Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is an oil derived from the seeds of Camellia japonica, known for its emollient, hydrating, and protective properties, making it suitable for dry or mature skin and hair. The oil contains a good amount of essential fatty acids, like oleic acid, and antioxidant vitamins that help keep skin soft and shielded from environmental damage.
Chemical Composition and Structure
The oil primarily consists of essential fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, along with vitamins such as vitamin E. These fatty acids reinforce the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against free radicals.
Physical Properties
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is a lightweight, silky oil that absorbs easily, oil-soluble, and ideal for use in serums, facial oils, creams, and hair treatments. Its non-greasy texture makes it suitable for various formulations requiring a hydrating and nourishing effect.
Production Process
The oil is extracted from Camellia japonica seeds through cold pressing or gentle extraction methods, preserving its nutrients and bioactive compounds. Once extracted, it is purified to ensure the quality and stability necessary for cosmetic use.
Applications
Medical: Studied for its hydrating and antioxidant properties, with potential applications in treatments for dry and irritated skin.
Cosmetics: Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is widely used in skin and hair care products for its emollient, protective, and nourishing properties. It helps maintain skin hydration, improve elasticity, and protect against oxidative damage, making it suitable for serums, creams, and hair oils.
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.
CAS 223748-13-8
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is considered safe for cosmetic use and biodegradable. As a plant-based oil, it has minimal environmental impact. Sustainable harvesting of Camellia japonica seeds is essential to ensure responsible production and reduce ecological impact.
For further information and studies:
Camellia japonica
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil 
