Amaranth Caudatus Seed Oil
Amaranth is a staple food in Central America and is also called the “gold of the Incas.” The tiny little seeds of the foxtail plant can be used as a side dish or as a base for breakfast. A single amaranth caudatus seed oil plant develops up to 100,000 seeds. These seeds contain only a five to six percent oil content, so extraction is quite laborious. By comparison, the oil yield from macadamia nuts is up to 75 percent.
Amaranth caudatus seed oil in cosmetics
Nevertheless, Amaranth caudatus seed oil is also becoming increasingly important in cosmetics, because the composition of the oil is almost unique. At around 40 to 45 percent, diunsaturated linoleic acid predominates, plus a considerable proportion of protective palmitic acid (around 15.0 percent) and up to 8.0 percent squalene, a lipid fraction similar to skin fat. The content of tocopherols (mostly vitamin E) is also unusually high. Thanks to this special composition, Amaranth caudatus seed oil is almost of the same nature as the lipids of the skin surface. As a result, it is optimally absorbed and is extremely low in allergens. The oil has a refatting effect, thus maintaining natural moisture and indirectly supporting the regeneration of the skin, which feels much softer and smoother with regular use. Especially people with very dry skin report again and again that Amaranth caudatus seed oil leaves a wonderful skin feeling and is excellently tolerated.
Cosmetic products with Amaranth provide optimal care for dry, irritated or barrier-disrupted skin. In addition, Amaranth caudatus seed oil absorbs harmful UV radiation and thus reduces light-induced stress. The high content of tocopherols also gives it an effective antioxidant effect. Furthermore, according to studies, the oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on psoriasis vulgaris (psoriasis).
Amaranth caudatus seed oil is perfect as a base oil for modern and effective skin care. It is increasingly used in cosmetics manufacturing in creams, skin and massage oils, soaps, bath oils, hair oils, moisturizing shampoos, eye care products, makeup, lipsticks, and sunscreen and after-sun products. It is also an ideal anti-aging agent. In formulations for mature skin, combinations with oils containing linoleic acid, such as cranberry seed oil, wild rose oil, hemp seed oil, elderberry seed oil or currant seed oil, are recommended.
Amaranth caudatus seed oil is characterized by a clear yellow color and a nutty flavor that is somewhat reminiscent of cereals. Cold-pressing or CO2 extraction for Amaranth caudatus seed oil is preferable to other extraction methods in both cooking and cosmetics. It is also suitable for baby care.
Amaranth oil is now also used in food supplements. It is said that the oil provides stable bones and stronger memory, has a positive effect on the immune system, nerves as well as metabolism and is even said to slow down the human aging process. In skin care cosmetics, especially for dry and irritated skin, the oil has already firmly established itself.
Fact Sheet Amaranth Oil
INCI: Amaranth Caudatus Seed Oil
Melting range: minus 27 degrees Celsius
Iodine value: 78-90
Saponification value: 170-200
Ingredients: 40 to 45 percent linoleic acid, 15 to 25 percent palmitic acid, 15 to 30 percent oleic acid, 2.0 to 5.0 percent stearic acid, 5.0 to 8.0 percent squalene, vitamin E
We like to work with these amaranth-containing products:
| Trade Name | Company Name | INCI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth Oil - BCE1060 | Biocosmethic | Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract | |
| Organic Amaranth Oil - BCE1554 | Biocosmethic | Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract | |
| Amaranth (Seed) Oil, Organic CPV Cosmetics | SanaBio GmbH | Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Oil | |
| Amaranth Seed CO2-TO Extract (organic) - 168.002 | Flavex Naturextrakte GmbH | Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract | |
| Ama-prot | Provital Group | Aqua, Glycerin, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch | |
| Ama-oil | Provital Group | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Diisostearyl Malate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract |
Conclusion: The “gold of the Incas” is a boon for the skin
Thanks to its unique composition, Amaranth is an extremely valuable ingredient in skin care cosmetics. Especially for dry, allergy-prone and irritated skin, the use of products with amaranth is recommended. Cosmacon will be happy to develop appropriate formulations with amaranth oil for you according to your wishes.
Sources:
Amaranth Oilseed Composition and Cosmetic Applications.; B. Sayed-Ahmad, M.Urrutigoïty, A. Hijazi, Z. Saad , M. Cerny, P. Evon, T. Talou, O. Merah Separations 2022, 9(7).
The Possible Pre- and Post-UVA Radiation Protective Effect of Amaranth Oil on Human Skin Fibroblast Cells.; Wolosik K, Zareba I, Surazynski A, Markowska A.Pharmacogn Mag. 2017 Jul;13(Suppl 2):S339-S343.
New cosmetic formulations with broad photoprotective and antioxidative activities designed by amaranth and pumpkin seed oils nanocarriers.;Lacatusu, I., Arsenie, L. V., Badea, G., Popa, O., Oprea, O., & Badea, N. Industrial Crops and Products 123 (2018): 424-433.
AMARANTHUS AND ITS THERAPEUTIC USES.; Chulak, O. L., Gozhenko, A. I., Chulak, Yu. L., Chulak, L. D., Shuturminsky, V. G., Tatarina, O. V., Zverkhanovsky, O. A. Badiuk, N. S. PhOL 2021, 3(1231-1235).