The Ordinary has gained widespread popularity for its line of cold-pressed oils. These pure, unrefined oils are extracted from various plant sources using a method that preserves their natural properties and benefits. Cold-pressed oils from The Ordinary offer potent skincare solutions for a range of skin concerns, from dryness to signs of aging.
Each oil in The Ordinary’s collection targets specific skin needs. The 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants and may help reduce signs of aging. Moroccan Argan Oil provides hydration for both skin and hair, while Borage Seed Oil can have a calming effect on irritated skin. These versatile products can be easily incorporated into existing skincare routines.
The brand’s commitment to using high-quality, organic ingredients ensures that users receive the full benefits of each oil. By offering these products at accessible price points, The Ordinary has made advanced skincare more attainable for a wider audience. This approach has revolutionized the skincare industry and empowered consumers to create effective, personalized routines.
Understanding Cold Pressed Oils
Cold pressed oils offer numerous benefits for skincare due to their purity and nutrient retention. These natural extracts provide hydration and nourishment through their rich fatty acid content.
What Are Cold Pressed Oils?
Cold pressed oils are extracted from seeds, nuts, or fruits without the use of heat or chemicals. This process preserves the oil’s natural properties and nutritional value. The raw materials are mechanically pressed at low temperatures, typically below 120°F (49°C).
Cold pressing retains the oil’s original flavor, aroma, and color. It also maintains high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This method contrasts with refined oils, which undergo extensive processing that can strip away beneficial compounds.
Common cold pressed oils used in skincare include argan, rosehip, and jojoba. Each oil has a unique composition of fatty acids and nutrients.
Benefits of Cold Pressed Oils in Skincare
Cold pressed oils offer extensive skincare benefits due to their nutrient-rich composition. They provide deep hydration and help maintain skin moisture balance. Many contain high levels of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin cell regeneration.
These oils often have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe irritated skin. Their antioxidant content protects against free radical damage and environmental stressors.
Cold pressed oils can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. They’re suitable for various skin concerns, from acne to dryness.
• Enhances skin hydration
• Supports skin barrier function
• Provides essential fatty acids
• Offers antioxidant protection
• Promotes skin cell turnover
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Skin Type
Selecting the appropriate cold pressed oil depends on your skin type and concerns. For oily or acne-prone skin, lightweight oils high in linoleic acid are ideal. These include rosehip and grapeseed oil.
Dry skin benefits from richer oils with higher oleic acid content, such as argan or avocado oil. They provide intense moisture and nourishment.
Sensitive skin types should opt for gentle, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or squalane. These closely mimic the skin’s natural sebum and are less likely to cause irritation.
Consider the oil’s vitamin content for specific skin needs. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A, beneficial for aging skin. Marula oil contains vitamin E, excellent for overall skin health.
The Ordinary’s Approach
The Ordinary prioritizes high-quality, pure oils in their skincare formulations. Their approach emphasizes careful sourcing, minimal processing, and clear labeling to deliver potent, natural ingredients to consumers.
Sourcing and Quality
The Ordinary sources its oils from reputable suppliers, focusing on organic and sustainably produced options. Their cold-pressed oils, including rose hip seed, Moroccan argan, and borage seed, are extracted without heat to preserve their beneficial properties. This method ensures the oils retain their natural vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids.
The company selects oils known for their skincare benefits. For example, their 100% organic cold-pressed rose hip seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and pro-vitamin A, supporting skin health and addressing signs of aging.
Purity and Formulation
The Ordinary’s commitment to purity is evident in their single-ingredient formulations. Their oils are 100% pure, without added fillers, preservatives, or fragrances. This approach allows users to experience the full benefits of each oil.
The range includes:
- 100% organic cold-pressed borage seed oil
- 100% cold-pressed virgin marula oil
- 100% organic virgin chia seed oil
- 100% plant-derived squalane
These pure formulations cater to various skin needs, from hydration to soothing irritation.
