact your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
Vegetable oils are not recommended in cases of:
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Hypotension : Linen
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Anti-diabetic treatment : Neem
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Anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment : Arnica, Cameline, Safflower, Linen, St. John's wort, Calophyll Inophyl and Perilla
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Hormonal treatments : Linen and St. John's wort
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Autoimmune pathologies : Neem
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Epilepsy : Evening primrose
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Hormone-dependent pathologies: Evening primrose
The users
Certain vegetable oils are not recommended for more sensitive users, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women and children. You must therefore obtain detailed information before use and do not hesitate to seek medical advice.
Vegetable oils not recommended for:
Conservation of vegetable oils
Preserving vegetable oils is an important step to consider for safe use. Oils are more or less sensitive to oxidation or heat. It is therefore important to store them away from heat and light, but also in a cool and dry place. It is essential to take care of the conservation of your vegetable oils in order to prevent them from deteriorating at the risk of ending up with a rancid and comedogenic oil.
More details : how to store your vegetable oils?
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Bibliography
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Work : Chesman, S. (2017). The short guide to vegetable oils. Blood of the Earth Editions.