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White wavy lines texture on a surfaceProfile: Pumpkin Seed Vegetable Oil

Profile: Pumpkin Seed Vegetable Oil

Commonly known as: Curcubita Pepo Seed Oil (I.N.C.I.).
Botanical name: Curcubita pepo.
Extraction process: First cold pressing of the seeds, followed by a filtration.
Family: Cucurbitaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Seeds.
Location: Originally from Central America, it is now cultivated all over the world.
Flowering: From June to September.
Provenance, origin: China.
Phytochemical composition: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid), phytosterols, polyphenols, vitamins (A, B2, B3, and E), minerals (potassium, zinc), amino acids (cucurbitin).
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Oily liquid; Color: Reddish-brown; Scent: Squash-like; Feel: Somewhat dry.
Physical characteristics: Density: 0.915 - 0.925 g/cm3; Insoluble in water; Soluble in aliphatic and halogenated hydrocarbons; Comedogenicity index: 2 (slightly comedogenic); Oxidative potential: Sensitive; Saponification index: 190 mgKOH/g; pH: Not applicable, non-aqueous product.
Benefits: Emollient, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-radical, hair growth stimulant.
Concerns: All skin types, particularly mature, dry, tired, and dull skin; All hair types, particularly dry, dull, brittle, and damaged hair; Recommended for hair loss.

Details

Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits the synthesis of histamine, a vasodilator that increases capillary permeability and activates inflammatory cells, due to the presence of cucurbitin. This property thus helps to reduce the skin's fragility and its propensity to become irritated;

  • Antioxidant, anti-radical: Combatting radical species thus protecting skin cells from deterioration and thereby slowing/preventing premature skin aging, thanks to the phytosterols present in its composition;

  • Soothing, Softening: Forming a protective layer on the skin's surface through the contribution of emollient compounds that will reduce tightness, make the skin softer and more comfortable, and soothe skin that has been aggravated by external elements;

  • Nourishing, protective: Preserving the effectiveness of the skin and hair's hydrolipidic film, thereby strengthening their barrier function against external aggressions, a virtue conferred by its content of unsaturated fatty acids (particularly alpha-linolenic acid);

  • Hair Stimulant: Slowing down hair loss due to its ability to inhibit the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for halting hair growth (data in vitro).

Applications

  • Facial Care (face creams, serums, cleansing gels, shaving oils, masks, lip balms);

  • Body Care (massage oils, creams for hands and feet, body lotions);

  • Haircare (shampoos, conditioners, masks, balms, lotions).

Method of Preservation

Store in a dry place, at low temperature to reduce oxidation issues and increase stability, away from light and heat.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

The vegetable oil of pumpkin poses no health risks. There are no contraindications to its cosmetic use. Pregnant women and young children can use it.

Find out more

The squash is among the very first fruits brought back from America to Europe by Christopher Columbus. Its oil offers numerous benefits for the human body: it is recommended for regulating prostate disorders as well as urinary infections. When applied topically, it provides a firming effect and is particularly recommended for mature skin.