Description

Schinziophyton rautanenii, commonly known as mongongo or manketti, is a tree species native to Southern Africa. It belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is valued for its edible fruits and nutrient-rich seeds. The seeds and oil extracted from them are used in various applications, including food, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.

Chemical Composition and Structure

The seeds of Schinziophyton rautanenii are rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, and minerals. The oil extracted from the seeds contains a high proportion of linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid, as well as tocopherols (vitamin E), which contribute to its antioxidant properties. The tree's composition provides a balanced combination of nutrients beneficial for health and cosmetic use.

Physical Properties

Schinziophyton rautanenii seeds are encased in a hard shell and have a high oil content. The oil is typically clear to pale yellow with a mild, nutty aroma and a medium to high viscosity. It is easily absorbed into the skin and hair, making it a valuable ingredient in various formulations. The oil is stable and resistant to rancidity, enhancing its shelf life.

Production Process

Harvesting: Fruits are harvested from the Schinziophyton rautanenii tree.
Seed Extraction: The hard shells are removed to extract the seeds.
Oil Extraction: Oil is extracted from the seeds using methods such as cold pressing or solvent extraction.
Filtration: The extracted oil is filtered to remove any solid particles and impurities.
Quality Control: Rigorous quality tests are conducted to evaluate the purity, stability, and composition of the oil, including chemical and microbiological analyses.

Applications

Cosmetic Products: Used in creams, lotions, and serums for its moisturizing and nourishing properties, improving skin hydration and texture.
Skin Care: Ideal for products aimed at providing deep hydration and protection due to its high content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
Hair Care: Incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks for its ability to condition, moisturize, and protect the hair.
Traditional Medicine: Used in various remedies for its purported healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Food: The seeds are consumed as a nutrient-rich food source, providing essential nutrients and energy.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Schinziophyton rautanenii is generally considered safe for use in food, cosmetic, and traditional medicinal products. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types. Sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure the conservation of the Schinziophyton rautanenii tree and its environment. Efforts to source raw materials sustainably and to use environmentally friendly extraction methods are important to mitigate any potential environmental impact.

INCI


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.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Synonyms:

CAS: