Description

Hydrogenated Black Currant Seed Oil is a derivative of black currant seed oil (Ribes nigrum) that has undergone a hydrogenation process. This process transforms the liquid oil into a more stable, semi-solid form, enhancing its stability and shelf life. It retains the beneficial properties of the original oil, including its high content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Hydrogenated Black Currant Seed Oil contains essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, and oleic acid, similar to the non-hydrogenated form. The hydrogenation process converts some of the unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids, resulting in a more solid texture. The chemical structure after hydrogenation includes more saturated hydrocarbon chains, which contribute to its stability and texture.

Physical Properties:

The oil typically appears as a semi-solid, waxy substance at room temperature. It has a pale yellow or off-white color and a neutral odor. The hydrogenated oil is more stable and less prone to oxidation compared to the non-hydrogenated form. It is soluble in oils and organic solvents but is less fluid and more solidified compared to the original liquid oil.

Production Process:

The production of Hydrogenated Black Currant Seed Oil involves the following steps:

Extraction: Black currant seeds are processed to obtain the raw black currant seed oil.
Hydrogenation: The oil undergoes hydrogenation, a chemical process where hydrogen is added to the oil under high pressure and temperature, converting some of the unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids.
Filtration: The hydrogenated oil is filtered to remove any residual impurities.
Refinement: The oil may be further refined to ensure consistent quality and stability.

Applications:

Hydrogenated Black Currant Seed Oil is used in cosmetic formulations for its emollient and stabilizing properties. It can be found in:

Creams
Lotions
Lip balms
Emulsions
It is valued for its ability to provide a smooth, non-greasy texture and enhance the stability of formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

The environmental impact of producing Hydrogenated Black Currant Seed Oil is relatively low, particularly when sustainable practices are employed in the cultivation of black currant seeds. The oil is generally considered safe for topical use and has a low risk of irritation or sensitization. As with any cosmetic ingredient, proper formulation and safety testing are important, especially for products intended for sensitive skin.

INCI Functions:


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.
Synonyms:

CAS: 68606-81-5 EC number 271-749-0