The Green Bioplaneet Dictonary: Sunflower Oil
Packed with vitamin E
Sunflower oil is cold pressed from the seeds (sunflower seeds) of the large, cheerful yellow flowers. Botanically, the sunflower is a member of the same family as the calendula, dahlia and gerbera flower. Sunflower oil, very rich in vitamin E, is a non-volatile, pale-yellow oil. The main components are polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids and oleic acid. The oil is easily absorbed by the skin, but not super fast. It is therefore, for example, a perfect massage oil. Sunflower oil in cosmetics can also be an alternative for people who have a nut allergy and need to avoid nut oils such as macadamia and almond oil.
Skin repair
Sunflower oil is best known for its high content of vitamin E. Vitamin E - an important antioxidant - not only has protective properties, but it can also repair irritated or damaged skin and make it healthy and smooth again. You therefore often encounter it in natural and organic cosmetics. When absorbed into the skin, sunflower oil leaves a protective, soothing layer that prevents moisture loss. At the same time, it prevents damage from external influences and supports the regeneration of the skin. You will therefore also find it in products for the care of the vulnerable vulva and labia, such as the Cleansing + Moisturizing Oil Prebiotic + Postbiotic from LIP Intimate Care. Because sunflower oil is so gentle to use, you can even use it around the eyes and in baby skin care. A baby-soft example of this is the Massage Oil from SKINHAPTICS, which is ideal to use for a relaxing massage for your baby or child. Because sunflower oil contains various omega fatty acids in addition to vitamin E, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce redness or irritation. Moreover, the vitamin E helps to make lines and wrinkles less visible, such as with the StartCycle Facial Oil from Suki, which also gives your skin a beautiful glow or the Maximum Moisturizer with Mandarin & Glycoproteins from John Masters Organics. Sunflower oil also supports the skin's own protection against the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun. For example, it can help prevent pigmentation spots and contribute to a more even skin. It also helps to reduce sensitivity to the sun. You will therefore often find it in sunscreen products, such as the Pure Spring Sunscreen Mist SPF 50+ from SPLASH.
Hair repair
Sunflower oil also offers various benefits for your hair. It provides your hair with moisture and also retains the moisture present, so that your hair does not dry out. It is therefore a commonly used ingredient to combat frizzy hair and prevent hair breakage. It also helps repair hair damage such as dryness from heat styling. It softens the hair so that it becomes easier to manage and falls more beautifully. The hair also clearly gets more shine. An example of this is I Create Shine from Innersense Organic Beauty, a shine serum in which the added sunflower oil protects the hair against UV radiation and frizzy ends. You can also find sunflower oil in styling products that protect your hair against the heat of, for example, the hair dryer, flat iron or curling iron. With the Hair Pomade from John Masters Organics you can model all hair textures, from straight hair to wild curls. It provides definition, shine and offers a light hold while counteracting frizz.
