Recently an Arbonne Consultant asked, “What’s the difference between mineral oil and the oil Arbonne uses?” This question is a very good one. Let’s define the difference between several types of oils used in the cosmetics industry and then define the Arbonne difference.
What is an oil?
Simply defined, an oil is any substance that remains in a liquid state at room temperature and that is insoluble in water — in other words … it floats on top. Oils can function as moisturizers or cleansers, depending on the formula into which they are added. As a cleanser, they can help surround and lift dirt off the skin and out of the pores which can be washed away. As a moisturizer, they help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) because they are able to deliver hydrating lipids to the skin’s surface. In fact, the primary benefit of including oils in cosmetic formulations is specifically for their hydrating ability. Some oils, because of their traditional medicinal uses, are able to help soothe, calm and comfort surface irritations and sun damage.
The most popular oils used in cosmetic formulas are the following:
Mineral Oil
Vegetal Oil
Essential Oil
Let’s look at each of these …
Mineral Oil is liquid petrolatum. It is a by-product of the petroleum industry in their production of gasoline. Mineral oil is a lightweight inexpensive oil that is odorless and tasteless. There are two grades — industrial (as in machine lubricant) and cosmetic (as in beauty products). Cosmetic grade mineral oil is used by many skin care companies. Mineral oil is used in their formulas as an occlusive ingredient, coating the skin’s surface to inhibit TEWL and to give an emollient effect that is suitable for treating dry skin. Cosmetic mineral oil is generally USP (U.S. Pharmacopia) and BP (British Pharmacopia) grade, is highly refined and purified, and is not an industrial grade containing benzene, a known toxin and carcinogen. One of the common concerns regarding the use of cosmetic mineral oil is its presence on several lists of comedogenic substances (ingredients that clog the pores). These comedogenic lists were developed many years ago yet remain frequently quoted in some dermatologic literature.
Vegetal Oils are derived from … you guessed it … plants! Vegetal oils are used as fixed oils, base oils or carrier oils (as in aromatherapy) in cosmetic formulas. Vegetal oils are usually obtained from the fatty oils in seeds, kernels or nuts. Some vegetal oils are odorless, others may be sweet and nutty in aroma. Vegetal oils also have film-forming properties, are less occlusive than mineral oil, yet still help retard transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In addition, vegetal oils may naturally contain vitamins, minerals, nutrients and essential fatty acids (EFAs). For example, vegetal oils that naturally contain Vitamin E act as antioxidants. Safflower Oil contains oleic and lineolic acids that are beneficial to the skin. Olive Oil is effective in hydrating and soothing the skin. Other vegetal oils such as Avocado Oil, Apricot Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil and Sweet Almond Oil help prevent evaporation and provide lubrication to the surface of skin, making dry skin look and feel better.
Essential Oils are derived from leaves, bark, roots and other aromatic portions of the plant. Essential oils are the fragrant oils found in plants. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and chemically complex, containing many substances and compounds. Some essential oils contain more than 200 identified chemical substances, and have been called by some botanical scientists the “lifeblood of a plant” because they contain compounds that the plant uses to fight infections, disease and parasites. Essential oils carry a distinct scent or essence of the plant. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, massage therapy and ayurvedic medicine. They are also used in fragrances and lotions and incense. Essential oils with their volatile aromas can be used to enhance moods, help promote relaxation, help awaken energy levels, help calm the feelings of stress and help promote well-being. Essential oils should not be used by themselves directly on the skin. Because they are very concentrated, essential oils are always blended with vegetal oils, as in a massage oil; or blended with vegetal oils and other moisturizing ingredients as in a body lotion. Examples of essential oils include: Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Peppermint Oil, Bergamot Oil, Lemon Oil, Ylang-Ylang, etc.
The Arbonne Difference
Arbonne does not use petroleum-based oil ingredients. This includes mineral oil. It is Arbonne’s preference to use vegetal oils and essential oils in its formulations because of our botanical-based heritage and because of the many additional healthy benefits plant oils can also bring to the skin. There are no known skin nutritive, massage and aromatherapeutic benefits from mineral oil. So why go this route when we have all the abundance plant oils can deliver.
Arbonne Oils (FC5 Skin Conditioning Oil, Sea Source 5-in-1 Essential Massage Oil, ABC Baby Body Oil, Aromassentials Unwind Massage Oil) are a blend of both vegetal and essential oils, formulated as beneficial skin care products and for massage. These oils are lightweight and can also be used on the face, as a supplemental AM/PM product or for a pampering facial massage.
SO-O-O-O … here’s an analogy you can use at a Presentation: You can ask your guests to close their eyes for this, as you add the drama …
Imagine … it’s cold and pouring rain outside ….
Would you rather be standing under an umbrella in that rain?
Or sitting at home, in your favorite chair, watching your favorite movie, eating your favorite ice cream?
In each scenario you are sheltered from the rain. That’s good!
Now … Do you want to just be protected … or …
Protected, Comfortable and Nourished all at the same time?
Which one do you think is analogous to the mineral oil?
Which one do you think is analogous to the Arbonne Oil?
Now… if you had YOUR choice, which one would YOU chose -— mineral oil? Or the Arbonne Oil?
To buy Arbonne products visit: www.gotwinvansanten.myarbonne.com
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