Sunflower Seed Oil
CAS No: 8001-21-6
Shelf life: Approximately 2 years
Good For: All skin types but indicated for dry and damaged as well as infants
INCI: Heliathus annuus
Appearance: pale yellow liquid
Scent: Neutral
Introduction
Sunflower oil is a non-volatile oil extracted from sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus). Sunflower oil is extensively used as a frying oil in food and as an emollient in cosmetic formulations.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Helianthus annuus seed oil is the edible oil expressed from the seeds of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., Sunflower oil contains high levels of vitamins A, D, and K. Crude sunflower oil also has the highest content of vitamin E in the form of a-tocopherol among vegetable oils. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2010.)
Skin Benefits
Improved Skin Barrier Function
One study sought to challenge the belief that natural oils are beneficial to the skin. In two randomised forearm-controlled mechanistic studies, nineteen adult volunteers, some with and some without a history of dermatitis, took part. For five weeks, one group applied six drops of olive oil to one forearm twice daily. For four weeks, the second group applied six drops of olive oil to one forearm and six drops of sunflower seed oil to the other.
In the volunteers, topical application of olive oil for four weeks resulted in a significant reduction in stratum corneum (SC) integrity and mild erythema (compromised the skins barrier and caused redness). In the same volunteers, sunflower seed oil preserved SC integrity, did not cause erythema, and improved hydration. They asserted that topical treatment with olive oil significantly damaged the skin barrier, potentially promoting the development of and exacerbating existing atopic dermatitis. The results of the study led the authors to assert that the use of olive oil for the treatment of dry skin and infant massage should therefore be discouraged. (Danby 2013)
A 2008 study on premature infants in Bangladesh observed that applying sunflower oil topically significantly reduced infant mortality caused by hospital-acquired infections such as sepsis. The authors state, ‘Treatment with sunflower seed oil resulted in a statistically significant 26% reduction in mortality rates, compared with infants not receiving topical emollient therapy.’
Wound Healing
One study looked at the effects of sunflower seed oil on surgical wounds of male lambs. One group was treated with sunflower oil and the other with sterile vasaline. The wound tissue was evaluated on 7th, 14th, 21st days. At the 7th and 21st days, topical application of sunflower seed oil accelerated healing by reducing wound area and increasing wound contraction. Granulation tissue grew more quickly in treated wounds. When compared to control wounds, the epidermis of the treated wounds recovered completely. This led the researchers to conclude that Sunflower seed oil can be used as an alternative treatment in wound management.
Sunflowers ability to protect the SC barrier and encourage wound healing is down to its fatty acids. It is rich in linoleic acid which is believed to strengthens and enhances keratinocyte (main cells in the SC) production and lipid synthesis (Lin et al 2017).
Fun Facts
There appear to be four types of sunflower oil on the market: high and mid oleic acid varieties, high stearic acid and high linoleic acid. High linoleic acid sunflower oil is supposed to be the traditional variety. Mid oleic acid sunflower oil tends to have around 65% oleic acid and high oleic acid sunflower oil has around 80% oleic acid which increases the oils stability. High oleic/high stearic acid sunflower oil contains around 72% oleic acid, 18% stearic acid and 5% linoleic acid. As there appear to be no genetically modified sunflower oils, these variations have been developed though traditional breeding methods and are designed for the food industry (baking, margarines, ice cream etc) where more solid oils are needed to satisfy the demand for saturated fatty acids that are not harmful to health.
Conclusion
Sunflower Seed oil is a good value oil that may assist in wound healing and has been proven to support a healthy skin barrier. There is some evidence to show that it can help keep the skin hydrated. It is a neutral oil with no discernible odour, that is ideal for all skin types including those with a disrupted skin barrier. It may be a good option for products aimed at children.