OUR ESSENTIAL OILS
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 through steam distillation or cold pressing for citrus fruits.
It concentrates 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 global 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 treatments?
They are at the heart of our formulas because they offer:
- a visible effectiveness, thanks to their natural affinity with the skin,
- a targeted action, tailored to each skin imbalance,
- a active sensory dimension, through olfaction, which positively influences emotional state.
At Decléor, essential oils are never an accessory.
They are the driving force behind the overall effectiveness of the treatments.
Skin safety: a rigorous cosmetic mastery
Essential oils are powerful natural concentrates. Their safety relies on three inseparable pillars:
- the botanical choice,
- the precise dosage,
- their integration into a tested cosmetic formula.
At Decléor:
- essential oils are never applied pure,
- concentrations are rigorously controlled,
- each treatment is dermatologically tested, including on sensitive skin.
This approach allows for the combination of 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 precise moment when the concentration of active molecules is at its maximum, according to:
- the season,
- the flowering cycle,
- sometimes even the time of day.
Extraction: science in 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 for a complete active spectrum.
Cold Expression (Citrus)
- preserves the most delicate aromatic fractions,
- maintains soothing and energizing properties.
Each batch is controlled 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).
Conservation and stability of essential oils
Essential oils are natural substances sensitive to air, light, and heat.
Poor storage can lead to a progressive oxidation, which may alter their properties.
At Decléor, the stability of essential oils is ensured by:
- protective packaging limiting exposure to air and light,
- appropriate closure systems,
- stability tests on finished formulas.
Decléor care products are designed to preserve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of essential oils throughout their use.
Essential oils and cosmetic regulation
The use of essential oils in cosmetics is strictly regulated by European legislation, notably Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 concerning cosmetic products.
At Decléor, each formula is developed in compliance with this demanding regulatory framework, which requires:
- the adherence to 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 marketed,
- strict obligations of information and transparency for the consumer.
The essential oils used in Decléor treatments meet high cosmetic, dermatological, and regulatory standards, ensuring safe and controlled use on a daily basis.
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 by 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:
- the essential oils are rigorously selected,
- their dosage is strictly controlled,
- each formula undergoes a comprehensive safety assessment before being released to the market, in accordance with the European Cosmetic Regulation.
This approach ensures a safe and controlled use, without exposure to a proven endocrine risk under normal cosmetic usage conditions.
A natural affinity with the skin
Thanks to their fine molecular structure and lipophilic nature, essential oils have an excellent skin affinity.
They act deeply and simultaneously target several biological mechanisms, which explains their overall effectiveness.
This power of action implies an absolute mastery of dosage, at the heart of Decléor's expertise
A functional olfactory signature
Decléor products contain no synthetic fragrance.
Their signature scent comes exclusively from essential oils.
Each scent is designed to:
- calm,
- stimulate,
- recenter.
It is the principle of aromachology, which acts both on emotional state and on skin quality.
Traditional aromatherapy vs expert cosmetics Decléor
| Traditional Aromatherapy | Expert Cosmetics Decléor | |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of use | Essential oils often used pure or diluted occasionally | Essential oils integrated into cosmetic formulas |
| Dosage | Variable, depends on usage 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 | Well-being | Visible skin efficacy and optimal tolerance |
Essential oils and cosmetic regulation
The use of essential oils in cosmetics is strictly regulated by European legislation, notably Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 concerning cosmetic products.
At Decléor, each formula is developed in compliance with this demanding regulatory framework, which requires:
- the adherence to 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 brought to market,
- strict obligations of information and transparency for the consumer.
The essential oils used in Decléor treatments meet high cosmetic, dermatological, and regulatory standards, ensuring safe and controlled use on a daily basis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Essential Oils in Cosmetics
Used pure or improperly dosed, certain 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 integrated into dermatologically tested formulas, including on sensitive skin.
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 whose profile could be too irritating. The concentrations are adjusted to respect the balance of the skin 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's consumer service for personalized support.
Decléor applies a strict process of cosmetic vigilance, in accordance with European regulations.
Some essential oils, particularly certain citrus oils obtained through cold pressing, can be photosensitizing when misused.
At Decléor:
- we use essential oils that are distilled and non-photosensitizing,
- or concentrations that strictly comply with European regulations,
- each formula is tested for normal cosmetic use, with no risk of photosensitization.
Allergens such as limonene, linalool, or geraniol are naturally occurring components in certain essential oils.
European regulations require their mention in the INCI list beyond very specific thresholds, to ensure transparent information for the consumer.
At Decléor, these components:
- are of natural origin,
- are present in strictly controlled concentrations,
- and undergo dermatological tolerance tests on the finished product.
Their presence does not imply a systematic risk, but a regulatory obligation for transparency.
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 act deeply. They target several biological mechanisms simultaneously, which explains their overall effectiveness.
This penetration capability also explains why they are dosed with extreme precision at Decléor.
An isolated active ingredient generally acts on a single targeted mechanism.
An essential oil, on the other hand, acts through natural synergy, thanks to the richness of its molecular composition.
This allows for:
- a more global 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 constant cosmetic effectiveness.
The chemotype is an essential condition for safety and performance.
Some 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, certain treatments may be used depending on the formula and individual tolerance.
As a precaution, certain situations require special attention:
pregnancy, breastfeeding, known allergic background, weakened or damaged skin.
At Decléor, the products are formulated for normal cosmetic use in adults.
In case of doubt or specific situations, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before use.
Decléor treatments contain no synthetic fragrance. Their signature scent comes exclusively from essential oils.
Each fragrance has a specific function: to soothe, stimulate, or center.
This is the principle of aromachology, which acts on both emotional state and, indirectly, on skin quality.
The scent is not a secondary effect: it is an integral part of the treatment's effectiveness.
Essential oil treatments can be integrated into a routine containing powerful actives like retinol or AHA/BHA, provided that the skin's balance is respected.
It is recommended to:
- introduce products gradually,
- avoid combinations on already irritated skin,
- alternate usage according to skin tolerance.
Listening to your skin and/or consulting your doctor remains essential to fully benefit from the advantages of each active ingredient.
In summary
At Decléor, essential oils are:
- selected with extreme botanical precision,
- extracted according to rigorous quality standards,
- analyzed, dosed, and formulated for maximum safety,
- integrated into effective, sensory, and perfectly tolerated treatments.
This is not aromatherapy.
It is an expert cosmetic that masters the art of blending essential oils.
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