All you need to know about sunflower oil.

The sunflower, scientifically known as Helianthus Anuus , derived from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flowers), is a plant that features so-called "heliotropic" flowers, meaning they orient themselves towards the sun. It belongs to the family of Asteraceae. The sunflower is a plant of Native American origin, with its use dating back several thousand years. This plant was imported into Europe in the 16th century by the Spanish, who initially used it as an ornamental plant, and later as an oilseed plant to extract its oil.

Various extraction processes allow for the acquisition of sunflower oil from the seeds. Since the 20th century, several techniques have been developed to enhance the seed selection method and extraction processes, with the aim of achieving a higher production yield.

In terms of its biochemical composition, sunflower oil boasts several active ingredients to which it owes its beneficial properties. Indeed, it is rich in fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid and oleic acid. Sunflower oil also contains saturated fatty acids like palmitic acid. These compounds contribute to the hydration and protection of the skin against external aggressions (UV rays, pollution etc..). Furthermore, sunflower oil contains vitamins A, D and E, which possess antioxidant properties. Vitamin D also aids in cellular regeneration.

Among the constituents of sunflower oil are phytosterols, which enhance the oil's ability to penetrate the skin. It also contains polyphenols, which work in synergy with antioxidant vitamins, and trace elements such as zinc and selenium.

As of today, the primary extraction method used for sunflower oil is cold pressing. This process offers a good production yield and allows for the acquisition of high-quality oil. This method avoids the use of heat and chemical compounds. It is a two-step process. The seeds are first cleaned and pressed to extract the oil. This oil is then refined to remove any remaining impurities that could affect the quality of the oil. The sunflower oil obtained through cold pressing thus retains all of its essential nutrients and therefore all of its properties.

The vegetable oil ofHelianthus Anuus possesses numerous benefits for the skin.

• Sunflower oil ensures hydration and the maintenance of skin suppleness.

  Sunflower oil is an effective emollient that moisturises the skin through its fatty acids. Indeed, naturally present in sebum, they strengthen the hydrolipidic film on the surface of the epidermis, which limits water loss and ensures the maintenance of the skin barrier. Moreover, thanks to the linoleic acid it contains, sunflower oil contributes to the cohesion of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin.

• Sunflower oil protects the skin from oxidative stress.

  The vitamins found in sunflower oil possess antioxidant properties. These effects enable them to act by neutralising free radicals, reactive oxygen species, which are responsible for oxidative stress. This plays a significant role in combating skin ageing and damage caused by UV action at the skin structure level.

• Sunflower oil helps to reduce inflammatory processes.

  Thanks to its fatty acids, sunflower oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. The linoleic acid and oleic acid it contains act by reducing the production of inflammation factors (interleukins, pro-inflammatory cytokines etc.). They also combat inflammation by increasing the total protein and DNA content, allowing for the reduction of inflammatory symptoms. Moreover, it has been proven that the polyphenols in sunflower oil contribute to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme playing a role in the production of prostaglandins. Thus, sunflower oil has a soothing effect on the skin, calming irritations and itchiness.

Beyond these numerous benefits for the skin, sesame oil also exhibits various interesting properties for the hair.

• Sunflower oil ensures the hydration of the hair.

  Hair fibres are surrounded by a hydrolipidic film that enables their hydration and protection. This film can sometimes be damaged and may fail to defend against external aggressions. By depositing on the surface of the fibres, sunflower oil strengthens the hydrolipidic film. Moreover, the fatty acids present in its composition have a structure similar to the lipids that make up the hair cuticle. They are capable of integrating into it and acting as an intercellular cement, thus allowing for deep nourishment of the hair.

• Sunflower oil protects the hair from free radicals.

  Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E (tocopherols), a potent antioxidant. It is thus capable of neutralising free radicals through electron donation. Oxidative stress is responsible for various detrimental effects on the hair such as increased fragility, hair loss, alteration of their colour, and even the accelerated appearance of grey hair. Sunflower oil prevents these various phenomena.

• Does sunflower oil stimulate hair growth?

  Sunflower oil is also credited with the ability to stimulate hair growth. Its fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins could potentially enhance the exchange of oxygen and nutrients at the hair follicle level, thus leading to an increase in hair growth. However, studies on this subject remain very limited. Further investigations would be necessary to conclude on the role of sunflower oil in hair growth.

In the absence of studies proving its safety in infants, sunflower oil is not recommended for this vulnerable population as a precautionary principle because it may affect their skin barrier and cause local skin irritations. This vegetable oil is also contraindicated for all individuals allergic to the seeds of this plant.

Furthermore, all vegetable oils can become rancid and oxidise. When this happens, they can trigger allergic reactions on the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to store sunflower oil in a hermetically sealed container, away from light, and to use it within six months of opening.

• GROMPONE MA. & al. Vegetable oils in food technology. (2011).

• KHARRAT M. & al. Biochemical Characterisation of Seed Oil from Tunisian Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Varieties with Particular Emphasis on Its Fatty Acid Composition and Oil Content. Journal of Food Quality (2022).

• TURSUNOVA N. & al. Physiological and biochemical composition of sunflower (helianthus annuus L.). Journal of Breeding and Genetics (2023).