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Switserland Switserland
Introduction
Since the early days of mankind, vegetable oils and fats have been
used to treat the skin to retain its natural beauty and to cure skin
disorders. Depending on the locally available plant resources and the
experience gathered over ages, each tribe or region got used to its
own specific and preferred oils and fats.
Vegetable oils offering a lot of depth to their bond from the tail. The different omega types, e.g. An important advantage in skin care is the superb Many health advantages are connected to GLA. Oral
approach as cosmetic ingredients. What about the 3 or 6, are metabolised within their own pathway, penetration of macadamia nut oil, and the velvety consumption of GLA improved dry skin (Kawamura
beautiful names such as gold of pleasure, the nice but enzymes are shared over the two pathways, feel, making it a highly desired ingredient in personal et al 2011), and evening primrose oil improved skin
tropical countries many butters come from, the possibly enabling manipulating with supplementation care formulations. moisture, TEWL, elasticity, firmness, fatigue
taste of the avocado fruit, or e.g. the beautiful to push certain pathways in a more anti-inflammatory resistance and roughness in healthy adults (Muggli
flowers of passionflower or sesame! A lot of direction. A short omega countdown follows here. An additional advantage of the oil is the oxidative 2005). Topically applied GLA reduced itching (Chen,
opportunities here! stability. Although it is already quite stable, stability Chiu and Wu 2006), and GLA (as borage oil) has
Omega-9 can even be improved easily by adding antioxidants, also been studied in a test as a possible
Confidence Oleic acid is the most well-known omega-9 fatty as in-house studies have shown, contributing to the transcutaneous delivery system for the delivery of
Even in food, the general public has recognised the acid, and is found in many vegetable oils, like olive confidence in the freshness of the final product. agents against breast cancer (Karia et al 2004).
importance of fatty seeds and fats in our food, as and hazelnut oil. Some oils occur both as a linoleic-
reflected in diets relying on food sources that has and oleic-rich version, such as safflower and Omega-6 The effect of topical borage oil on the skin barrier
been part of our diet since thousands of years. An sunflower oil, differing in oxidative stability, but also Omega-6 is a well-known omega type among the function is nicely illustrated in a test using
example is the respected avocado oil, obtained from e.g. skin feel. vegetable fatty acids. They play an important role in volunteers. A cream with 3 % borage oil yielded a
a delicious fruit, eaten as guacamole. An intimate the skin as well, and are part of the skin barrier. An smoother, more hydrated skin than with 3 %
relationship is seen between vegetable oils and our Omega-7 essential fatty acid deficiency has a large effect on safflower oil. Same pattern was seen after SDS
own body - fatty acids are part of the human skin Examples of omega-7 fatty acids are the the skin barrier function, and will lead to a scaly treatment, while borage oil restored the TEWL to
surface lipids! Vegetable oils (we should also read monounsaturated palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) and skin. lower values than safflower oil (Nissen, Blitz and
butters) show we can use natures benefits just as cis-vaccenic acid (C18:1n7). Palmitoleic acid occurs Mugli 1995).
nature has intended it. in relatively high quantities (approx. 20 %) in Oils such as sunflower, safflower, grape seed offer a
macadamia nut oil, an oil which easily has a high level of the well-known omega-6 essential fatty There is no active conversion from linoleic acid to
Basic efficacy monounsaturated fatty acid content (80 %) higher acid linoleic acid (C18:2). GLA in the skin. Therefore, we have to rely on
Oils can do a lot more than just moisturise, and their than e.g. olive oil. preformed GLA when we want to profit from this in
biological efficacy is not just based on the Linoleic acid is metabolised in the body to gamma- the skin. The route to arachidonic acid (C20:4n6),
unsaponifiable fraction or trace components, but Macadamia nut oil has been the subject of several linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3n6). However, the which is the precursor of pro-inflammatory
also on their triglyceride fraction, as we will see. studies investigating the health benefits, as shown conversion of linoleic acid to GLA is poor, and substances however, is suppressed in the skin as it
on cholesterol profile in humans (Griel et al 2008). rate-limiting. Moreover, many factors such as illness requires the action of delta5-desaturase. In the body,
Omega oils Palmitoleic acid has shown to improve insulin and age impair the conversion. Oils high in GLA are GLA can be further metabolised into anti-
When talking about oils, the term omega often resistance in mice, partly owing to supressing e.g. from the seeds of evening primrose (Oenothera inflammatory eicosanoids, such as prostaglandin of
appears, even among the general public. Chemically proinflammatory gene expressions (Yang et al biennis) (approx. 9.5 % GLA), blackcurrant (Ribes series 1 (Kapoor and Huang 2006).
speaking it indicates the position of the first double 2011). nigrum) (approx. 14 % GLA) and borage (Borago
officinalis) (GLA over 20 %).
