Why Oils Are Absorbed Faster Than Creams and Lotions: The Science Behind It
At Bliss by Nature, we pride ourselves on using natural oils in our products, so it’s exciting to share the latest research about why oils are absorbed into the body must faster than creams or lotions. Understanding the science behind this can deepen your appreciation for the healing benefits of oils, which we carefully formulate into our face oils, body oils, serums, and other self-care products. Here’s a detailed dive into how and why oils work more efficiently than other moisturising methods:
The Science of Skin Absorption
Our skin acts as a barrier, primarily composed of a lipid layer that helps retain moisture and protect us from harmful substances. When we apply a product, whether its an oil, cream, or lotion, it must penetrate the outer layer (the stratum corneum) to be absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, where it can provide its full benefit. This process, known as transdermal absorption, is crucial for ensuring that active ingredients reach the intended layers to nourish, repair, and hydrate.
The key reason oils are absorbed more quickly than creams and lotions lies in their molecular structure and compatibility with the skin. Oils are made up of molecules that are smaller and have a similar composition to the skin’s natural oils, allowing them to penetrate deeper and faster.
Why Oils Absorb Faster
1. Molecular Size and Skin Compatibility
Oils have smaller, less complex molecules compared to the emulsifiers, water, and preservatives found in creams and lotions. This smaller size allows oils to more easily penetrate the skin’s surface. As may oils are lipophilic (fat-loving), they naturally mix better with the skin’s sebum, which is also made up of lipids. This compatibility enables the oil to absorb rapidly, delivering hydration and nutrients deeper into the skin.
A study published in The Journal of Dermatological Science (2023) found that oils could penetrate the stratum corneum and reach the deeper layers within minutes, compared to creams and lotions, which often sit on the skin’s surface for longer periods.
2. Emulsion and Water Content in Creams and Lotions
Creams and lotions typically consist of a combination of water and oil, with emulsifiers to help bind these ingredients together. The challenge with these water-based formulations is that they often need additional time to be absorbed as the water first evaporates from the surface of the skin before the oil component can penetrate.
The research conducted by Cosmetics Science Technology (2022) revealed that products with high water content had a slower absorption rate, primarily due to the evaporation of water. This leaves a thin layer of product on the skin that needs more time to be absorbed, making it less efficient in comparison to oils.
3. Barrier Penetration and Occlusivity
Another key factor in absorption speed is how well a product can penetrate the skin’s natural barrier. Oils, particularly those with a rich fatty acid profile (such as jojoba, argan, and rosehip oils), can penetrate this barrier more effectively than water-based products. Oils create an occlusive layer on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and maintain hydration without clogging pores.
A study from International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2021) highlights that oils with high linoleic acid content (like rosehip oil), not only penetrate the skin rapidly but also promote cellular repair and regeneration by nourishing the skin’s lipid barrier.
Why the Skin Love Oils
Oils are packed with active compounds like antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that support skin health. For example:
- Antioxidants in oils such as Vitamin E (found in Sweet Almond Oil and Olive Oil) help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, keeping it youthful and glowing.
- Essential Fatty Acids like Omega-3s and Omega-6s, found in oils like avocado and evening primrose nourish the skin and reduce inflammation, making them ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
These nutrients are more readily absorbed when they come from oils, allowing the skin to experience immediate benefits. This is why we carefully blend oils that provide maximum skin-loving results.
The Takeaway for Your Skin
Incorporating oils into your daily skincare routine, whether for hydration, anti-aging or therapeutic purposes, ensures faster, deeper absorption or essential nutrients. Unlike creams and lotions, which can take longer to be absorbed due to their higher water content, oils provide a direct path for hydration and nourishment.
At Bliss by Nature, we carefully select oils that offer the perfect blend of deep absorption and long-lasting hydration. Our products are designed to work with you skin, not against it, ensuring that your body experiences the full benefits of natural oils with every use.
By understanding the science behind oil absorption, we hope you can appreciate why oils have become a cornerstone of our skincare philosophy.