Pomegranate Seed Oil

The precious oil originates from the dried and pressed seeds of the ripe pomegranate fruits. The pomegranate tree (Punica granatum) fascinates with its magnificent, pomegranate-red fruits, which remind of large apples. Since ancient times, the pomegranate has symbolized fertility and power due to its numerous seeds. It is rich in valuable ingredients for health and beauty and today is experiencing a renaissance as a superfood. Pomegranate seed oil is a popular cosmetic ingredient. The pomegranate tree, which belongs to the myrtle family, is native to western to central Asia, the Mediterranean region, and the Middle East.

The many uses of pomegranate: from carpet dye to beauty care

In the past, the skin of the pomegranate was traditionally used as a dye for wool and fine oriental carpets. The pulp and juice are used in fruit salads and to enhance poultry and game dishes. Even pomegranate wine can be made from the sweet and aromatic juice. The extremely precious pomegranate seed oil is extracted from the dried and pressed seeds of ripe fruits. Extraction requires a considerable amount of pomegranates – about 100 kilograms for 500 grams of oil. This fact is not surprising, since the oil-rich seeds account for only about three percent of the weight of a pomegranate. Their oil content ranges from 12.0 to 20.0 percent. Pomegranate seed oil has a pleasant nutty fragrance and shimmers in light to golden yellow hues. In the kitchen, it is used to enhance dishes and salads. Used internally, it is used as a dietary supplement to strengthen the immune system, relieve arthritis, lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol levels and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Even in ancient times, Persians used it as a beauty oil for skin and hair, and today it continues to be valued for cosmetic purposes.

Effective ingredients in pomegranate oil

Pomegranate seed oil is characterized by a unique fatty acid profile, with punicic acid taking center stage. This polyunsaturated fatty acid, which is one of the omega-5 fatty acids, is found in only a few other vegetable oils. In pomegranate seed oil, punicic acid makes up about two-thirds of the fatty acids and is known for its exceptional antioxidant activity. It was first isolated from pomegranate seed oil in 1935 and is an isomer of α- and γ-linolenic acid and stereoisomer to α- and β-eleostearic acid. In addition, pomegranate seed oil is rich in flavonoids, phytosterols and polyphenols. The most important polyphenols contained include anthocyanidins such as delphinidin and cyanidin, and tannins such as punicalin, ellagic acid, and pedunculagin. The phytoestrogen 17-alpha-estradiol, also present in pomegranate seed oil, not only has a hormonal balancing effect, but also has an equally strong antioxidant effect, neutralizing free radicals in the body and thus inhibiting and delaying various aging processes. In addition, pomegranate seed oil is rich in potassium, which plays a significant role in heart and nerve function, fluid balance and muscle metabolism.

Pomegranate seed oil in cosmetics

The cosmetics industry uses the antioxidant properties of pomegranate seed oil in skin and facial oils. It promotes cell renewal, supports skin tissue regeneration, increases skin elasticity, and strengthens the lipid layer and barrier function of the skin. Therefore, pomegranate seed oil is ideal for anti-aging and repair cosmetics, as well as for mature, stressed and dry skin. Regular use of an emulsion with pomegranate seed oil can visibly tighten and regenerate the skin and reduce wrinkles. The phytoestrogens it contains help to make the skin’s appearance more youthful and even. Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, pomegranate seed oil is also suitable for the care of sensitive skin and with a tendency to neurodermatitis or eczema. As an active ingredient oil or in combination with high-quality base oils, it is used in cosmetic formulations. It can even be diluted or applied pure to the skin, especially for acute skin problems. The use of cold-pressed, organically certified pomegranate seed oil is important here to ensure that it is free of pesticides, fertilizers and other impurities. In pure, certified quality, pomegranate seed oil is very gentle on the skin, absorbs quickly and leaves no oily residue.

We offer the development of natural cosmetics with pomegranate and can develop a product  for your brand in a fitting and valuable way.

