What is "Piper Nigrum Fruit Oil" and what is its use?

The "Piper Nigrum Fruit Oil" is the I.N.C.I. nomenclature for black pepper essential oil. Beyond its use in the kitchen as a spice, black pepper also has numerous benefits for the skin and hair. Let's focus on the properties of this ingredient and its usefulness in skincare.

Published on February 5, 2024, updated on February 5, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading

An Overview of Black Pepper Essential Oil

Originating from Madagascar, India, and China, black pepper is harvested while green, then sun-dried for several days. The plant presents itself in the form of vines that cling to trees. It primarily grows in tropical regions.

The essential oil is obtained after a steam distillation of crushed peppers. Known for its spicy aroma and taste, black pepper essential oil has numerous properties for the body and hair.

The essential oil of black pepper exhibits a green hue or is colourless. It emits the fresh, burning, and woody scent that characterises pepper.

It is rich in caryophyllene, limonene, pinenes and delta-3-carene. The presence of these active molecules gives it numerous interesting properties for the skin and hair:

· Toning;

· Purifying;

· Rejuvenating.

For moments of well-being, it can be used in diffusion. Its spicy fragrance helps to soothe anxiety and regain focus.

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The benefits of black pepper essential oil

Whether for hair or body, black pepper essential oil offers numerous benefits.

· The benefits for the skin

Its purifying properties enable it to remove impurities on the skin's surface. By the end of the day, the skin has been exposed to numerous external aggressions such as pollution, wind, etc. The essential oil of black pepper will cleanse the toxins and bacteria on the surface of the epidermis. It will unclog the pores and assist the skin in regenerating itself.

It also contains antioxidants, enabling it to combat free radicals that deteriorate the skin's appearance. The essential oil will simultaneously slow down the onset of ageing signs.

With its decongestant properties, it enhances blood circulation and eliminates toxins. Applying it to the skin will restore a radiant complexion. It will thus prevent the onset of cellulite and inhibit skin sagging.

· The benefits for the hair

When applied to the scalp, it enhances blood circulation. Also containing vitamins and plant essences, it nourishes the scalp. Consequently, it promotes hair growth.

As it also purifies the skin, its application to the scalp will help to eliminate dandruff.

The contraindications of black pepper essential oil

Pure black pepper essential oil is irritating to the skin and can trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, it cannot be used in its pure form, but must be diluted in other vegetable oils before topical application. In a skincare product, its quantity should not exceed 5 to 10% of the final mixture.

Due to its content of limonene and linalool, black pepper essential oil therefore contains allergenic components. We recommend performing a skin tolerance test before incorporating this essential oil into a skincare routine.

Like all essential oils, it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is also prohibited for use in children under the age of 8.

In which skincare products can one find black pepper essential oil?

This essential oil is found in skin creams designed to reduce wrinkles and signs of ageing on the face. It is also found in oils and treatments that diminish the appearance of cellulite. Black pepper essential oil is used to create hair care products such as shampoos and oil baths.