Apricot Kernel Oil is a light yellow oil with a relatively dry non greasy
feel, being lower in saturated fatty acids than other triglyceride
vegetable oils. The oil is obtained by pressing of the kernels.
Avocado Oil
(Persea gratissima)
Cocoa Butter
(Theobroma cacao)
Castor Oil
(Ricinus communis)
Castor Oil is a very light viscous oil with a slight but characteristic
odour. It is the only triglyceride oil with up to 90% ricinoleic
acid which gives it its unique property of being soluble in alcohol.
Furthermore, it is an extremely stable oil with a unique Crude Cocoa Butter has a distinct chocolate flavor and aroma. Properties
Cocoa Butter is one of the most stable fats known, containing Cocoa Butter has been used in high quality cosmetics for
solubilisation power. natural antioxidants that prevent rancidity and give it a long centuries. More and more, the constituents of cocoa, such
storage life, making it a good and confident choice for non- as polyphenols, are linked to favourable health effects, in
food products. The smooth texture and emollient property of particular related to their anti-inflammatory properties and
Origin Properties Cocoa Butter make it a popular ingredient in cosmetics and the antioxidant properties which may help to reduce oxidation
Castor is an annual or perennial plant indigenous to Castor Oil is being rediscovered by the cosmetic skin care products, such as creams, soaps and lotions. of LDL-cholesterol and fight reactive oxygen species. In other
Eastern Africa but now widely grown in tropical and industry. It can be described as a substance words, they can form a factor against atherosclerosis, heart
sub-tropical countries with low rainfall. It is a bushy with a triglyceride structure so uniform that it Origin diseases and a large variety of illnesses related to reactive
plant with soft spiny fruits somewhat like chestnuts outperforms most oil and fat derivatives now used The cacao tree is a small, tropical, evergreen tree which oxygen species. In addition, cocoa has also been linked to a
which contain gray and black mottled seeds. in cosmetics. Its viscosity is higher, it is light in grows to approximately between 4 to 8 meter in height. The favourable effect on the immune system.
Castor Oil intended for cosmetic applications color and resists oxidation very well. tree is native to Central and South America and the West
is obtained by pressing followed by parification Castor Oil has a favorable toxicology profile with Indies. Today the cacao tree is cultivated in West Africa, Java, Benefits:
treatments. respect to topical use. Castor is a mild moisturiser Ceylon, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Cocoa Butter contains natural antioxidants that give it a
and is non-comedogenic, with excellent film other tropical places. long shelf life. Cocoa Butter is mainly used as a thickening
forming and pigment-wetting properties. It is used The cacao tree is a member of the Sterculiaceae plant family. agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and
in lip balms, massage oils, creams and a wide The seeds of the cacao tree were considered to be very emollient creams. It is used as a superb moisturiser in many
range of stick products. The high solubilisation valuable and in ancient times, the seeds were used as an early formulations. It is also a folk remedy for burns, cough, dry
power of Castor Oil gives it a unique position form of money; the Mayan people of Mexico traded cacao lips, fever, malaria, rheumatism, snakebite and wounds.
among the vegetable oils. seeds extensively throughout their empire. Cocoa was named
Theobroma and means food of the gods.
Evening Primrose Oil is obtained from the tiny seeds of the Oenothera biennis, in Gold of Pleasure Oil is characterised by an interesting fatty acid
which the oil is present in a ca. 20% concentration. Recently Evening Primrose profile, with a high level of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Its superb,
Oil has received a great deal of attention, because it contains the rare essential light skin feel, with a good penetration makes it a valuable ingredient
fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, which is found in only a few other plant species. in cosmetics.
