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What is "Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax" and what is its purpose?

What is "Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax" and what is its purpose?

Also known as sunflower wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax is derived from sunflower seeds (Helianthus Annus). Of natural origin, it is used in natural and organic skincare due to its thickening properties. Let's focus on this ingredient and its usefulness.

Summary
Published November 17, 2021, updated on February 3, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 3 min read

Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax: What is it?

Sunflower wax is a white crystalline wax known for its conditioning properties. It is a hard vegetable wax. Renowned for its thickening and moisturising properties, it is used in lip balms and emulsions. Grown as food and oil crops in sunny climates, sunflowers have stems that can reach about 3 metres in height. These stems bear a large, bright yellow head. The seeds undergo a cold pressing or solvent extraction process to obtain sunflower oil.

Sunflower seed wax is derived from the refining process of sunflower oil. Solvents are mixed with the crude oil. The mixture is then cooled. This allows for the filtration of the wax and high melting point fats. Sunflower wax is often used in the creation of solid forms (sticks, balms...). It is composed of long-chain saturated esters in C42-C60 derived from fatty alcohols in C20-C32 and fatty acids in C20-C28. These esters are correlated with the crystalline structure, hardness and a high melting point. Sunflower wax functions as a consistency modifier in emulsions and sticks.

The Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax ensures thermal stability to skincare products. Like other waxes, it is used to stabilise certain lip care products. The wax is of a pale yellow or white colour.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax: What is its purpose?

The Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax possesses emollient properties. This ingredient protects and softens the lips. Moreover, it maintains their natural hydration. It is used:

  • For the conditioning of the skin;

  • As a natural thickening agent for skincare;

  • To stabilise a skincare treatment.

Sunflower seed wax is used in skincare to thicken formulations and ensure their stability. Additionally, this ingredient helps to retain moisture. Thanks to its emulsifying properties, it facilitates the blending of water and oily ingredients.

The Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax fulfils numerous functions:

  • This refers to a thickening agent;

  • It enhances the resilience of treatments and improves their texture.

This ingredient is an alternative:

  • With rice bran wax;

  • With candelilla wax;

  • With carnauba wax.

However, the sunflower oil must be of good quality, otherwise it risks damaging your skin.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax: In which skincare products can it be found?

The Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax is found in numerous skincare products such as:

  • Lipsticks;

  • Lip balms;

  • Lip creams;

  • Mascaras;

  • Foundation makeup.

This ingredient is also used in skin and hair care. Our purifying face cream with zinc and bamboo extract contains it. This treatment is used to combat skin imperfections and purify the skin.

Sources

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