Obtained by gentle maceration of medicinal plants in virgin vegetable oil, the oily macerates available on Soin-et-Nature concentrate the natural benefits of botanical extracts for soothing, nourishing or repairing skin applications. With no preservatives or aggressive processing, these lipophilic extracts are a gentle, effective and versatile alternative for skin care, therapeutic massage or natural home cosmetics.

What is an oily macerate and what is it used for?

An oily macerate is a plant preparation obtained by extracting the active principles of a plant in a vegetable oil. This process involves macerating a fresh or dry plant in a neutral oil (often sunflower, olive, sesame or jojoba), at room or mild temperature, for several weeks. The enriched oil inherits the plant's therapeutic properties, while benefiting from the nourishing, emollient and protective qualities of the carrier oil.

Oily macerates are used in skin care, aromatherapy, natural cosmetics, massage and topical phytotherapy. They can be easily integrated into skincare routines, as the basis of a homemade cosmetic or as a pure active ingredient, particularly in the case of fragile skin, joint pain or burns.

How is an oily macerate made?

The manufacture of an oily macerate relies on a lipophilic extraction process, which consists in solubilizing the active molecules contained in the plant in oil. Two main methods are used:

Traditional solar maceration

The plant (often dry to avoid fermentation) is placed in an airtight jar, covered with vegetable oil, then exposed to natural light for several weeks. This gentle method preserves the integrity of the active ingredients.

Gentle hot maceration

The plant is immersed in oil, then gently heated at low temperature (between 30 and 40°C) for a few hours or days, depending on the nature of the components to be extracted. This accelerates the release of fat-soluble active ingredients.

After filtration, the macerate is stored in an opaque bottle, protected from light and heat, often with a natural addition of vitamin E to prevent oxidation.

What are the main plants used in oily macerates, and what are their benefits?

Each macerated plant imparts its own specific properties to the carrier oil. Here are a few commonly used oily macerates and their traditional applications:

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): anti-inflammatory, soothing, repairing. Ideal for irritated skin, diaper rash and minor burns.
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): healing, analgesic, effective for burns, bruises, muscle pain. Photosensitizing (avoid exposure to sunlight).
Arnica (Arnica montana): anti-hematoma, anti-inflammatory, used for blows, bruises, sprains (external use only).
Carrot (Daucus carota): rich in beta-carotene, healthy glow, skin regenerating, supports sun preparation.
Bellis (Bellis perennis, daisy): firming, skin tonic, useful for bust care or after childbirth.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): soothing, mild antiseptic, relaxing, good support for essential oils.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): tissue regenerator, support in case of wounds or fractures (external use only).
Garlic (Allium sativum): antiseptic, circulatory, traditionally used for joint pain or corns.

When should I use an oily macerate?

Oily macerates are multifunctional extracts that can be used for a variety of purposes:

Skin care

Sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis (calendula, chamomile)
Mature skin, wrinkles (carrot, daisy)
Sunburn, burns (St John's wort, lavender)
Nourishing or firming massage (bellis, fenugreek)

Muscle and joint applications

Pain, tension, stiffness (arnica, St John's wort, garlic)
Sports recovery (rosemary, peppermint synergy)

Baby and maternity care

Diaper rash, cradle cap (calendula, chamomile)
Post-delivery massage (bellis, fenugreek)

Home cosmetics

Base for creams, balms, care oils
Can be mixed with suitable essential oils

What's the difference between an oily macerate and an essential oil?

It's important not to confuse an oily macerate with an essential oil:

An oily macerate is a gentle extraction, without distillation, in a vegetable oil. It is not concentrated, so there is no major risk, and is used pure on the skin.
Essential oil is a highly concentrated substance, extracted by distillation, with strong active properties. It is used diluted, with care, and may be contraindicated for children, pregnant women or sensitive individuals.

The macerate is therefore safer, more accessible and versatile, especially for family use or reactive skin.

How do I choose and store a quality oily macerate?

A good oily macerate is distinguished by several essential criteria:

Organic or wild plant harvested at maturity
Virgin, organic, first cold-pressed vegetable oil.
Respectful maceration method (solar or gentle hot)
No preservatives, solvents or perfumes
Opaque packaging in brown glass or aluminum bottles
Added vitamin E (tocopherol) to stabilize oxidation

At Soin-et-Nature, we offer you a rigorous selection of certified organic oily macerates, 100% pure, traced and guaranteed free of additives and chemical substances.

What organic plant oils can I find on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers you a complete range of organic plant oils, rigorously selected for their natural properties and impeccable quality. Produced by first cold-pressing and certified organic, these oils are the perfect addition to any care, well-being or natural health routine.

Essential oils for massage combine the benefits of vegetable oils with aromatherapy. They are formulated to promote relaxation, relieve muscular tension or revitalize the body, as required.
Large-volume vegetable oils meet the expectations of professionals and regular users. They guarantee consistent organic quality, while offering economical packaging for intensive use.
Oily macerates are obtained by macerating fresh or dried plants in a quality vegetable oil. They extract the fat-soluble active ingredients of plants such as arnica, calendula and St. John's wort, and are used for skin care, joint support and skin soothing.

All the products available on Soin-et-Nature enable you to care for your skin, your muscles or your emotions, in an ecological, sensorial and 100% natural way.