Origin Properties
Gold of Pleasure Oil is the oil obtained from The oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It
Camelina sativa. Other names include false flax contains high levels (ca. 34%) of alpha-linolenic
or Camelina, German sesame or Siberian oilseed. acid (C18:3n3). Omega-6 fatty involve linoleic
The old name for the plant in Dutch refers to the acid, present in ca. 18%. Furthermore, it contains
yolk-yellow colour of the flowers. It is a flowering omega-9 fatty acids. It contains oleic acid (ca.
plant from the Brassicaceae family. It is native to 14%), and, which is quite rare, eicosenoic acid
southeast Europe and southwest Asia, and has (ca. 15%). Omega-3 fatty acids are known for
been introduced to other parts of the world, such their anti-inflammatory effects and the inhibitory
as Northern America. It often occurs as a weed effects on platelet aggregation. The (longer, more
accompanying flax, hence the name false flax. The unsaturated) metabolites of linolenic acid have
main growth area was from East Europe to Central important functions in the human body, such as
Origin physiological functions in the human body, especially in the
Asia. in the brain and retina. Gold of Pleasure is a nice
American Indians used the native Evening Primrose skin. Omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic and gamma-linolenic
example of an oil containing omega 3, 6, and 9
plant for centuries. It is introduced about 400 years ago acid (GLA) play an important role in the barrier function of
The plants are 50 to 100 cm high, with 5 to 8 fatty acids in significant quantities.
in Europe. The Evening Primrose has since flourished the skin, and oils containing these fatty acids can work in
cm long arrow-shaped leaves. The fruit is a 7
as both an ornamental flower and a medical herb in more ways than occlusion alone. In this way, these fatty
to 10 mm long pear-like pod, containing 8 to 10 Omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in the
Europe, enjoying such names as Beauty of the Night in acids can really be considered as actives, with the skin as
yellow or brownish yellow small seeds. The use of skin. An essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) would
France and Virgin Night Candle in Germany, because one of the target organs. GLA can be formed from linoleic
Gold of Pleasure has a very long history. There is result in a scaly skin with a high water loss. It has
its luminous, four petaled yellow flowers open only in the acid, but the epidermis is deficient in the enzyme, delta-6
archeological evidence that it has been grown in even been shown that the supplementation of
evening. Evening primrose is grown in countries with a desaturase, responsible for this metabolism. Furthermore,
Europe over at least 3000 years. The earliest find certain oils improve the barrier function of elderly
continental or temperate climate. this metabolism is impaired by age, stress, alcohol
sites include places in Switzerland and Greece. people. Gold of Pleasure Oil has been an edible oil
intake and diabetes. An impaired omega-6 metabolism
During the Bronze Age and Iron Age it was an in Europe, up until the 1950s after which rape took
Properties contributes to a scaly skin with a reduced barrier function.
important crop in Greece. Archeological studies over the role.
Evening Primrose Oil is rich in two very important GLA can be seen as a conditionally essential fatty acid for
suggest that gold of pleasure was part of the ritual
polyunsaturated fatty acids, as it contains over 70% a healthy skin, as it is shown by studies. Evening Primrose
of sacrifice, ca. 2000 years ago. Unfortunately, this change has not been hindered
linoleic acid and over 9% of the rare gamma-linolenic Oil intake has been linked to an improvement of the skin.
by the knowledge we now have about the
acid (GLA). In the body, GLA is metabolised to hormone- Evening Primrose Oil is characterised by a light skin feel.
beneficial role of e.g. omega-3 fatty acids and the
type substances which play key roles in a wide range of
importance of an optimal balance between the
fatty acids. Gold of Pleasure Oil is also appreciated
for its potential health benefits in food, as shown in
oral intake studies.
Hazelnut Oil
(Corylus avellana)
Jojoba Oil
(Simmondsia chinensis)
Passionflower Oil
(Passiflora edulis)
Refined Rice Bran Oil is a yellow oil, obtained from the hulls of rice. It
is characterised by a high content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty
Safflower Oil
acids and a high percentage (ca. 2.5%) of unsaponifiables, which are
(Carthamus tinctorius)
very valuable for many cosmetic applications. The presence of these
unsaponifiables makes it also a very stable oil. Refined Safflower Oil is an oil obtained from safflower seeds. Safflower
Oil is characterised by an extremely high level of linoleic acid, easily up
to 76%. It is highly appreciated as a premium cooking oil, but is also very
suitable for cosmetic products.
Refined Sesame Oil is the refined oil obtained from the seeds of
sesame. It is characterised by a high content of natural sesame oil-
specific antioxidants such as sesamin and sesamolin, resulting in a
high stability of the oil.
Sesame Oil
(Sesamum indicum)
Shea Butter
(Butyrospermum parkii)
Shea Butter is a somewhat soft butter, obtained from the kernels of the
shea tree. Refined Shea Butter is a highly appreciated butter in the field
of cosmetics.
Origin The plants are about one meter high, with Origin lies in its very high content of unsaponifiables.
