Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes are microencapsulated oil droplets derived from the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius). These oleosomes are valued for their ability to deliver active ingredients in a stable and controlled manner, enhancing the efficacy of cosmetic formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Triglycerides: Main component, providing emollient properties.
Phospholipids: Help form the oleosome structure and stabilize the encapsulated ingredients.
Fatty Acids: Includes linoleic acid, which supports skin hydration and barrier function.
Vitamins: May contain vitamin E and other antioxidants, contributing to skin protection and repair.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Typically a soft, creamy or gel-like substance.
Odor: Mild, characteristic of safflower oil.
Consistency: Emulsion-like, with a smooth texture.

Production Process:

Extraction: Oil is extracted from Carthamus tinctorius seeds using mechanical or solvent methods.
Microencapsulation: The oil is encapsulated in oleosomes through emulsification processes.
Stabilization: The encapsulated oil is stabilized to maintain its efficacy and shelf life.
Formulation: Oleosomes are incorporated into cosmetic products to deliver active ingredients effectively.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Used in creams, lotions, and serums to provide sustained release of active ingredients, improve skin hydration, and enhance texture.
Skincare: Helps to deliver moisturizers and vitamins more effectively, improving skin softness and elasticity.
Hair Care: Incorporated into shampoos and conditioners to provide nourishment and shine to hair.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Generally regarded as safe for topical application; however, like all cosmetic ingredients, it should be used in accordance with established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. People with allergies or very sensitive skin should be cautious. It is important to ensure that the oleosomes are sustainably sourced and free from harmful chemicals.

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.

Emulsion stabiliser. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. as well as their shelf-life. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, the molar mass of the ingredient used plays an important role.

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: 223749-52-8 EC number 607-037-7