What molecules make up hazelnut oil?

Like most vegetable oils, hazelnut oil is primarily composed of fatty acids. In its composition, we find three in a non-negligible proportion.

• Monounsaturated fatty acids such asoleic acid (also known asomega 9), are present in a mass fraction ranging from 71 to 87%. Although synthesized by the body, external supply (topically) of omega 9 is necessary to strengthen the skin's protective barrier. Indeed, these fatty acids constitute the hydrolipidic film, the layer that protects the skin from aggressions and maintains its hydration level.These are lipids that are part of the composition of sebum, a substance naturally secreted by the body to counteract skin and hair dryness. Oleic acid is therefore recognized by skin constituents, and thus penetrates deeply to regulate sebum production by the sebaceous glands and combat the oily tendency of hair and skin.

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids, includinglinoleic acidoromega 6, are present in a mass fraction ranging between7 and 18%. This category of fatty acids is referred to asessential, as they are not synthesized by the body. Omega 6 contributes to the process of cell renewal. When applied topically, they help combat signs of aging and promote healing. They also soothe inflammatory reactions and are beneficial for sensitive skin, suffering from tightness and irritation.

• Saturated fatty acids, such as thepalmitic acid, constitute 4 to 8% of the total composition of hazelnut oil. Palmitic acid has emollient properties, which means it promotes hydration of skin and hair cells. It thus imparts suppleness and softness.

As its name suggests, the "unsaponifiable" fraction of a vegetable oil represents the elementsthat are not transformed into soap during a saponification reaction. These include sterols, hydrocarbons (squalene, etc...), fatty alcohols (waxes, etc...), liposoluble pigments, vitamins, polyphenols, minerals, etc.... Generally, this unsaponifiable fraction only represents 0.5 to 2% of vegetable oils.

Hazelnut oil contains 0.3% to 0.7% unsaponifiable matter, primarily composed of vitamin E and phytosterols, powerfulnatural antioxidants.They protect the skin and hair from the damaging effects of free radicals, which arereactive oxygen speciesproduced naturally by the body but overproduced when cells are exposed tostress. Stress sources are numerous, the main ones being UV exposure, pollution, smoking, and a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to theirsingle electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form apair of electrons, and then causedamage to the body's cells, DNA, and proteins. They are notably involved in lipid peroxidation, a degradation reaction of the constituents of cell membranes. This accelerates aging and causes wrinkles to appear on the skin's surface. Regarding hair, free radicals weaken hair fibers, hastening their fall and/or the appearance of white hair. Therefore, hazelnut oil is an ally in preventing skin aging, combating the onset and/or accentuation of wrinkles, as well as the degradation of hair strength over time.