Vegetable oils, butters, waxes and macerates

These remarkable natural sources of lipids are a true treat for the skin. They have become an essential component in many exotic creams and lotions. Beyond serving as key ingredients in body care products, they can also be used on their own, applied directly to the skin.

The main reasons for using lipid rich ingredients in cosmetics are as follows:

Lipid bases enable the active components within a formulation to penetrate the skin more effectively.
Lipid bases enhance skin hydration by forming an oily film on the skin’s surface, which limits moisture loss through evaporation.

Lipid bases can be derived from animal, plant and mineral sources. The most common mineral source is petroleum, from which a variety of oils are obtained through refining. In general, lipid bases from any of these three sources can be liquid, semi solid or solid. The commonly used terminology is as follows:

Lipid bases that are liquid at room temperature are called OILS
Lipid bases that are semi solid are called BUTTERS
Lipid bases that are solid are called WAXES

The three definitions and categories above are terms we use in everyday practice, yet they should not be regarded as strict chemical definitions of oils, fats and waxes. It is also worth noting that the chemical and cosmetic industries can adjust the physical characteristics of lipid ingredients and blend them with other substances. As a result, a material that is naturally liquid, such as an oil, may appear semi solid when incorporated into a particular component.