What is "Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil" and what is its use?

Also known as Guinea sorrel or roselle, theHibiscus sabdariffa is a shrub from the Malvaceae family, native to Africa. Its cultivation then spread to Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Java) and Mexico. This plant has been known since ancient times: it was grown in Egypt and Southeast Asia for its ornamental character, but also for its edible fruits. Today, its red flowers, once dried and infused, are consumed as a drink (bissap juice) or in jam. Very rich in anthocyanins, they have strengthening nutritional properties.

Named "Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil" according to the I.N.C.I. nomenclature, thehibiscus vegetable oil is obtained by first cold pressing of the seeds followed by blotting paper filtration. It is rich in fatty acids essential such as thelinoleic acid (omega-6), theacid oleic (omega-9), thepalmitic acid and thestearic acid. As a reminder, oleic acid is the most abundant long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid in our body. Highly nourishing for the skin, it makes it more supple and softer but also more radiant. Hibiscus vegetable oil also contains a natural antioxidant, the vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, as well as phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol).

In terms of its organoleptic properties, hibiscus vegetable oil is afluid oily liquid of a golden yellow colour with a soft and light scent. Its texture is rather dry, it penetrates the skin quickly and does not leave a greasy finish. Even though it is relatively resistant to oxidation, it is preferably stored in a cool place, protected from heat and light in an amber bottle.

There are no contraindications to the cosmetic use of hibiscus oil. Pregnant women and young children can use it.

Particularly concentrated in vitamin E, hibiscus oil is an excellent antioxidant treatment to protect the skin from free radicals. As a reminder, these are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. However, when cells are exposed to stress, they produce them in excessive amounts. The sources of stress are numerous, the main ones being exposure to UVA, pollution, smoking, and a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form a pair of electrons, and thus cause damage to cells, DNA, and proteins in the body. This accelerates ageing and wrinkles appear on the skin's surface. Hibiscus seed oil is therefore a valuable ally in preventing premature skin ageing. For this reason, it is included in our botanical firming blend. This night serum helps to firm the skin thanks to the toning and regenerating actions of 7 botanical extracts, including immortelle essential oil.

Rich in omega-6 and omega-9, it also providesnutritionandelasticityto the skin, andprevents dehydrationbystrengthening the barrier functionof the epidermis. The hydrolipidic film improves the resistance of the horny layer against external aggressions and limits insensible water loss. The hibiscus vegetable oil is thus qualified asrelipidating, it is recommended for taking care of dry skin and dehydrated skin.

Finally, it contains a high concentration of phytosterols, molecules that directly participate in the skin's defence processes by regulating inflammation mechanisms. This oil is thus capable ofsoothing redness that may appear on reactive skin following sun exposure. Furthermore, phytosterolscontribute to the renewal of the hydrolipidic film by stimulatingthesynthesis of cutaneous phospholipids that make it up. The skin is thus firmer and more resistant to various external aggressions.

When applied to hair, this compound is recognised as a conditioner and a moisturiser. Rich in vitamin E, hibiscus oil imparts shine and flexibility to the lengths. Its high concentration of fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-9) helps to strengthen the hair fibre while nourishing the hair.
Furthermore, a study has shown that hibiscus oil can stimulate hair growth, with increased activity when the oil is derived from the leaves rather than the flowers or seeds.

Typology has developed a dry hair repair oil based onaçaí oils and hibiscus. This treatment strengthens, nourishes and protects the hair fibre without weighing down the hair. It restores shine and softness to the hair. It is particularly recommended for dry, brittle, fragile and split-ended hair.

• BABU M. & al. In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2003).

• CABRAL J. M. S. & al. Phytosterols: applications and recovery methods. Bioresource Technology (2007).