Label Transparency
The Ordinary emphasizes clear, straightforward labeling on their products. Each oil is labeled with its full name and concentration, typically 100%. This transparency allows consumers to understand exactly what they’re applying to their skin.
Labels also include key information such as:
- Origin of the oil (e.g., “cold-pressed”)
- Organic certification, where applicable
- Vegan status
This approach empowers users to make informed decisions about their skincare routine and helps them identify products that align with their values and skin needs.
Product Profiles
The Ordinary offers a range of cold-pressed oils with unique benefits for skin and hair care. These oils are derived from natural sources and undergo minimal processing to preserve their beneficial properties.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
This unrefined rosehip oil contains high concentrations of omega fatty acids. It has a natural earthy scent due to its unrefined state. The oil is known for its hydrating properties and ability to improve skin tone.
Rose hip seed oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and scars. Users often apply it at night as part of their skincare routine.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
Moroccan argan oil is versatile, suitable for both skin and hair care. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. The oil is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids.
Argan oil can help moisturize dry skin and add shine to hair. It’s often used to tame frizz and protect hair from heat damage. The oil is non-greasy, making it suitable for various skin types.
100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
Marula oil is rich in antioxidants and oleic acid. It’s known for its hydrating properties and ability to improve skin radiance. The oil is cold-pressed and unrefined to maintain its potency.
Marula oil can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin elasticity. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The oil absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
Borage Seed, Chia Seed, and Other Oil Varieties
The Ordinary offers additional oil varieties, each with unique benefits. Borage seed oil is high in gamma-linolenic acid, which can help soothe irritated skin. Chia seed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
These oils can be used alone or combined with other skincare products. They’re often applied as the last step in a skincare routine to lock in moisture.
Mixing Oils with Other Products
Cold-pressed oils can be mixed with other skincare products to enhance their effects. They can be added to moisturizers for extra hydration or serums for additional nourishment.
When mixing oils, use only a few drops to avoid oversaturating the skin. It’s best to patch test any new combination before applying it to the entire face. Oils can also be layered over other products, typically applied last in a skincare routine.
Application Techniques
Proper application of cold-pressed oils is crucial for maximizing their benefits. The right techniques ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness for your skin.
Skin Application Tips
Apply cold-pressed oils to damp skin for enhanced absorption. Use 2-3 drops for the face, warming the oil between your palms first. Gently press and pat the oil onto your skin rather than rubbing. Focus on areas that need extra hydration.
For body application, mix a few drops with your regular moisturizer. This helps spread the oil evenly and locks in moisture.
Avoid applying oils to broken skin or active acne lesions. Instead, concentrate on dry or mature areas that can benefit from the nourishing properties.
Layering Oils with Your Skincare Routine
Incorporate oils as the final step in your skincare routine. Apply them after water-based products but before heavier creams or sunscreen.
For morning routines:
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- Oil
- Sunscreen
For evening routines, omit sunscreen and consider using more oil if desired. Some prefer mixing a drop of oil into their moisturizer for easier application.
Adjust the amount based on your skin’s needs. Oily skin types may benefit from using oils every other day or only at night.
Patch Testing for Sensitivity
Always perform a patch test before using a new oil on your face. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours.
Watch for signs of irritation:
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning
- Swelling
If no reaction occurs, repeat the test on a small area near your jawline. This helps determine if the oil might cause breakouts or irritation on facial skin.
For those with sensitive skin, dilute the oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil for the first few uses. Gradually increase concentration if no adverse reactions occur.
Considerations for Specific Skin Concerns
Different skin types and concerns require tailored approaches when using cold-pressed oils. Selecting the right oil can address various issues effectively, from dryness and aging to oiliness and blemishes.
Oils for Dry and Aging Skin
For dry skin and signs of aging, oils rich in fatty acids and antioxidants are ideal. The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is an excellent choice. It contains linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and vitamin E, which help hydrate, brighten, and support skin elasticity.
Marula oil is another beneficial option for dry skin. It’s packed with antioxidants and moisturizing properties. This oil helps lock in hydration and can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Argan oil is also effective for combating dryness and visible signs of aging. It’s rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, providing intense moisture and potential anti-aging benefits.
