What is Maceration

Maceration, or steeping, is a process during which active substances and aromas contained in herbs (or other ingredients) are released into a carrier medium, which can be:

• oil – this creates a macerate, steeping takes place cold in a closed container over a longer period,
• alcohol – this creates a tincture, commonly used in healing,
• water – this creates an infusion, or if heated to accelerate the maceration process, it is a decoction.

Maceration itself should ideally occur cold at temperatures up to 20°C, which ensures maximum preservation of active substances that we might unnecessarily lose through heating. So unless you plan to make a great herbal tea, be careful with hot water.

Hair Elixir | Dry Hair

Herbal hair treatment for dry and colored hair

14.99 EUR

Pure Face

Natural cleansing oil for all skin types

24.99 EUR

Baby

Natural soap for dry, extra sensitive skin prone to irritation

7.99 EUR

Miracle Balm

Natural balm for dry, problematic skin with signs of irritation

16.99 EUR

Use in Cosmetics

When producing natural cosmetic products, you will most often encounter a macerate or infusion from herbs, which can be used either alone, for example as a facial toner, or as an ingredient in a more complex product. At Almara Soap, we use herbal macerates and decoctions in the preparation of soaps from our natural collection and in cosmetics. This process ensures that the final product contains the maximum active components from the herbs, as well as their wonderful fragrance.

We are constantly aging several types of macerates in production. Each product has its specific required blend of herbs that enhance its effectiveness.

In the body oil Pure Face for firmer and smoother skin, you will find a unique combo of ivy, birch, and rosemary. In the facial oil Purity for oily skin, there is also ground ivy, sage, and thyme. In the whipped butter Silky Body, there is an amazing mix of rose, poppy, lavender, and marigold, while the SOS Balm contains eight carefully selected herbs, including St. John's wort, comfrey, plantain, lady's mantle, and yarrow.

We do not only macerate herbs in oils but also in apple cider vinegar: our hair rinses Fresh/Dry/New Hair Elixir also benefit from the unique properties of herbs effective for hair and scalp, such as nettle, birch, burdock, thyme, and walnut.

Doesn't it sound magical? We love macerates because herbs, or plants in general, are the absolute foundation of our entire cosmetic production.

And what about you? Have you tried any of our natural delights with fragrant herbal macerate?

Photo: Jan Bačák