What Are Plant Oils?

Plant oils are oils derived from plants—fruits, nuts, kernels, or seeds. Rich in fatty acids, they have a strong affinity with the skin, allowing them to absorb easily. Thanks to their unique composition, they help rebuild the skin’s protective barrier and maintain moisture deep within cells. They’re also highly effective on hair, helping to strengthen the fiber.

Used for centuries, plant oils offer a wide range of benefits depending on their composition: nourishing, repairing, soothing, and anti-aging. Whatever your skin type or needs, you’re sure to find one or more oils that suit you. For example, dry skin can look to soothing, nourishing oils like macadamia or sweet almond, while skin lacking radiance can turn to antioxidant-rich oils such as avocado and sesame. And contrary to popular belief, even combination to oily skin can benefit from oils like jojoba, which help regulate sebum production.

Plant oils can be used on their own by applying a few drops directly to the skin like a serum before the rest of your skincare. Unlike essential oils, they are not contraindicated for pregnant women or for use in the sun.

For even greater effectiveness, we suggest choosing skincare products rich in plant oils, which combine the virtues of several oils in a single formula. For example, Huile Prodigieuse® is a cocktail of seven 100% plant oils: tsubaki (moisturizing), argan (repairing), macadamia (nourishing), borage (smoothing), camellia (moisturizing), hazelnut (protective), and sweet almond (softening). Each delivers different, complementary benefits. Another advantage of this formula is its “dry” feel, with no greasy finish on the skin. 

At NUXE, we’ve always used 100% plant oils—they’re a hallmark of our laboratory because we believe deeply in their benefits for the skin.

Why choose plant oils over mineral oils? While minerals are part of the natural world, cosmetic mineral oils are refined ingredients created through complex chemical or physical processes that change their structure. They’re inert and form a film on the skin’s surface. Because they don’t penetrate to the skin’s core, they don’t deliver the same true “skincare” action as plant oils. They’re also less environmentally friendly, since they’re derived from non-renewable resources.

For all these reasons, we prefer plant oils. What about you—ready to make them part of your routine?