What are the benefits of cotton for the skin?

Cotton is the plant fibre that encloses the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub belonging to the Malvaceae family. This fibre is composed of cellulose, which is subsequently transformed into thread to manufacture fabric. The cotton plant is primarily cultivated in arid tropical and/or subtropical regions. It can reach a height of 10 metres if its exposure to sunlight is optimal.

There are several species and varieties of cotton:

• The Gossypium arboreum and the Gossypium herbaceum, the most common species with short fibres used in cosmetics;

• The Gossypium barbadense, a variety originally from Peru but introduced to Egypt and cultivated worldwide. It is valued for the length and quality of its fibres;

• The Gossypium hirsutum which traces its origins back to South America.

In cosmetics, cotton is used in two forms: the vegetable oil (Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil) and the cellular extract or native plant cells (Gossypium Arboreum Leaf Cell Extract).

The cotton native cells are plant cells directly harvested from the plant and multiplied in a controlled culture environment. They possess soothing and antioxidant properties. They alleviate irritations and increase the skin's tolerance level.

They work by reducing the release of inflammation mediators, molecules synthesised by keratinocytes in response to external aggressions, but which cause a sensation of irritation. They also limit the production of free radicals induced by UV rays, which accelerate skin ageing. Thanks to this dual action, the skin, freed from sensations of irritation and better protected, can better defend itself against daily aggressions and oxidations.

Cottonseed oil is extracted through the cold pressing of cotton capsules seeds. This vegetable oil is typically refined to remove gossypol, a natural toxin that forms a protective layer around the seeds.

Cottonseed oil is rich in linoleic acid (omega-6). This active ingredient is particularly valued for its nutritive and softening qualities. It also stands out for its softening and regenerating properties that allow the skin to maintain or regain its suppleness and elasticity. Thus, skincare products based on cottonseed oil are recommended for dry and dehydrated skin, but also for sensitive skin. They promote the regeneration of the hydrolipidic film, particularly when the skin is subjected to various harsh environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight and/or urban pollution.

Note : Cottonseed vegetable oil is odourless, which sets it apart from other varieties of vegetable oils used in cosmetics. It also has a silky and velvety touch and leaves no oily residue after its use. It penetrates well into the skin.

• ARSHIYA S. & et al. Gossypium herbaceum Linn: A review of ethnopharmacology. Journalof Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation (2012).

• SHAHRAJABIAN M. H. & co. Evaluating white gold, cotton, for its fibre, seed oil, traditional and modern health benefits. Journal of Biological and Environmental Sciences (2020).