Essential oils are plant-based compounds that contain a complex mixture of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. They are used in cosmetic products for their fragrant, moisturizing and therapeutic properties. In recent years, interest in the use of essential oils in skin care has increased due to their ability to improve the penetration and effectiveness of other active ingredients. But only a few brands are still making full use of these advantages.

The improved penetration of active ingredients into the skin is due to the ability of essential oils to increase the permeability of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. The stratum corneum is a barrier that protects the skin from external influences and prevents moisture loss.

Essential oils have been proven to improve the permeability of the stratum corneum by temporarily influencing the intercellular lipid matrix, thereby increasing the fluidity of the skin surface and allowing other active ingredients to penetrate deeper. According to a study from the University of California, "essential oils have a positive effect on skin permeability. They can increase the permeation of drugs into the skin by (…) increasing the fluidity of the stratum corneum". In short: Essential oils act as a transport medium for other active ingredients and bring them deeper into the skin and better into the cells.

In addition to improving the penetration of active ingredients, essential oils can also increase their effectiveness by improving the absorption and distribution of these active ingredients in the skin. Essential oils contain lipophilic compounds that can penetrate the stratum corneum and dissolve in the skin's lipid-rich environment, facilitating the absorption of other ingredients into the skin. This is particularly important for poorly water-soluble ingredients such as retinoids (vitamin A carriers), as they can penetrate the skin better in an oil-based solution.

Another mechanism by which essential oils can enhance the effectiveness of other active ingredients is by improving blood flow to the skin. Essential oils contain compounds that have been shown to increase blood circulation and oxygen delivery, improving the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This can improve the absorption and distribution of active ingredients into the skin and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Several studies have confirmed the positive effects of essential oils on the penetration and effectiveness of other active ingredients. A University of Arizona study concluded that "the use of essential oils in skin care can increase the effectiveness of other active ingredients by improving their absorption and distribution in the skin."

There are many different essential oils that have been proven to increase the penetration and effectiveness of other active ingredients. Each of these oils has its own unique properties and benefits. BEAUÉTAL products use a special combination of essential oils with numerous positive properties for the skin.