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Profile: Camelina Vegetable Oil.

Commonly known as: Camelina Sativa Seed Oil (INCI), also known as false flax, German sesame, or oilseed flax.
Botanical name: Camelina sativa L.
Extraction process: Cold mechanical pressure of camelina seeds derived from organic farming.
Family: Brassicaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Seeds.
Location: Originating from Northern Europe and Central Asia.
Flowering: From May to July.
Provenance, origin: Auvergne (France).
Phytochemical composition: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid); monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, gadoleic acid, palmitoleic acid); saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid); tocopherols; phytosterols; polyphenols.
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Oily liquid; Colour: Golden yellow; Scent: Characteristic, vegetal aroma; Feel: Somewhat dry.
Physical characteristics: Density: 0.910 - 0.940 g/cm3; Saponification Index: 180 - 190 mg/kOH; Comedogenicity Index: 0 (non-comedogenic); Oxidative Potential: Sensitive.
Benefits: Softening, soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, emollient, hydrating, nourishing, protective, regenerating, repairing.
Concerns: All skin types, especially mature, dry, sensitive, and atopic-prone skin; All hair types.

Details

Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory: Alleviate discomfort sensations and reduce redness by modulating the inflammatory response through the increase of anti-inflammatory mediators synthesis;

  • Antioxidant: Prevent and protect the skin from premature ageing by acting as a free radical scavenger, due to its high concentration of Vitamin E;

  • Hair Conditioner: Preventing breakage by strengthening the hair fibre, whilst enhancing the shine and softness of the hair;

  • Nourishing: Restoring skin hydration and limiting water loss by helping to strengthen its natural barrier due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids;

  • Regenerative: Enhancing the wound healing process by stimulating the cellular cycle of fibroblasts and renewal of keratinocytes, and by amplifying collagen synthesis.

Applications

  • Facial Care (eye contour treatments, face balms/creams, oily serums, lip care, facial wax strips);

  • Body Care (massage oils, hand creams, body lotions);

  • Hair Care (shampoos, hair masks, conditioners, hair dyes);

  • Hygiene (deodorants, solid soaps);

  • Makeups (lipsticks) ;

Method of Preservation

Store camelina oil in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations and humidity.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

When applied topically, camelina oil does not appear to have any adverse effects. It can also be used in infants, and pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, a skin reaction cannot be completely ruled out. Each individual may react differently. Therefore, it is recommended to take additional precautions, particularly by performing a skin tolerance test on a small area of the body.

Find out more

Originating from Europe, camelina is an annual cruciferous plant. Although it lost interest during the Middle Ages, camelina has been cultivated for over 3,000 years in Europe for the production of vegetable oil rich in essential fatty acids and for use in animal feed. Camelina has a rapid growth rate with a short flowering period. While it is sown in May-June, its harvest begins at the end of the summer.