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Sunflower Botanical Oil
Commonly known as:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (I.N.C.I.), Heliotrope, Maurelle, Big Sun, Garden Sun, Common Sun, Parrot Seed, Helianthus.
Botanical name:
Helianthus annuus.
Extraction process:
Cold pressing of sunflower seeds from organic farming.
Family:
Asteraceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Seeds.
Location:
Native to North America, now cultivated on all continents.
Flowering:
From June to September.
Provenance, origin:
France.
Phytochemical composition:
Saturated fatty acids (lignoceric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid), polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, gadoleic acid, erucic acid), tocopherols (vitamin E).
Sensorial properties:
Appearance: Clear liquid above 3 - 4°C and pasty at lower temperatures; Color: Golden yellow to dark yellow; Odor: Neutral; Touch: Dry, penetrating.
Physical characteristics:
Density: 0.918 - 0.923 g/cm3; Oxidative Potential: Stable with an induction time of 6.47 (110°C, 10 L/h); Comedogenic Index: 0; pH: Non-aqueous product; Insoluble in water; Soluble in hydrocarbons and alkaline solvents.
Benefits:
Antimicrobial, antioxidant, conditioning, regenerating, nourishing, softening, hydrating.
Concerns:
All skin types and particularly dry, mature and weakened skin. Also recommended for rather dry hair.
Details
Use
Face care (lip balm, face creams, eye contour creams, beard oils, make-up remover oils, BB creams, face masks, cleansing emulsions); Body care (balms, scrubs, milks, hand and foot creams, deodorants, sun creams and mists, solid soaps); Hair care (shampoos, care masks, conditioners, hair oils).
Preservation
Store at room temperature in a dry place away from heat and light.
Contra-Indications and Precautions
No danger has been identified following the cosmetic use of sunflower oil. Pregnant women and young children can use it. It is considered by the international committee of experts as a safe cosmetic ingredient, which can be used up to a concentration of 96% in the finished product, without particular toxic risk.
Find out more
The Latin name of the Sunflower "Helianthus annuus" is derived from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flower). "Annuus" is related to its annual life cycle. The name of the plant illustrates the fact that it orients itself according to the sun it symbolizes. Good to know: the seeds of the sunflower can retain pesticides and heavy metals, hence the importance of choosing an oil from organic farming.
