Consumers are showing a increasing awareness of the incorporation of cold pressed oils in their personal care products, reflecting a preference for more natural alternatives over conventional options.

We've consistently understood the importance of minimal intervention in selecting ingredients for our formulations and hold the belief that high-quality cold pressed oils provide superior benefits for your skin.

What are cold pressed oils?

Cold-pressed oils are derived from seeds, nuts, or fruits using the gentle extraction method of cold pressing. This technique involves applying mild pressure without excessive heat, solvents or chemicals. The entire extraction must take place in temperatures below 120°F, as temperatures above this can diminish the nutrients in the oil. Cold pressing oils require careful extraction techniques, which is more time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive compared to conventional methods. 

It goes without saying that producing the cold-pressed oils utilised in skincare products requires both precision and patience. While it may not be a rapid process, it undeniably yields remarkable benefits for the skin.

Benefits of cold pressed oils

Cold-pressed oils offer numerous advantages making them highly sought after in the realm of skincare. Here are some reasons why.

• Preservation of nutrients: Cold pressing doesn't alter the original properties of the oil, and contain more of the nutritional value of the original plant. This maintains the essential nutrients, vitamins, and proteins, guaranteeing optimal benefits for the skin. The results of a study in 2014 suggest that cold-pressed oils also retain more antioxidants. 
• Natural Extraction: The extraction process without the use of chemical solvents guarantees that the oils are devoid of harmful residues, ensuring their safety for topical application.
• Longer shelf life: Another study in 2017, showed an increase in the natural preservative, tocopherol (vitamin E), while a research paper in 2015, found cold pressed oils to be “higher in oleic acid, indicating better oxidative stability.” Both of these studies indicate that cold-pressed oils naturally have a longer shelf life, and can often do without artificial preservatives.
• Kinder to the environment: The cold pressed extraction process is also considered a more environmentally friendly option. It takes less energy because it doesn’t need heat, and doesn’t require the use of chemical solvents. 

In the world of skincare, authentic beauty starts with nurturing and honoring your skin, by recognising the potency of natural products. At Merkaba Skincare, we hold a deep appreciation for the natural world, carefully crafting our products using the finest organic, unrefined and cold-pressed ingredients.

Our purpose is to rejuvenate beauty and balance, not just within ourselves but also for the planet we call home.