Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seed oil is made by crushing meadowfoam seeds and collecting the oil.
Meadowfoam seed oil is a unique oil known for its stability, resistance to oxidation, and its long shelf life. This stability is largely due to its unique fatty acid composition, primarily the presence of eicosenoic acid.
- What is meadowfoam seed oil?
- How is meadowfoam seed oil made?
- What does meadowfoam seed oil smell like?
- What color is meadowfoam seed oil?
- What does meadowfoam seed oil feel like?
- What is composition of meadowfoam seed oil?
- Summary
- References
What is meadowfoam seed oil?
INCI: Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Extraction Method: cold pressed
Appearance: pale yellow to golden
Texture: lightweight, easily absorbed into skin
Aroma: almost odorless
Meadowfoam seed oil is obtained by crushing meadowfoam seeds and collecting the oil.
Meadowfoam seed oil is known for its stability and resistance to oxidation, which contributes to its long shelf life. This stability is largely due to its unique fatty acid composition, primarily the presence of eicosenoic acid (C20:1).
The liquid wax esters had properties very similar to those of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seed oil.
Learn more: What is Jojoba Oil?
How is meadowfoam seed oil made?
Meadowfoam seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant through a process called cold pressing.
Here is an overview of how meadowfoam seed oil is typically made:
1. Harvesting: The process begins with the harvesting of meadowfoam seeds. Meadowfoam is an annual plant that produces small, round seeds. Harvesting typically occurs when the seeds are mature and have reached their maximum oil content.
2. Cleaning: After harvesting, the seeds are cleaned to remove any debris, dirt, or plant matter. This step is crucial to ensure the purity of the oil.
3. Drying: The cleaned meadowfoam seeds are then dried to reduce their moisture content. This is important because excessive moisture can lead to spoilage and affect the quality of the oil.
4. Cold Pressing: The dried meadowfoam seeds are subjected to cold pressing, a mechanical extraction method that involves applying pressure to the seeds to release the oil. Cold pressing is preferred for meadowfoam seed oil because it helps retain the oil's natural properties and does not involve the use of heat, which can degrade the oil's quality.
5. Filtration: The oil extracted through cold pressing contains some impurities and solids. It is typically passed through a filtration process to remove these impurities and obtain a clear, pure oil.
The exact production process may vary depending on the manufacturer or specific equipment used.
What does meadowfoam seed oil smell like?
Meadowfoam seed oil is nearly odorless, and can be used in skincare formulas where little to no aroma is desired.
What color is meadowfoam seed oil?
The color of meadowfoam seed oil is pale yellow to light golden colored.
The color of meadowfoam seed oil depends on how it is processed.
What does meadowfoam seed oil feel like on your skin?
Meadowfoam seed oil has a lightweight and non-greasy feel when applied to the skin. It quickly absorbs, leaving the skin moisturized, smooth, and soft.
Meadowfoam seed oil has a unique texture and is non-comedogenic, which makes it a favored ingredient in skincare products, offering a silky sensation without a heavy or oily residue.
Additionally, meadowfoam seed oil forms a protective barrier, helping shield the skin from environmental factors while imparting a velvety, comfortable feel.
What is composition of meadowfoam seed oil?
Meadowfoam seed oil has a unique fatty acid composition, primarily the presence of eicosenoic acid.
Meadowfoam seed oil fatty acid composition:
- 58.00 – 75.00% 11-Eicosenoic Acid C20:1 (n-9)
- 13.00 – 20.00% Docosenoic Acid C22:1
- 14.00 – 21.00% Docosadienoic Acid C22:2
Gadoleic acid
Gadoleic acid (C20:1), also known as gondoic acid or 11-eicosenoic acid, is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.
Gondoic acid is often used skincare products due to its emollient properties and its similarity to human sebum, which makes it beneficial for skin (Wertz et al, 2009).
Summary
Meadowfoam seed oil is made by crushing meadowfoam seeds and collecting the oil.
Meadowfoam seed oil is a unique oil known for its stability, resistance to oxidation, and its long shelf life. This stability is largely due to its unique fatty acid composition, primarily the presence of eicosenoic acid.
Meadowfoam seed oil is similar to jojoba oil and it perfect for dry, mature and sensitive skin.
References
Wertz PW. Human synthetic sebum formulation and stability under conditions of use and storage. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2009 Feb;31(1):21-5.
Zielińska, A., Wójcicki, K., Klensporf-Pawlik, D., Dias-Ferreira, J., Lucarini, M., Durazzo, A., ... & Cuisset, A. (2020). Chemical and physical properties of meadowfoam seed oil and extra virgin olive oil: focus on vibrational spectroscopy. Journal of Spectroscopy, 2020, 1-9.
Author Information
Dr. Natasha Ryz is a scientist, skin care expert and an entrepreneur. She is the founder of Dry Skin Love Skincare, and she creates skincare products for beauty, dry skin and pain relief.
Dr. Ryz has a PhD in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and she is a Vanier scholar. She also holds a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Natasha is the former Chief Science Officer of Zenabis Global, and she oversaw extraction, analytics, and product development. Her team brought 20 products to market including oils, sprays, vapes and softgels.
Why I Started A Skincare Company