Pomegranate seed oil for hair and scalp

Pomegranate oil, a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the pomegranate (Punica granatum), is used not only in skin care, but also in hair and scalp care. Below is some information on its use in hair care:

1. moisturizing: pomegranate oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help retain moisture in the hair. This is particularly beneficial for dry, brittle or damaged hair.
2. smoothing effect: the oil can help smooth the outer cuticle of the hair, resulting in shinier and smoother hair.
3. strengthening hair structure: the nutrients contained in pomegranate oil can help strengthen the structure of hair and reduce hair breakage.
4. skin and scalp care: pomegranate oil also contains polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the scalp. This can be helpful in combating dandruff or dry scalp.
5. promoting hair growth: some claim that pomegranate oil can promote hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.
6. antioxidant effect: the antioxidants in pomegranate oil can protect your hair from the harmful effects of free radicals, which helps to protect it from environmental damage. When you gently massage it into your still damp scalp after washing your hair, it helps retain moisture and provides optimal nourishment to the hair roots when used regularly.

Pomegranate seed oil: certified organic upcycled product

Exotic superfoods that often find their way into cosmetics often have the disadvantage that their origin is not controlled and they have a climate-damaging balance.

The company AOT (All Organic Treasures) is so far the only German supplier of ecologically certified pomegranate oil. The pomegranate trees are grown by a partner according to ecological standards in Azerbaijan.

This oil has another special feature. The seeds used for oil extraction are a by-product of juice extraction. The seeds lying in the red pulp bodies are pressed for juice extraction and then gently dried in the drying plant to achieve a high and clean quality. The actual pomegranate seed oil is then mechanically cold pressed after careful quality inspection and then finely filtered.

The oil obtained in this way is therefore a perfect upcycled product and is also BIO, COSMOS and KOSHER certified and NATRUE compliant.

PROFILE: Pomegranate Oil

INCI: Punica Granatum Seed Oil

CAS No.: 84961-57-9

Occurrence: The pomegranate shrub or tree, which belongs to the myrtle family, grows in Western and Central Asia.

Extraction: pressing of the seeds

Description: golden yellow, slightly viscous oil; can be stored for at least 18 months

Supplier of certified organic pomegranate oil in Germany: AOT

Main components: 60 % punicic acid, palmitic, oleic, linoleic, stearic acid, phytoestrogens

Effect: antioxidant, astringent, promotes skin regeneration, strengthens the skin barrier, has a soothing effect, ideal for dry and chapped skin, makes the skin supple, prevents inflammation

Use in cosmetics: skin and facial oils

We like to work with these raw materials containing pomegranate:

Exotic superfood in sustainable cosmetics

Whether as a pure active ingredient oil or in combination with other high-quality vegetable oils, pomegranate oil unfolds its regenerating and protective properties in creams, lotions, serums, cures, or boosters. In certified organic quality, it is not only a nourishing treat for the skin, but as a sustainable by-product of juice extraction, it is also right on trend. Sustainability is an essential consideration, especially with exotic superfood ingredients, and one that we at Cosmacon are happy to realize in our formulations. Feel free to inquire if you would like to use pomegranate oil or other upcycled raw materials in your formulations as well.

Sources:

Biochemical Pilot Study on Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil Extract and Cosmetic Cream on Neurologically Mediated Skin Inflammation in Animals and Humans: A Comparative Observational Study.; Hamouda AF, Felemban S.Molecules. 2023 Jan 16;28(2):903.

Nutritional and Bioactive Components of Pomegranate Waste Used in Food and Cosmetic Applications: A Review.; Ko K, Dadmohammadi Y, Abbaspourrad A.Foods. 2021 Mar 19;10(3):657. 

Effect of Blanching Pomegranate Seeds on Physicochemical Attributes, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracted Oil.; Kaseke T, Opara UL, Fawole OA.Molecules. 2020 May 31;25(11):2554.

Exploitation of Vitis vinifera, Foeniculum vulgare, Cannabis sativa and Punica granatum By-Product Seeds as Dermo-Cosmetic Agents.; Michailidis D, Angelis A, Nikolaou PE, Mitakou S, Skaltsounis AL.Molecules. 2021 Jan 31;26(3):731.