Description

Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Oil is extracted from the seeds of the Nelumbo nucifera plant, commonly known as the lotus. This oil is valued for its nourishing, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties, making it a sought-after ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Oil contains:

Fatty Acids: Includes oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid, which provide moisturizing, emollient, and barrier-forming benefits.
Essential Fatty Acids: Contribute to skin health and support the skin’s natural lipid barrier.
Phytosterols: Help to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin E, which provides antioxidant protection and supports skin health.
The chemical structure of the oil is primarily composed of triglycerides, which include a mix of fatty acids, essential fatty acids, phytosterols, and vitamins.

Physical Properties

Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow oil.
Odor: Mild, nutty or floral fragrance characteristic of lotus seeds.
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as oils and fats.
Melting Point: Not applicable; remains liquid at room temperature.
Boiling Point: Varies depending on the concentration and specific compounds; generally high.

Production Process

Harvesting: Lotus seeds are harvested from the Nelumbo nucifera plant at the appropriate stage.
Cleaning: Seeds are cleaned to remove any debris and impurities.
Cold Pressing: The seeds are subjected to cold pressing to extract the oil while preserving its beneficial properties.
Filtration: The extracted oil is filtered to remove any solid particles and impurities.
Packaging: The purified oil is packaged in airtight containers to protect it from light and oxidation.

Applications

Cosmetic: Used in skincare products such as serums, moisturizers, and facial oils for its moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Helps to nourish and hydrate the skin, improve elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Pharmaceutical: May be included in some pharmaceutical preparations for its nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Food: Less commonly used in food applications, but may be included in dietary supplements for its nutritional benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Biodegradability: The oil is generally biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly when managed properly.
Toxicity: Generally regarded as safe for topical use. However, like all oils, it should be used according to established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. Individuals with allergies or very sensitive skin should exercise caution. It is important to ensure the oil is sustainably sourced and free from harmful chemicals.
Disposal: Should be disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations. Proper disposal methods should be followed to prevent environmental contamination.

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.

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

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: 85085-51-4 EC number 285-379-2