Well-known for its frequent use in cooking, sunflower oil also reveals numerous beneficial properties for the skin. It owes all of its virtues to its rich biochemical composition. Discover all the active ingredients of sunflower oil in this article.
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- The biochemical composition of sunflower vegetable oil.
The biochemical composition of sunflower vegetable oil.
- Sunflower oil, a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Sunflower oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids
- Sunflower oil contains saturated fatty acids
- Sunflower oil contains antioxidant vitamins in its composition
- Sunflower oil is enriched with phytosterols
- Sunflower oil contains polyphenols
- Sunflower oil possesses a range of other constituents
- Sources
Sunflower oil, a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Sunflower vegetable oil is predominantly composed of fatty acids in its so-called "saponifiable" fraction. Fatty acids are vital constituents for the functioning of our body. They are stored within the oil in the form of triacylglycerols (TAG). These fatty acids play a crucial role in the construction of cell membranes and the regulation of inflammatory processes.
Sunflower oil notably contains linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid from the omega-6 family. Linoleic acid is the predominant fatty acid in sunflower oil, accounting for between 60% and 70% of its biochemical composition. It plays a crucial role in the skin's barrier function. Indeed, it is instrumental in the formation of the hydrolipidic film responsible for maintaining hydration on the skin's surface. It also significantly contributes to the cell renewal process. This category of fatty acids is deemed essential because it is not synthesised by the body.
Sunflower oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids.
We also find in the sunflower oil between 20% and 30% of oleic acid, a so-called monounsaturated fatty acid, belonging to the category of omega-9s. It is present in smaller quantities but offers nourishing benefits for the skin. Oleic acid plays an important role in maintaining the elasticity and resilience of the skin tissue. Indeed, this lipid is part of the composition of sebum, a substance naturally secreted by the body to counteract the dryness of the skin and hair.
Sunflower oil contains saturated fatty acids.
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 contains antioxidant vitamins in its composition.
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.
Sunflower oil is enriched with phytosterols.
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 oil contains polyphenols.
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.
Sunflower oil possesses a range of other constituents.
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.
Sources
DOROFF K. & al. Compositions of sunflower, nus un (mid-oleic sunflower) and high oleic sunflower oils (2003).
GROMPONE MA. & al. Vegetable Oils in Food Technology. (2011)
SENDHIL & al. Efficacy and safety of topical calcitriol in the management of alopecia areata: A pilot study. Dermatologic Therapy (2017).
KHARRAT M. & al. Biochemical characterisation of seed oil from Tunisian sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Accessions, with a particular focus 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).
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