Oils for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Contrary to popular belief, certain oils can benefit oily and acne-prone skin. Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils are key for these skin types.
Borage seed oil, with its high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), can help regulate oil production and soothe irritated skin. It’s particularly useful for acne patients due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosehip oil is another excellent choice for oily skin. Its high linoleic acid content may help balance sebum production and unclog pores.
Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, potentially helping to regulate oil production. It’s lightweight and easily absorbed, making it suitable for oily skin types.
Addressing Blemishes and Uneven Skin Tone
Cold-pressed oils can also target blemishes and uneven skin tone. Rosehip oil is particularly effective in this area. Its vitamin C content may help brighten the skin and fade dark spots over time.
Tamanu oil has natural antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. It may help reduce the appearance of blemishes and promote a more even skin tone.
Sea buckthorn oil is rich in vitamins A, C, and E. These antioxidants can help improve skin texture and tone, potentially reducing the appearance of blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
For stubborn dark spots, a combination of oils with brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide may yield better results. Always patch test new oils and introduce them gradually into your skincare routine.
The Science of Skincare Oils
Skincare oils offer a range of benefits through their unique compositions of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. These components work together to nourish and protect the skin at a cellular level.
Essential Fatty Acids and Skin Health
Essential fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid, are key components of cell membranes. They help strengthen the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and improving hydration.
These fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. Lightweight oils rich in linoleic acid are particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, as they can help regulate sebum production.
Some oils, like rosehip seed oil, contain high levels of essential fatty acids that support skin elasticity and firmness.
Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress
Antioxidants in skincare oils protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules can damage skin cells, leading to premature aging and other skin issues.
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant found in many plant oils, neutralizes free radicals and helps prevent this damage. It also supports the skin’s natural healing processes.
Some oils, like marula oil, are particularly rich in antioxidants. These can help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV radiation.
Antioxidants also play a role in maintaining the stability of the oil itself, preventing rancidity and extending shelf life.
The Role of Vitamins in Oil-Based Skincare
Vitamins are essential components of many skincare oils, offering various benefits for skin health. Vitamin A, often present as pro-vitamin A or beta-carotene, supports cell turnover and can help improve skin texture and tone.
Vitamin C, found in some citrus-derived oils, brightens the skin and supports collagen production. It works synergistically with vitamin E to enhance overall antioxidant protection.
Some oils, like sea buckthorn oil, contain rare omega-7 fatty acids along with vitamins A, C, and E, providing comprehensive skin nourishment.
It’s important to note that while vitamins in oils can be beneficial, their concentration and stability can vary. Some may be more susceptible to oxidation than others.
Sustainability and Packaging
The Ordinary demonstrates a commitment to eco-friendly practices and recyclable packaging for their cold-pressed oils. The brand focuses on responsible sourcing and reducing environmental impact throughout their product lifecycle.
Eco-Friendly Practices
The Ordinary prioritizes sustainability in their cold-pressed oil production. They source organic ingredients, ensuring minimal environmental impact during cultivation. Cold-pressing methods preserve natural nutrients while consuming less energy than conventional extraction techniques.
The brand aims to reduce its carbon footprint by optimizing manufacturing processes. They work with suppliers who share their environmental values. The Ordinary also implements water conservation measures in their facilities.
Recyclable Materials and Recycling Programs
The Ordinary uses recyclable materials for their cold-pressed oil packaging. Glass bottles are the primary container choice, as they are infinitely recyclable. Some products come in HDPE or PP plastic bottles, which are widely accepted in recycling programs.
The brand is working towards increasing the use of post-consumer recycled content in their packaging. They’ve set a target of 85-100% recyclable, refillable, reusable, or recoverable packaging by 2025.
Customers can recycle empty bottles through curbside recycling programs or The Ordinary’s in-store recycling initiatives. The company educates consumers on proper recycling practices to maximize packaging recyclability.