NOS HUILES ESSENTIELLES
COSMETIC EXPERTISE, VISIBLE EFFECTIVENESS, AND SKIN SAFETY
What is an essential oil in cosmetics?
An essential oil is the volatile essence of a plant, obtained by steam distillation or cold pressing for citrus fruits.
It contains 50 to over 150 natural active molecules, each with specific biological properties: antioxidant, soothing, purifying, regenerating, or stimulating microcirculation. In cosmetics, this molecular richness allows for a comprehensive action, both on the skin and on the biological mechanisms that regulate its balance.
It is this natural complexity that distinguishes an essential oil from an isolated active ingredient, which is generally limited to a single targeted function.
WHY DOES DECLÉOR USE ESSENTIAL OILS IN ITS FACIAL CARE PRODUCTS?
They are at the heart of our formulas because they offer:
- Visible effectiveness, thanks to their natural affinity with the skin,
- Targeted action, adapted to each skin imbalance,
- An active sensory dimension, through olfaction, which positively influences emotional state.
At Decléor, essential oils are never an afterthought.
They are the driving force behind the overall effectiveness of the treatments.
SKIN SAFETY: RIGOROUS COSMETIC CONTROL
Essential oils are powerful natural concentrates. Their safety relies on three inseparable pillars:
- botanical selection,
- precise dosage,
- their integration into a tested cosmetic formula.
At Decléor:
- essential oils are never applied pure,
- concentrations are strictly controlled,
- each treatment is dermatologically tested, including on sensitive skin.
This approach combines performance and high skin tolerance.
CHEMOTYPE: THE KEY TO EFFECTIVENESS AND CONSISTENCY
Two plants of the same species can produce very different essential oils depending on:
- the climate,
- the soil,
- the altitude,
- the harvest period.
The chemotype corresponds to the biochemical identity card of an essential oil.
At Decléor:
- each oil is chemically analyzed,
- its chemotype is identified and controlled,
- its composition is reproducible from one batch to another.
The chemotype is an essential condition for safety, effectiveness, and consistency of results.
BOTANICAL SELECTION AND HARVEST AT THE BIOACTIVE PEAK
We select plants grown in their original terroir, where their biochemical profile is optimal.
The harvest is carried out at the exact moment when the concentration of active molecules is at its peak, according to:
- the season,
- the flowering cycle,
- and sometimes even the time of day.
EXTRACTION: SCIENCE AT THE SERVICE OF PURITY
An essential oil is a fragile molecular concentrate. Its quality directly depends on its extraction method.
Steam distillation
- gentle method,
- respects heat-sensitive molecules,
- allows obtaining a complete active spectrum.
Cold pressing (citrus)
- preserves the most delicate aromatic fractions,
- retains soothing and energizing properties.
Each batch is tested by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ensuring:
- the identity of the oil,
- its purity,
- the absence of contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, uncontrolled allergens).
STORAGE AND STABILITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are natural substances sensitive to air, light, and heat.
Poor storage can lead to progressive oxidation, which may alter their properties.
At Decléor, the stability of essential oils is ensured by:
- protective packaging that limits exposure to air and light,
- appropriate closure systems,
- stability tests on the finished formulas.
Decléor products are designed to preserve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of essential oils throughout their use.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND COSMETIC REGULATIONS
The use of essential oils in cosmetics is strictly regulated by European legislation, notably Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.
At Decléor, each formula is developed in compliance with this demanding regulatory framework, which requires:
- adherence to the maximum authorized concentrations for each essential oil and each molecule,
- consideration of specific restrictions related to certain components naturally present in essential oils,
- a comprehensive safety assessment of the finished product before it is placed on the market,
- strict obligations of information and transparency for the consumer.
The essential oils used in Decléor treatments thus meet high cosmetic, dermatological, and regulatory standards, ensuring safe and controlled daily use.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS
The issue of endocrine disruptors is currently the subject of many questions in cosmetics.
To date, essential oils are not classified as endocrine disruptors under European regulations. As with any cosmetic ingredient, risk assessment is based on several criteria: the nature of the molecules, their concentration, the route of exposure, and the frequency of use.
At Decléor:
- essential oils are carefully selected,
- their dosage is strictly controlled,
- each formula undergoes a comprehensive safety evaluation before being marketed, in accordance with European cosmetic regulations.
This approach ensures safe and controlled use, without exposure to a proven endocrine risk under normal cosmetic use conditions.
A NATURAL AFFINITY WITH THE SKIN
Thanks to their fine and lipophilic molecular structure, essential oils have excellent skin affinity.
They work deeply and simultaneously target several biological mechanisms, which explains their overall effectiveness.
This powerful action requires absolute mastery of dosage, at the heart of Decléor's expertise.
A FUNCTIONAL OLFACTORY SIGNATURE
Decléor treatments contain no synthetic fragrance.
Their signature scent comes exclusively from essential oils.
Each fragrance is designed to:
- soothe,
- stimulate,
- refocus.
This is the principle of aromachology, which affects both emotional state and skin quality.
