Description

Cucurbita maxima seed oil is the product generally obtained by hot acid extraction. Other forms of extraction are: microwave-assisted extraction, enzymatic extraction.

Substances contained
Unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and saponins with antioxidant activity.

Safety
Ingredient considered safe.

What it is used for and where
It is a crop belonging to the very diverse Cucurbitaceae family and is one of five species of Cucurbita edible by pulp, seeds and flowers.
It is the main pumpkin species cultivated for food.

Cosmetics
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
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