Plant Oils and Fatty Acids

Why does one plant oil feel rich and protective while another feels light and fast-absorbing? Why do some oils offer soothing, antimicrobial, or antibacterial properties while others excel at supporting skin barrier function and regeneration? And how do you choose the right oil for oily, dry, mature, or sensitive skin?

In this class, you'll take your botanical formulation knowledge further by exploring the fascinating chemistry of plant oils and learning how to use fatty acid profiles to make more informed formulation decisions.

Many formulators choose carrier oils based on popularity or marketing claims. You'll learn how to select oils with purpose by understanding their chemistry, composition, and functionality.

Plant oils are far more than simple emollients. Their fatty acid profiles influence skin feel, absorption, stability, and product performance, while also contributing skincare benefits such as skin barrier support, reduced water loss, soothing and regenerating properties, improved elasticity, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activity.

You'll explore the roles of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, along with unsaponifiables, vitamins, and antioxidants, enabling you to compare oils confidently and formulate more effectively for specific skin types and product goals.

In this class, you will discover:

• The structure and function of fatty acids in plant oils.
• The differences between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• How fatty acid profiles influence skin feel, absorption, stability, product performance, and skincare benefits such as skin barrier support, reduced TEWL, soothing, and regeneration.
• The role of unsaponifiables in cosmetic formulations.
• Naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants, and other beneficial oil components.
• How to compare and evaluate carrier oils based on their composition.
• How to select oils more confidently for specific skin types and formulation goals.
• Strategies for formulating more intentionally with botanical ingredients.

You’ll also receive a detailed guide to 35 carrier oils, helping you compare their properties and make informed formulation choices.

Whether you formulate facial oils, creams, serums or balms, this class will give you a deeper understanding of one of the most important ingredient groups in natural cosmetic formulation.

This class includes two beautifully designed PDF textbooks to download and keep as a valuable reference for your future formulations.

Note: If you are a student of the Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation, you already have access to this class inside Module 5, Lesson 5.5: Lipids.

Not a member of the Club? Join now and use your first month's credits to access the Plant Oils and Fatty Acids class

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLAN FOR YOU

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