The carrot, a plant primarily consumed for its root, also possesses cosmetic virtues due to its high content of vitamins and beta-carotene. Its oil macerate is an excellent complexion enhancer. It provides a natural tanned appearance and revives its radiance. In this article, find all the information you need to know about this ingredient.
Everything you need to know about carrot macerate.
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
Themes:
The carrot, in a nutshell.
The carrot belongs to the botanical family of Apiaceae (umbellifers). This herbaceous plant is primarily cultivated for its root, which is the edible part. This food is particularly good for health; indeed, the carrot provides the body with essential minerals and vitamins such as vitamins A and C and protects the liver from potential diseases.
Its cultivation dates back several centuries. It is among the plants whose cultivation was recommended in royal estates by Emperor Charlemagne. Domesticated as early as the 10th century in Central Asia, it was not until the Renaissance, in the 17th century, that the same occurred in Western countries. This marked the birth of the first fleshy-rooted carrot, known as the "long orange carrot".
The carrot macerate, definition.
The carrot macerate is obtained by soaking dried carrot roots in vegetable oil, typically sunflower oil. It contains the following species: beta-carotene (provitamin A), polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (linoleic acid), monounsaturated essential fatty acids (oleic acid), saturated essential fatty acids (stearic acid, palmitic acid), triglycerides, phospholipids, xanthine derivatives, lutein.
In terms of its organoleptic characteristics, it is an oily liquid of a light yellow to orange colour, with a slight hay-like odour and a dry touch. The carrot macerate is low in comedogenicity, in other words, it does not clog the pores. It is sensitive to oxidation and should be stored in a cool place, away from light.
The benefits of carrot macerate for the skin.
When applied topically, the carrot oil macerate is recognised for the following properties:
The carrot oil macerate helps to revive dull and tired complexions. Indeed, its beta-carotene content (pro-vitamin A) provides a healthy glow and brightness to the skin.
It battles against oxidative stress and skin ageing due to its antioxidant properties. The carrot oil macerate significantly limits the production of oxygenated chemical species such as free radicals. As a reminder, these unstable and highly reactive molecules are generated by various factors such as the sun, pollution, tobacco... They damage a wide range of healthy molecules in the body (DNA, RNA, proteins...), accelerating its ageing.
It allows toprevent skin dehydration due to its richness in linoleic acid.
It promotes and prolongs tanning. Beta-carotene stimulates the synthesis of melanin, a pigment responsible for tanning that protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Of course, carrot oil macerate alone is not enough to protect the skin and it is crucial to apply a sun cream before any exposure.
The virtues of carrot macerate for hair.
This ingredient is also recommended for the care of dry and damaged hair. Indeed, its vitamin content gives it regenerative and repairing properties. Moreover, its antioxidant virtues bring radiance and shine to dull hair fibres.
Similar to coconut oil, carrot oil macerate is recommended for taming kinky and curly hair; it redefines curls and helps control the volume of thick hair without flattening it.
The contraindications of carrot macerate.
There are no contraindications to the cosmetic use of carrot macerate. It can be used by pregnant women, young children, and infants. Avoid contact with the eyes.
In which skincare products can one find carrot macerate?
Generally, carrot macerate is used in its pure, raw state. However, it can be found in certain treatments intended for dull skin or for preventing skin ageing, such as serums and creams. It also forms part of the composition oftanning oils for the body and after-sun milks to hydrate the skin and maintain a nice tan. It can also be found in certain shampoos, typically used to tame curls.
At Typology, the carrot oil macerate is derived from the maceration of dried carrot roots in sunflower oil. Certified organic, it contains 100% natural origin ingredients. To revive the radiance of your complexion, apply a few drops morning and/or evening on clean, dry skin.
It is also possible to enjoy the benefits of carrot oil macerate with the radiance facial scrub made with rosehip oil. This is a melting gel with micro grains of apricot kernels that unclog the pores and promote cellular renewal, for smooth skin, an even and luminous complexion.
Sources:
CASADO J. & al. Anthocyanin profile and antioxidant capacity of black carrots (Daucus carota L. ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) from Cuevas Bajas, Spain. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis (2014).
PAVLOV A. Plant Cell culture as emerging technology for production of active cosmetic ingredients. Engineering in Life Sciences (2018).