Sesame is one of the oldest oil seeds known attractive pink flowers, which form capsules The shea nut tree is indigenous to the savanna belt Many effects of Shea Butter can be attributed to
to human race. A 4,000 year old drawing on an containing as many as 50-100 seeds. in West Africa, from Senegal to Uganda. Its height the presence of these unsaponifiables, mostly
Egyptian tomb illustrates a baker adding sesame is up to ca. 10 m. Shea Butter has been used consisting of triterpene alcohols. Shea Butter has
seeds to the dough. Sesame was used in funeral Properties for centuries by the African people as a source been shown to reduce the redness upon sunburn,
and other ceremonies as a purifier and a symbol Sesame Oil has an excellent balance of mono- and of edible fat and for body care. Traditionally, the in addition to having a sun protection factor
of immortality. The Vedic scriptures (ca. 1,000 BC) polyunsaturated fatty acids giving it very good Africans use it as a medical balm as a protectant or itself. On the skin, it has been used to improve
contain frequent references to sesame. Sesame emolliency properties. Its high content of natural to treat various illnesses related to inflammation or skin moisturisation, improve the skin texture and
was also known to ancient Greek and Roman antioxidants not only enhances its stability but also to skin damage, with astonishing results. suppleness and to diminish skin wrinkles, but also
authors. Sesame is an annual crop grown in semi provides extra sun protection. to obtain a healing effect in cases related to hand
arid regions such as India, Sudan and Mexico. Properties dermatitis, sun burns and scars. In conclusion,
Shea Butter readily melts at body temperature, Shea Butter is an appreciated ingredient to combat
making it a very attractive emollient for many skin the signs of skin ageing.
care applications. The strength of Shea Butter
Shorea Butter
(Shorea robusta) Sweet Almond Oil is an oil obtained by the
pressing of sweet almonds. Refined Sweet Almond
Shorea Butter is obtained from the fruits of the sal tree. Oil is highly appreciated in the cosmetic and
The butter is carefully refined, bleached and deodorized to get a pharmaceutical industry.
white or slightly yellow butter which meets the stringent requirements
for cosmetic applications.
Origin
The almond tree is believed to have originated in the easternMediterranean countries,
but is now particularly cultivatedin warm, sunny climates of Spain, Italy, California and
China. The almonds flower in January with a profusion of frothy white blossom, which
makes it a very attractive tree in that time of the year. The almonds are wrapped
in a tough green husk, which at harvest splits open to reveal the nut inside. Sweet
Origin The butter is locally used for cooking and soap almonds are used as dessert nut and as almond paste or butter in confectionery
The sal tree is a semi deciduous huge forest tree production, but a significant amount is exported to products.
which can be 18-30 m tall and with a width of 1.8 be used as a Cocoa Butter replacement.
- 2.0 m. This typical jungle tree is found in many Increasingly Shorea Butter is also being used as an Properties
parts of the Indian subcontinent. emollient for cosmetic applications. Refined Sweet Almond Oil is widely used as an emollient and carrier in the cosmetic
and pharmaceutical industry. It can be used in a wide range of clear products, such
The sal is a tree of great antiquity in India and is Properties as massage oils and bath oils. It has good occlusive properties, enabling it to act as a
mentioned in great epics like the Ramayana and the Shorea Butter is characterized by its high content of moisturising agent by preventing excessive loss of moisture through the epidermis.
Mahabharata. The tree is best known for its wood, stearic acid (up to 45%) giving it physical properties
which is extensively used in north, east and central comparable with Cocoa Butter. It combines good
India as timber. The sal tree begins to fruit only after emolliency properties with superior oxidative
25-30 years. The trees blossoms and bears fruit in stability, making it a very suitable replacement for
March/April. In the periods of profuse flowering the many synthetic emolliency enhancers.
whole forest is adorned in a pleasing white colour.
The mature pea-sized fruits with dry brown wings fall
from the tree and scatter on the jungle floor.
Origin Properties
Because of the very low oil amount present, most Since many years Wheat Germ Oil has gained
of the oil is solvent extracted. In a few rare cases its place in the cosmetic industry, because of its
Wheat Germ Oil is produced by cold pressing only. excellent efficacy in many skin care products.
Because of the huge grain processing facilities The oil is a well known carrier of vitamin E.
in the Mid West of the United States, most of the The tocopherol content of crude Wheat Germ Oil
wheat germ is produced in the U.S.A. exceeds 2,000 ppm, but even the refined oil still
easily contains over 1,000 ppm tocopherol.
Apart from vitamin E, Wheat Germ Oil also contains
high amounts of phytosterols. Furthermore it
contains many essential fatty acids - over 50%
linoleic acid (omega-6) and about 6% of alpha-
linolenic acid (omega-3).