TRADITIONAL AROMATHERAPY vs
DECLÉOR EXPERT COSMETICS
| TRADITIONAL AROMATHERAPY | DECLÉOR EXPERT COSMETICS | |
|---|---|---|
| Instructions for use | Essential oils often used pure or occasionally diluted | Essential oils integrated into cosmetic formulas |
| Dosage | Variable, depends on use and practice | Precise, controlled, and reproducible |
| Tests | No regulatory obligation | Dermatological tests on the finished product |
| Security | Depends on the user and the context | Safety assessed and validated before market release |
| Objective | Overall well-being | Visible skin effectiveness and optimal tolerance |
ESSENTIAL OILS AND COSMETIC REGULATIONS
The use of essential oils in cosmetics is strictly regulated by European legislation, notably Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.
At Decléor, each formula is developed in compliance with this demanding regulatory framework, which requires:
- adherence to the maximum authorized concentrations for each essential oil and each molecule,
- consideration of specific restrictions related to certain components naturally present in essential oils,
- a comprehensive safety assessment of the finished product before it is placed on the market,
- strict obligations of information and transparency for the consumer.
The essential oils used in Decléor treatments thus meet high cosmetic, dermatological, and regulatory standards, ensuring safe and controlled daily use.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS IN COSMETICS
Used pure or improperly dosed, some essential oils can indeed be irritating.
In cosmetics, it all depends on the formulation.
At Decléor, essential oils are never applied pure. They are selected for their skin compatibility, precisely dosed, and incorporated into dermatologically tested formulas, including for sensitive skin.
The result: visible effectiveness, without compromising safety.
Yes, when they are properly selected and formulated.
Decléor favors essential oils known for their good skin tolerance and excludes those with potentially irritating profiles. Concentrations are adjusted to respect the skin's balance and strengthen the skin barrier, rather than weaken it.
That is why some Decléor ranges are perfectly suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.
As with any cosmetic product, an individual reaction is always possible, even with a well-tolerated formula.
In case of discomfort or skin reaction, it is recommended to:
- immediately stop using the product,
- rinse the skin with clear water,
- contact Decléor customer service for personalized support.
Decléor follows a strict cosmetovigilance process, in accordance with European regulations.
Certain essential oils, especially some citrus oils obtained by cold pressing, can be photosensitizing when misused.
At Decléor:
- we use non-photosensitizing distilled essential oils,
- or concentrations strictly compliant with European regulations,
- each formula is tested for normal cosmetic use, without risk of photosensitization.
Allergens such as limonene, linalool, or geraniol are naturally occurring components in certain essential oils.
European regulations require their listing in the INCI list beyond very specific thresholds to ensure transparent information for consumers.
At Decléor, these components:
- are of natural origin,
- are present at strictly controlled concentrations,
- and undergo dermatological tolerance testing on the finished product.
Their presence does not imply a systematic risk, but a regulatory transparency obligation.
Yes, and that is precisely what makes them effective.
Thanks to their fine and lipophilic molecular structure, essential oils easily penetrate the skin barrier and work deeply. They target several biological mechanisms simultaneously, which explains their overall effectiveness.
This penetration ability also explains why they are measured with extreme precision at Decléor.
An isolated active ingredient usually acts on a single targeted mechanism.
An essential oil, on the other hand, works through natural synergy, thanks to the richness of its molecular composition.
This allows for:
- a more comprehensive action,
- more complete results,
- better affinity with the skin.
At Decléor, essential oils function as true biological conductors at the heart of the formulas.
Two plants of the same species can produce very different essential oils depending on their origin, climate, or harvest period.
The chemotype corresponds to the biochemical identity card of an essential oil.
At Decléor, each oil is analyzed to ensure:
- its exact composition,
- its reproducibility,
- its consistent cosmetic effectiveness.
The chemotype is an essential condition for safety and performance.
Certain essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
As a precaution, Decléor recommends avoiding products containing essential oils during the first three months of pregnancy, unless advised by a doctor.
After this period, some treatments can be used depending on the formula and individual tolerance.
As a precautionary principle, certain situations require special attention:
pregnancy, breastfeeding, known allergies, fragile or damaged skin.
At Decléor, products are formulated for normal cosmetic use in adults.
In case of doubt or specific situations, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional before use.
Decléor treatments contain no synthetic fragrance. Their olfactory signature comes exclusively from essential oils.
Each scent has a specific function: to soothe, stimulate, or refocus.
This is the principle of aromachology, which acts both on the emotional state and, indirectly, on the quality of the skin.
The scent is not a side effect: it is an integral part of the treatment's effectiveness.
Essential oil treatments can be incorporated into a routine containing powerful actives like retinol or AHA/BHA, provided the skin's balance is maintained.
It is recommended to:
- introduce products gradually,
- avoid combinations on already irritated skin,
- alternate usage based on skin tolerance.
Listening to your skin and/or consulting your doctor remains essential to fully benefit from the effects of each active ingredient.
OUR COLLECTIONS
To address all concerns.