Hazelnut vegetable oil is renowned in skin and hair care for its ability to regulate sebum production. Non-greasy and non-comedogenic, it is considered a dry oil that quickly penetrates the epidermis. Find here all the information you need to know about this plant-based substance.
Everything you need to know about hazelnut oil.
Summary
Published on January 4, 2022, updated on October 4, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Hazelnut oil, extraction process, and key characteristics.
Formerly known as "hazel," the hazelnut tree (Corylus avellana) is a tree belonging to the Betulaceae family, primarily cultivated in Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. The hazelnut is the oilseed fruit that contains the highest lipid content. A recipe extracted from the Cambrai bible in the 12th century recommended the use of hazelnut oil mixed with chervil juice and honey to combat hair loss and promote regrowth. Hazelnut oil, known for its softening properties, has a remarkable ability to spread and penetrate, making it an excellent carrier in aromatherapy.
The virgin hazelnut oil is extracted by first cold pressing of the fruits followed by a filtration through cellulose paper. It is fluid and light, with quick absorption and provides a dry touch. It leaves the skin matte, soft, and comfortable.
Hazelnut oil is rich in fatty acids essential such as the linoleic acid (omega-6), the acid oleic (omega-9), the palmitic acid and the stearic acid. As a reminder, oleic acid is the most abundant long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid in our body. Highly nourishing for the skin, it makes it more supple and softer but also more radiant. Hazelnut vegetable oil also contains a natural antioxidant, the vitamin E, also called tocopherol, as well as phytosterols.
It exhibits alow comedogenicity index, meaning it does not clog pores and quickly penetrates the skin. Even though it is relatively resistant to oxidation, it is best preserved in a cool place, away from heat and light in an amber bottle.
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The benefits of hazelnut oil for the skin.
Hazelnut vegetable oil is recognized for its ability to regulate sebum production and balance the hydrolipidic film. Non-greasy and non-comedogenic, it quickly penetrates the epidermis. It is considered a dry oil; it is particularly recommended for combination to oily skin as well as acne-prone skin and/or skin with blackheads. Furthermore, the linoleic acid it contains prevents the excessive accumulation of dead cells on the skin's surface. This is an essential fatty acid that promotes cell renewal, thus preventing the clogging of hair follicles that leads to comedones.
Rich in omega-6 and omega-9, it also providesnutritionandelasticityto the skin, andprevents dehydrationbystrengthening the barrier functionof the epidermis. The hydrolipidic film improves the resistance of the stratum corneum against external aggressions and limits insensible water loss.
Hazelnut vegetable oil can also be used as a massage oil. Thanks to its softening properties, it can help reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
What are the benefits for the hair?
The sebum-regulating properties of hazelnut vegetable oil also make it an excellent treatment for hair that quickly becomes greasy and for unbalanced scalps.
Unlike dry hair, oily hair produces an excessive amount of sebum. This can cause the hair to become sticky, shiny, and flat. The presence of oily dandruff is also common. Indeed, it results from an inflammatory reaction following an accumulation of pollution and impurities at the scalp level.
To cleanse this area, opt for a hazelnut oil massage before each shampoo, two to three times a week. At the base of the hair, apply two to three drops of hazelnut oil and then massage the scalp. It is possible to leave this oil on for a few minutes to an hour before shampooing.
In which skincare products can one find hazelnut oil?
This plant-based substance does not have any contraindications, except for individuals allergic to oil-rich fruits. Hazelnut oil is well tolerated by all skin types. It is included in the formulation of certain facial care products (serums, creams, oils, balms, masks) as well as body care products (lotions, balms, shower oils, hand and foot creams). It is also used in some shampoos intended for oily scalps.
Thehazelnut vegetable oil from Typology is obtained by cold pressing hazelnuts from organic farming grown in France. It is recommended for mattifying and purifying shiny skin characterized by an overproduction of sebum and enlarged pores. It can also be applied to the hair to rebalance oily scalps.
Thepurifying botanical blend also contains hazelnut oil. This night serum helps to purify the skin through the sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory actions of 7 botanical extracts.
Furthermore, Typology has developed a blemish serum with 1% bakuchiol and hazelnut vegetable oil to regulate sebum production and rebalance the hydrolipidic film. Completely natural, this treatment is suitable for blemished and acne-prone skin.
Sources:
BARDOT J & al. Influence of hazelnut oil phospholipids on the skin moisturizing effect of a cosmetic emulsion. International journal of Cosmetic (1990).
GÖKMEN V. & al. Bioactive compounds in different hazelnut varieties and their skins. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis (2015).
