Macerates are plant extracts obtained by extracting active ingredients from herbs, flowers, roots or seeds in vegetable oil.

 

The process is called maceration - the plant material is left to stand in a selected oil (e.g. sunflower, olive, jojoba, almond), which absorbs and preserves the active substances of the plant.

 

Macerates are widely used in cosmetics and aromatherapy, as emollients, moisturizers and carriers of active ingredients.

 

* Form: Oily liquid

* Appearance: Clear to slightly colored oil, depending on the plant

* Aroma: Slight plant aroma or neutral, depending on the process

* Solubility: Oil soluble, water insoluble

* Storage: In a cool, dry and dark place, protected from light and oxygen

 

 

 

* Choice of raw material: Dried or fresh herbs, flowers, roots or seeds

* Preparation: Chopping or grinding to increase the contact surface

* Maceration: The plant material is soaked in vegetable oil for a certain period (from several days to several weeks) at room temperature or slightly warmed

* Filtration: The oil is strained to separate the plant parts

* Storage: The finished macerate is stored in dark glass bottles to preserve the active substances

 

 

 

* Macerates contain a combination of:

* Fatty acids (vegetable oil base)

* Flavonoids, terpenes, vitamins and antioxidants from the plant raw material

* Essential oils (in small quantities, if the plant contains any)

* Other biologically active substances specific to the particular plant

 

* Softening and moisturizing the skin

* Improving the elasticity and tone of the skin

* Protection against free radicals (antioxidant activity)

* Supporting the absorption of other active substances in oil formulas

* Soft aroma and natural color of the products

 

 

* Macerates are used in:

* Creams, lotions, serums and oils for the face and body

* Hair conditioners and masks

* Natural cosmetics and aromatherapy

* Combining with essential oils for personalized blends

 

1. Arnica in sunflower oil - soothes and promotes skin recovery

2. Lavender in olive oil - moisturizes and soothes the skin

3. Aloe Vera oil extract in Coconut oil (Aloe barbadensis in Cocos nucifera oil)

4. Vanilla base oil in jojoba (Vanilla planifolia in Simmondsia chinensis)

5. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) oil - macerated in olive oil

6. Calendula base oil (Calendula officinalis) - macerated in sunflower oil

 

 

* Macerates can be used in concentrations from 5% to 100%, depending on the type of product and the desired properties

* For creams and lotions, 10–30% of the oil phase is usually used

* Can be combined with base oils, essential oils and active extracts

 

* Durability depends on the selected oil and storage of the macerate

* Usually stable for 6–12 months if stored in a dark, cool and dry place

* For a longer period, it is recommended to add natural antioxidants (vitamin E / tocopherol)

 

 

 

- Macerates are generally classified as cosmetic ingredients

- In the EU they are used according to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009

Not hazardous when stored properly

- INCI name: Depending on the plant and oil, e.g. Calendula Officinalis Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

 

 

Macerates are natural oil extracts that combine the beneficial active ingredients of plants with the emollient properties of plant oils. They are the basis for personalized, natural and effective cosmetic products, while allowing flexibility in creating unique formulas.