The biochemical composition of sunflower vegetable oil.

Sunflower oil also contains saturated fatty acids. These are generally present in lower proportions, less than 10%. Saturated fatty acids have emollient properties that promote cellular hydration. They also exhibit cleansing and emulsifying properties. Among them, we find approximately 6% palmitic acid, 4% stearic acid, and 0.2% palmitoleic acid.

Sunflower oil is a rich source of vitamins A, D, and E, the latter primarily present in the form of tocopherols. As for vitamins A and E, they possess antioxidant properties, enabling them to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. They thus contribute to preventing premature ageing by combating oxidative stress.

With regards to vitamin D, it contributes to the balance of the hydrolipidic film by regulating the production of lipids necessary for its maintenance. Moreover, the active hormone of vitamin D, calcitriol, also known as 1, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D, appears to have an effect on hair growth. A study conducted in 2017 investigated its effects when applied topically on hair growth in patients suffering from alopecia. The study demonstrated that, following three months of calcitriol application, approximately 60% of patients had a positive response to the treatment and were able to observe animprovement in hair growth. Calcitriol would act by inhibiting the proliferation of T lymphocytes, particularly CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, causing their early apoptosis. Furthermore, vitamin D has an effect on the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of epidermal cells, as well as on the modulation of cytokine production.

The primary phytosterols found in sunflower oil are β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol. Due to their amphiphilic nature, phytosterols possess emulsifying and hydrating properties. These characteristics make their use appealing in cosmetics. Furthermore, they have the ability to stimulate the growth factor of fibroblasts, which are responsible for the synthesis of collagen and elastin. This property allows them to contribute to the repair of the skin. Phytosterols also have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme responsible for the release of certain prostaglandins, the cyclooxygenases. Finally, phytosterols exert an antioxidant activity that strengthens the skin's protection against the harmful effects of free radicals.

Sunflower vegetable oil contains polyphenols in varying quantities. These compounds, with their antioxidant properties, help combat oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals. This neutralisation occurs through electron donation, facilitated by the double bond of the polyphenols. Thus, these can contribute to reducing premature ageing.

Beyond the components mentioned earlier, sunflower oil contains other compounds such as zinc, selenium and various phytochemicals that are present in trace amounts. Sunflower oil is not merely a common cooking ingredient; it is also a rich and balanced source of essential nutrients Its composition makes it an interesting compound, both in terms of dietary and cosmetic use.