The Truth About Natural Oils And Why They’re The Only Choice For Us

In skincare, every ingredient tells a story. From how it’s sourced to how it interacts with your skin, each element shapes the health and glow of our complexion.

One of our most fundamental choices is the type of oil we apply. While both mineral oils and natural plant oils are widely used in beauty formulations, their effects on the skin are profoundly different.

“For us, only natural oils have a place in skincare. Formulated to benefit the skin, not the brand behind it.”

- Estella, LIV Botanics Founder and Formulator

Mineral oils, derived from petroleum by-products, are refined into an odourless, colourless substance favoured in the beauty industry for their affordability and stability.

They create a smooth layer on the skin, locking in moisture, but this barrier is purely superficial. Lacking essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, mineral oils provide no nourishment or skin-enhancing benefits.

Over time, they can lead to a cycle of dependence, where the skin feels hydrated on the surface but remains unbalanced beneath.

For centuries, since the days of Ancient Egypt, natural oils have been integral to beauty rituals. In the Renaissance era, plant oils were respected for their ability to preserve youthful skin, with women using them as natural cleansers and moisturisers.

Sourced from seeds, nuts, and fruits, they are packed with sustainable nutrients that restore the skin and target specific concerns. Unlike mineral oils, plant oils penetrate the skin supporting natural functions, replenishing lipids, and preventing moisture loss. With high concentrations of vitamins A, D, E, and K, omega-rich fatty acids, and antioxidants, plant oils fortify the skin barrier, restore balance, and deeply hydrate.

At LIV Botanics, we harness the potency of nature’s finest botanicals, using organic, cold-pressed oils to preserve their full nutritional profile. Our formulations feature powerful ingredients like Camellia seed oil, strawberry seed oil, blueberry seed oil, and apricot kernel oil, each chosen for its ability to heal and restore the skin at a cellular level.

We ensure that every oil we use is sourced sustainably, avoiding endangered ingredients like Rosewood oil, instead opting for ethical alternatives like Ho Wood oil, which offers the same luxurious benefits without environmental compromise.

The versatility of natural oils makes them an essential addition to any skincare routine, catering to a wide range of needs from hydration and repair to antioxidant protection and soothing inflammation.

Natural oils are not a trend but an essential skincare ingredient.

They offer a refined, sustainable, and effective approach to hydration and skin health. Choosing high-performance, plant-powered skincare is a conscious decision to protect beauty at the source, ensuring that every ingredient actively contributes to your skin’s glow.