How to use carrot macerate?

Renowned for imparting a natural healthy glow, carrot macerate is a coveted ingredient in the cosmetic industry. As the name suggests, it is obtained by macerating carrot roots in pure vegetable oil, such as sunflower oil. Carrot macerate is a rich source of beta-carotene, a photosynthetic pigment capable of neutralising free radicals, particularly those generated following exposure to the sun's UV rays, thereby protecting the skin from their harmful effects. Another property of beta-carotene is its ability to regenerate certain antioxidants present in the skin, like vitamin E. When the latter is oxidised by free radicals, beta-carotene can aid in its reactivation, creating a synergistic effect of antioxidant defence. These antioxidant effects of the carrot macerate explain why it is frequently used to prevent skin ageing and enhance complexion radiance.

The carrot macerate can also be beneficial in protecting the skin from dehydration and external aggressions. Indeed, thanks to its carrier oil, this ingredient contains fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acids. These are recognised for their ability to strengthen the hydrolipidic film present on the skin's surface, thereby limiting water evaporation, but also for their nourishing properties, useful for improving the cohesion of the horny layer and thus the integrity of the skin barrier.

How to use carrot oil macerate in topical application?

The oil macerate of carrot can be easily incorporated into a skincare routine to provide radiance and nourish the skin. For direct application, simply warm a few drops between your hands before massaging them onto a clean and dry skin. The use of carrot macerate is particularly beneficial as an evening treatment, either alone or mixed with a vegetable oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond, to promote skin regeneration during the night.

The carrot macerate can also be added to existing skincare products to enhance their benefits. Adding a few drops to a daily moisturiser can intensify its softening and protective effects, while providing an immediate healthy glow due to the slightly orange colour of the carrot oil macerate. However, caution is advised if you have fair skin: do not apply more than a few drops, or you risk ending up with an orange complexion.

Although the carrot oil macerate is primarily valued for its benefits to the skin, its application to the hair and scalp could also be of interest. Indeed, due to its richness in antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, it could help to protect hair fibres from oxidative stress, a factor involved in hair loss and canities, that is, the appearance of white hair. However, it is important to note that these potential actions of carrot macerate have not, at present, been the subject of scientific research. Therefore, we cannot assert that this ingredient can prevent hair loss or hair whitening, simply that it possesses antioxidant properties.

How to use carrot macerate on hair?

To protect the hair from oxidative stress, it is possible to apply a few drops of carrot macerate across the entire scalp before massaging until absorbed. However, depending on the carrier oil used during the maceration of carrot roots and the nature of your hair, this method may leave a slight oily film. To avoid this, you can leave the macerate on for thirty minutes to an hour before washing your hair, or dilute it beforehand in a hydrosol, like that of cornflower, which is lighter.

Another possible use of carrot oil macerate: as a hair oil treatment on the lengths. This method is particularly beneficial for taking advantage of the nourishing benefits of the macerate's carrier oil, often rich in fatty acids. These lipids can help to strengthen the hydrolipidic film that coats the hair fibres, preserve their elasticity and reduce dryness at the ends.

• SIES H. & al. Activité antioxydante des caroténoïdes. Aspects moléculaires de la médecine (2003).

• MIELOCH M. & al. β-carotene in skin care. Polish Journal of Cosmetology (2016).

• SIONKOWSKA A. & al. Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity and UV Radiation Protection Properties of Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Carrot (Daucus carota), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Hop (Humulus lupulus) Extracts. Cosmetics (2022).

• HE H. & al. The Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin and Hair Health: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2025).