Cottonseed oil is also known as cotton seed oil. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium genus) which is grown in the tropical and subtropical regions of North America, Mexico, Africa, Asia and Australia. Due to its versatility, it is used in many skin care products and soaps. What exactly is cottonseed oil, what healthy properties does the oil have, what does the oil do for the skin, how safe is the oil and how do you use cottonseed oil?
Cottonseed oil comes from certain types of cotton plants. / Source: Mariaa, Pixabay
- Oil from the seed of the cotton plant
- The healthy properties of cottonseed oil
- Cottonseed oil for the skin
- Using cottonseed oil
- Also for the hair
- In soap
- Is cottonseed oil safe?
Oil from the seed of the cotton plant
Cottonseed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium genus). Three species are mainly used to produce an oil for cosmetics and consumption: Gossypium barbadese, Gossypium herbaceum and Gossypium hirsutum. The major producing countries of cottonseed oil are China, USA, Russia, India, Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt. Cottonseed oil contains gossypol, a plant poison that has a contraceptive effect in men and that prevents cancer. To make the oil suitable for use in food and care products, gossypol must be removed by refining.
The healthy properties of cottonseed oil
Cottonseed oil contains the antioxidant vitamin E (65mg/100g, of which 35-38mg alpha-tocopherol and 30-38mg gamma-tocopherol), which fights free radicals and helps prevent premature skin aging. In addition, the oil contains a high content of essential oils: 40% linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, and a small percentage of omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid). The oil also contains 30% oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, and 20% palmitic acid. Cottonseed oil also contains proteins and minerals. These substances have an anti-inflammatory effect, soothe the skin in case of irritations, reduce irritability of the skin and soothe red skin.
Cottonseed oil for the skin
Cottonseed oil is a nice oil for the skin. It has a light, non-greasy structure, so it is absorbed into the skin well and does not clog the pores. The oil nourishes and protects the epidermis and prevents impurities from penetrating too deeply into the skin. Cottonseed oil can smooth rough skin and help to soften dry and damaged skin. By allowing nutrients to replenish damaged or dry skin layers, the oil helps accelerate the skin’s natural recovery process.
In addition, cottonseed oil protects the skin from dehydration by helping it retain moisture. Cottonseed oil also ensures that care products are properly absorbed by the skin. In combination with other vegetable oils, it increases stability and gives creams a soft consistency.
Using cottonseed oil
Cottonseed oil is not applied directly to the skin, but incorporated into skin care products it nourishes the skin and protects sensitive skin. It helps to restore the skin’s softness and suppleness. You often find cottonseed oil in care products for the face, hands and feet and in lip balms and lipsticks, for example from Maria Galland, Etos and Biomed.
Although an allergy to cottonseed oil is uncommon, people with an allergy to 2S protein can develop atopic dermatitis due to the use of products containing cottonseed oil. They develop red spots and itchy, flaky skin. Sometimes this allergic reaction is mistaken for psoriasis. If dermatitis develops shortly after skin contact with cottonseed oil, it is important to wash the area and take an antihistamine. In severe cases of cottonseed oil allergy, mild swelling or hives may occur.
Also for the hair
Because cottonseed oil nourishes and repairs the hair, the oil is added to shampoo, conditioner and hair mask. For example, l’Oreal adds cottonseed oil to its Mythic hair care line.
In soap
In soap, cottonseed oil has a powerful cleansing and moisturizing effect. Because it is one of the most effective foaming agents, most soaps contain 5-25% cottonseed oil. The oil is hypoallergenic. People who cannot use soap due to skin reactions tolerate soap with cottonseed oil well.
Is cottonseed oil safe?
Cotton is known to use a lot of pesticides in its cultivation. According to some, cottonseed oil contains residues of these pesticides and should therefore not be used. According to others, cottonseed oil actually lacks many of the toxins and impurities, such as heavy metals, normally found in other agricultural products.
Furthermore, there is sometimes doubt about cottonseed oil because of the toxic gossypol contained in the crude oil. However, properly processed – and all cottonseed oil intended for food and cosmetics must comply with this – cottonseed oil contains no traces of gossypol.
