Pomegranate oil
The precious oil is obtained from the dried and pressed seeds of the ripe pomegranate fruit. The pomegranate tree (Punica granatum) produces magnificent pomegranate-red fruits that resemble large apples. Since ancient times, the pomegranate has symbolised fertility and strength due to its many seeds. Rich in valuable health and beauty ingredients, it is now experiencing a renaissance as a superfood. Pomegranate oil is a popular cosmetic ingredient. The pomegranate tree, a member of the myrtle family, is native to western to central Asia, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The many uses of pomegranate: from carpet dyeing 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 valuable pomegranate oil is extracted from the dried and pressed seeds of the ripe fruit. Extraction requires a considerable amount of pomegranates – around 100 kilograms for 500 grams of oil. This is not surprising given that the oil-rich seeds make up only about three per cent of the weight of a pomegranate. Their oil content ranges from 12.0 to 20.0 per cent. Pomegranate oil has a pleasant nutty scent and shimmers in shades of light to golden yellow. In the kitchen it is used to enhance dishes and salads. Internally, it is used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system, relieve arthritis, lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol levels and ease menopausal symptoms. In ancient times, the Persians used it as a beauty oil for skin and hair, and it is still valued for cosmetic purposes today.
Active ingredients in pomegranate oil
Pomegranate oil has a unique fatty acid profile, centred on punicic acid. This polyunsaturated fatty acid, which is an omega-5 fatty acid, is found in very few other vegetable oils. In the oil, punicic acid makes up about two-thirds of the fatty acids and is known for its exceptional antioxidant activity. First isolated from pomegranate oil in 1935, it is an isomer of alpha- and gamma-linolenic acid and a stereoisomer of alpha- and beta-eleostearic acid. Pomegranate oil is also rich in flavonoids, phytosterols and polyphenols. Major polyphenols include anthocyanidins such as delphinidin and cyanidin, and tannins such as punicalin, ellagic acid and pedunculagin. The phytoestrogen 17-alpha-estradiol, also found in pomegranate oil, not only has a hormonal balancing effect, but is also a powerful antioxidant, neutralising free radicals in the body and thus inhibiting and delaying various ageing processes. Pomegranate is also rich in potassium, which plays an important role in heart and nerve function, fluid balance and muscle metabolism.
Pomegranate oil in cosmetics
The cosmetics industry uses the antioxidant properties of pomegranate 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, the 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 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 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 oil is important here to ensure that it is free of pesticides, fertilizers and other impurities. In pure, certified quality, pomegranate oil is very gentle on the skin, absorbs quickly and leaves no oily residue.
Pomegranate 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:
- 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.
- smoothing effect: the oil can help smooth the outer cuticle of the hair, resulting in shinier and smoother hair.
- strengthening hair structure: the nutrients contained in pomegranate oil can help strengthen the structure of hair and reduce hair breakage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 seed 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 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:
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 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:
| Trade Name | Company | INCI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecPure PSO N75 | Spec-Chem Industry Inc | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| Actiphyte pomegranate | Lipotec S.A.U. | Glycerin, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Water | |
| LUMINIA GRANATUM: The Smart Brightener | Vytrus Biotech | Maltodextrin, Punica Granatum Seed Cell Culture Lysate | |
| Pomegranate Herbasec | Lipoid Kosmetik AG | Maltodextrin, Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract | |
| Pomegranate Herbasol Extract IPM | Lipoid Kosmetik AG | Isopropyl Myristate, Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract | |
| Colla-Gain | Lipoid Kosmetik AG | Maltodextrin, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | |
| Natori Probiotics FM Complex BG | Ecoori | Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Butylene Glycol | |
| Pomegranate Oil - BCE1007 | Biocosmethic | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| Organic Pomegranate Oil - BCE1531 | Biocosmethic | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| Pomegranate Extract (Ellagic Acid 40%) | Sabinsa Europe GmbH | Punica Granatum Fruit Extract | |
| Pomegranate Herbasol Extract PG, unpreserved, system 3 | Lipoid Kosmetik AG | Propylene Glycol, Water, Sorbitol, Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract | |
| Fruitliquid Pomegranate EC | Crodarom | Aqua, Glycerin, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract | |
| Pomegranate Seed CO2-TO Extract (Organic) - 170.001 | Flavex Naturextrakte GmbH | Punica Granatum Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract | |
| POMEGRANATE Oléoactif | Hallstar | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Flower Extract | |
| Pomegranate E40 | MMP Europe | Punica Granatum Juice Extract | |
| Pomegranate Seed Oil | Botanic Innovations | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| iLIPID POMEGRANATE | KimiKa, LLC (Formerly Cosphatech) | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| Pomegrande | The Garden of Naturalsolution Co., Ltd. (former Natural Solution Co.,Ltd.) | Punica Granatum Flower Extract | |
| Nat Organic* Deodorized Pomegranate Oil | NATUROCHIM S.A.S. | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| Pomegranate Seed Oil, Organic CPV Cosmetics | SanaBio GmbH | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| Organic Virgin Pomegranate Seed Oil | Sophim | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| Organic Pomegranate Oil | Laboratoires Prod'Hyg | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | |
| PLUMP Oléoactif | Hallstar | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate | |
| PGS - Pomegranate Serum | DKSH | Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Phytosterols, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopherol | |
| Beauty Plus One-F | The Garden of Naturalsolution Co., Ltd. (former Natural Solution Co.,Ltd.) | Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract | |
| HerbaProtect NOX | Lipoid Kosmetik AG | Glycerin, Water, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract | |
| Oriental Beauty Fruits Newplex | The Garden of Naturalsolution Co., Ltd. (former Natural Solution Co.,Ltd.) | Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract | |
| PHOTOBIOME: The Microbiota Photoprotector | Vytrus Biotech | Glycerin, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract, Punica Granatum Seed Extract, Trehalose, Pentylene Glycol, Fructooligosaccharides, Water, Phytic Acid | |
| Phytogen | The Garden of Naturalsolution Co., Ltd. (former Natural Solution Co.,Ltd.) | Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Papaver Rhoeas Petal Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Leaf Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract |
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.; Molecules. 2023 Jan 16;28(2):903.
Nutritional and Bioactive Components of Pomegranate Waste Used in Food and Cosmetic Applications: A Review.; Foods. 2021 Mar 19;10(3):657.
Effect of Blanching Pomegranate Seeds on Physicochemical Attributes, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Extracted Oil.; 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.; Molecules. 2021 Jan 31;26(3):731.