Hydrogenated Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is a product of natural origin that comes from the seeds of the Moringa Oleifera tree, belonging to the botanical family Moringaceae, often referred to as the "drumstick tree" or "horseradish tree".
Industrial Production Process
- Seed Oil Extraction: Oil is extracted from Moringa Oleifera seeds through cold pressing or solvent extraction methods to preserve the oil's natural nutrients and antioxidants.
- Oil Purification: The extracted oil is purified to remove impurities, solvent residues (if used), and other unwanted substances. This may include processes such as filtration and decanting.
- Hydrogenation: The purified oil is then subjected to hydrogenation, a chemical process in which the oil is treated with hydrogen in the presence of a metal catalyst (typically nickel or palladium). This process adds hydrogen atoms to the unsaturated double bonds of fatty acids, transforming the oil into a more solid form.
- Catalyst Filtration: After hydrogenation, the catalyst is removed from the oil through filtration to ensure that the final product is free from metals.
- Quality Control: Hydrogenated Moringa Oleifera seed oil undergoes rigorous quality control checks to verify its purity, melting point, consistency, and the absence of contaminants. These tests can include spectroscopic analyses, chromatographic analyses, and melting point determinations.
Hydrogenated Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is typically a viscous liquid ranging in color from light brown to green.
What it is for and where
Medical
Traditionally, Moringa seeds have been used to treat edema, arthritis, epilepsy and other health problems.
Phytochemical analysis found beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols with antioxidant activity (1), lecithin with antibacterial activity (2), and the ethyl acetate fraction showed strong anti-inflammatory activity (3).
Cosmetics
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.
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of 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 that can be added in the formulation.
CAS 93165-54-9
EC number 296-941-1
Commercial Applications
Cosmetic Products. Thanks to its rich texture and improved stability, hydrogenated moringa seed oil is used as an emollient ingredient in face creams, body lotions, lip balms, and other cosmetic products, where it helps to moisturize and soften the skin. This oil is also employed in hair care products, such as masks, conditioners, and treatments for ends, to nourish and strengthen the hair, leaving it soft and shiny. The hydrogenated oil creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to retain moisture and protect the skin from external agents, which is particularly useful in conditions of dry or damaged skin.
The increased stability of hydrogenated moringa seed oil allows for the production of cosmetics and skincare products with a longer shelf life, without compromising their effectiveness or safety.
