Difference between mineral, esterified and vegetable oil

Which cosmetic oil should you choose? Distinguishing between real vegetable oils and petrochemical and modified derivatives

In the world of organic and natural cosmetics , the word "oil" can be confusing. Indeed, not all oils used in cosmetics are equal. It is essential to distinguish between true vegetable oils , rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, and mineral or modified oils, which are often stripped of their natural benefits.

At CHO Nature , we only select 100% natural oils , extracted by cold pressing, to guarantee their effectiveness and purity.

The different types of oils in cosmetics

1. Mineral oils (from petrochemicals)

Used in many conventional cosmetics, mineral oils come from petroleum. They are found under the INCI names: Paraffinum Liquidum , Petrolatum , Cera Microcristallina , Mineral Oil , etc.

☑ Properties? They form an occlusive film on the surface of the skin, providing a temporary sensation of hydration.

☑ Disadvantages? They don't provide any active nutrients to the skin, clog pores, and promote the appearance of comedones and blackheads . Their long-term use can even worsen skin dehydration .

2. Modified oils (esterified and hydrogenated)

Of plant origin but processed in the laboratory, these oils are often used for reasons of texture and profitability .
We distinguish:

• Esterified oils : combined with alcohols or glycerin for a drier, silkier texture.

• Hydrogenated oils : heated at high temperatures to make them more stable and solid.

☑ Properties? Pleasant to the touch, they are often perceived as “high-end”.
☑ Disadvantages? They lose the majority of their essential fatty acids and therefore their cosmetic effectiveness . Worse still, they are sometimes used as the main active ingredients , without providing any benefit to the skin.

⚠️ Often derived from palm oil , these oils contribute to massive deforestation in Southeast Asia.
➡️ INCI names to look out for: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil , etc.

3. Natural vegetable oils (real oils)

Produced by cold pressing fruits, seeds or kernels, vegetable oils have been used since Antiquity for their exceptional properties.

✔️ Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins , they nourish, regenerate and protect the skin in depth.
✔️ They are bioavailable : the skin recognizes and assimilates them perfectly.

Each vegetable oil has its own properties: soothing, regenerating, anti-aging, purifying, restorative...

How to recognize a real vegetable oil?

✅ Read the INCI list carefully: avoid ingredients such as Paraffinum Liquidum or Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride .
✅ If natural oils are at the top of the list, they constitute the active base of the treatment .
✅ Choose organic-labeled treatments, but be careful: not all organic products are equal .

CHO Nature commitments

At CHO Nature , all our oils — whether they are incorporated into our beauty oils , creams or body lotions — are 100% pure, natural and unmodified vegetable oils .
It is thanks to this requirement for quality that our treatments offer remarkable effectiveness, while respecting your skin and the planet.

Give your skin the best: the unadulterated power of nature, without compromise.