Safflower Seed Oil 

The valuable safflower seed oil, also known as safflower oil, is extracted from the seeds of the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), a herbaceous plant from the composite family with bright yellow-red petals. Although it cannot be used for frying because it is not heat resistant, it is still widely used in the kitchen in the preparation of dips and dressings. Safflower itself has a long tradition in traditional medicine and also in textile production. Tea made from the flowers of the plant is considered to reduce fever, and in a higher concentration it supports healing sweating during an illness. The dyes contained in the flower were used in the past for yellow and red clothing dye. Even in the bandages of Egyptian mummies traces of safflower could be detected.

Basically, safflower oil can be extracted in two ways. The safflower seed oil obtained by cold pressing is used in cooking and cosmetics, while the variant obtained by hot pressing is used in technical applications.

Ingredients

Anyone who takes a look at the composition will quickly understand its enormous benefits. Around 78 percent consists of unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid). This substance forms the basis for the synthesis of tissue hormones. As a component of our human skin, however, it also performs valuable services in maintaining the skin’s own barrier function. In addition, safflower seed oil contains cosmetically active tocopherol, which is known for its antioxidant effect. Other components are vitamins A and K and phytosterols. The proportion of unsaponifiable components is about 1.0 percent. Thus, safflower seed oil has one of the highest proportions of unsaturated fatty acids of all vegetable oils.

Safflower seed oil and its benefits

– Hydration: safflower seed oil helps hydrate the skin and prevent moisture loss, which can help improve the overall appearance and texture of the skin.

– Anti-inflammatory: The linoleic acid in safflower seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation of the skin.

– Anti-aging: Safflower seed oil is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from free radical damage and UV radiation. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

– Nourishing: Safflower seed oil provides the skin with essential fatty acids and vitamins that can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Safflower seed oil in cosmetics

Safflower oil, thanks to its enormous linoleic acid content, is a non-film-forming, light oil that has a mattifying effect in emulsions and is non-greasy. It is also exceptionally quickly absorbed.

Safflower seed oil is also a good source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can protect skin from free radical damage. It can help improve overall skin texture and tone, and also reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes. Tocopherol, which is thus contained, does a lot of good because it binds moisture, promotes wound healing, and reduces skin damage. People dealing with oily skin can especially benefit from the positive properties of safflower seed oil. It does not leave a film on the skin and has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, so it is particularly recommended for use on acne or skin diseases.

Those who suffer from many blackheads can help the skin and massage a few drops of the oil into the affected areas of the skin.

This massage loosens dead skin cells, the skin can breathe again and the impurities disappear. The result: a more matte and improved complexion. Thanks to its special composition, the safflower seed oil penetrates the skin quickly, but not very deeply. This leads to the fact that the self-production of fat and sebum is reduced.

In addition, the oil is suitable for supportive use in the case of age spots, skin irritations and light damage. Furthermore, it contributes to the effective regulation of the water balance of the human epidermis.

Safflower seed oil is also frequently used in body care products due to its cell renewing effect, its protective function, and its refatting properties. Numerous shower gels and bath oils therefore already have safflower seed oil as an ingredient. It protects the sensitive skin from drying out during showering and bathing and can even be helpful against hair loss: When used, it often shows a circulation-promoting effect in the scalp area.

Safflower seed oil is well tolerated and can be used by all skin types and on all parts of the body. The positive effect is enhanced by combining it with other anti-inflammatory oils (for example, hemp oil or currant seed oil).

But also people with normal skin can wonderfully care for face and body with the oil. It is ideal for removing makeup and is even suitable for baby care.

This oil is ideally suited for the production of your cosmetics. Together with Cosmacon you will develop your product, so that it will certainly be a successful start to building your own brand.

PROFILE

INCI: Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil

Main producing countries: India, Mexico, USA, Uzbekistan

Iodine value: 138 – 152

Main ingredients: linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E

Smoke point: 159 degrees Celsius (not suitable for frying)

We like to use the following safflower oil containing raw materials:

Safflower seed oil at Cosmacon

Safflower seed oil is also used in various skin care and cosmetic products due to its moisturizing properties. It is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that moisturizes and protects the skin from moisture loss. It is also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage. Pure safflower oil is a versatile ingredient for high-quality natural cosmetics. Cosmacon will be happy to develop suitable formulations for your individual needs. Whether for the care of normal and oily skin, as shower and bath oil or for make-up removal, safflower  oil is a valuable multi-talent that is very well tolerated. Please feel free to ask if you would also like to offer cosmetics with this oil.

Sources: 

Chemical characterization of flavonoids and alkaloids in safflower (Carthamustinctorius L.) by comprehensive two-dimensional hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled with hybrid linear ion trap Orbitrap mass spectrometry.; Wang S, Cao J, Deng J, Hou X, Hao E, Zhang L, Yu H, Li P.Food Chem X. 2021 Oct 16;12:100143

Flower Extracts as Multifunctional Dyes in the Cosmetics Industry.; Bujak T, Zagórska-Dziok M, Ziemlewska A, Nizioł-Łukaszewska Z, Lal K, Wasilewski T, Hordyjewicz-Baran Z.Molecules. 2022 Jan 29;27(3):922

Bioactive Substances in Safflower Flowers and Their Applicability in Medicine and Health-Promoting Foods.; Adamska I, Biernacka P.Int J Food Sci. 2021 May 26;2021:6657639

Medical uses of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower): a comprehensive review from Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine.; Delshad E, Yousefi M, Sasannezhad P, Rakhshandeh H, Ayati Z.Electron Physician. 2018 Apr 25;10(4):6672-6681