Description

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Extract is derived from the oil of sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus). This oil extract is known for its moisturizing, nourishing, and antioxidant properties. It is widely used in cosmetic products to enhance skin and hair health, providing a rich source of essential fatty acids and vitamins.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
The extract from sunflower seed oil contains various bioactive compounds:

Essential Fatty Acids: Includes linoleic acid (Omega-6) and oleic acid (Omega-9), which support skin hydration and barrier function.
Vitamins: Rich in vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), which provide potent antioxidant protection and help shield the skin from environmental damage.
Phytosterols: Compounds that contribute to improving skin barrier function and reducing inflammation.

The chemical structure of these compounds includes fatty acid chains, aromatic rings, and sterolic structures, which contribute to their biological activities.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: The oil is typically pale yellow to golden in color, with a fluid, oily consistency.
Solubility: Soluble in oils and organic solvents but insoluble in water.
Odor: Has a light, characteristic sunflower seed aroma, which can vary in intensity.

Production Process:

Extraction: Sunflower seeds are pressed to obtain oil through methods such as cold pressing or solvent extraction.
Purification: The extracted oil is refined to remove impurities and achieve a pure, high-quality product.
Formulation: The purified oil is incorporated into cosmetic and skincare products for its beneficial properties.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Used in a wide range of skin and hair care products, including creams, lotions, serums, and hair treatments. Provides moisturizing, nourishing, and antioxidant benefits.
Pharmaceuticals: Occasionally used in topical treatments for its therapeutic and protective effects on the skin.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Sunflower cultivation generally has a moderate environmental impact. Sustainable agricultural practices are encouraged to minimize ecological footprints.
Safety: Generally regarded as safe for topical application. However, like all oil extracts, it should be used in accordance with established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. Safety assessments are required for any new formulations or high concentrations.

INCI Functions:


Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

Preservative. Any product containing organic, inorganic compounds, water, needs to be preserved from microbial contamination. Preservatives act against the development of harmful microorganisms and against oxidation of the product.

Skin protectant. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to defend it from harmful substances, irritants, allergens, pathogens that can cause various inflammatory conditions. These products can also improve the natural skin barrier and in most cases more than one is needed to achieve an effective result.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84776-03-4 / 8001-21-6 EC number 232-273-9