Peanut oil, also known as Peanut oil, is an oil particularly used as a food oil. Its very characteristic and delicious taste is particularly appreciated in Asian cooked dishes in particular, it is an oil resistant to high temperatures, but also in salads as a seasoning. Also in cosmetics, Peanut oil has benefits to combat dry and aging skin. Be careful, whether in food or cosmetics, it will be important to use a virgin oil, first cold pressed and organic; There are many refined oils on the market. The latter have a lower quality due to their chemical treatment (loss of active constituents and properties). Latin name: Arachis hypogaea L. Part used: fruits

This article was updated on 25/07/2023

Main properties

  • anti-oxidant, skin regenerating, anti-aging :

    its rich content of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, makes this oil an excellent anti-aging remedy. This property, combined with that of skin repair, allows this oil to effectively fight against the signs of skin aging.

  • softening, emollient, moisturizing :

    the omega 6 which mainly makes up peanut oil helps prevent skin dryness. Dry skin but also itchy and irritated skin can count on this vegetable oil. Please note that the oil is also used in hair care to deeply nourish dry hair and limit hair loss.

  • hypocholesterolemic, cardiovascular protector :

    peanut oil is very easy to use orally thanks to its very pleasant taste. In addition to its taste, it is its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, omega 9 and 6, which helps prevent the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

  • digestive tonic :

    several studies show the benefit of adding peanut oil to your diet to combat intestinal disorders. The richness of this oil in oleic acid and active molecules makes it possible to positively modulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota.

Characteristics and composition

Cosmetic features
  • Skin type: dry, all skin types, mature.
  • Hair type: hair loss, dry, brittle, colored.
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance: clear fluid liquid
  • Color: pale yellow
  • Odor: characteristic, peanut.
  • Touch: dry.
  • Taste: characteristic, peanut.
Characteristics for formulation
  • Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, squalene, phytosterols, tocopherols, magnesium, resveratrol.
  • Comedogenicity index: 0 (=non-comedogenic)
  • Average saponification index: 192
  • Oxidation stability: good
  • Stability at high temperatures: excellent
  • Inci name: arachis hypogaea oil
Fatty acid composition
  • oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 35 to 80%
  • linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 4 to 43%
  • palmitic acid (AGS): 5 to 14%
  • stearic acid (SFA): 1 to 4%
  • arachidic acid (AGS): ≤ 2%
  • behenic acid (AGS): 1 to 4%
  • lignoceric acid (SFA): ≤ 2%
Physical characteristics
  • Density at 20°C: 0.917 to 0.921
  • Peroxide value: 10
  • Acid number: 4,000
  • Iodine index: 84 to 102
Botanical characteristics
  • Botanical family: Fabaceae
  • Country of origin: China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam.
  • Distilled part: fruit
  • Obtaining process: first cold pressing
  • Latin name: Arachis hypogaea L.

Precautions for use

As a precaution, people allergic to peanuts and tree nuts should refrain from using this oil, whether orally or on the skin. 

Authorized ways of use

Dermal Dermal
Oral route Oral route

Authorized users

Adults and Teenagers Adults and Teenagers
Children under 6 years old Children under 6 years old
Pregnant & breastfeeding women Pregnant & breastfeeding women
Babies under 3 years old Babies under 3 years old

Storage

Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.

Nutritional benefits

Coming from the fruit, rich in vegetable proteins and essential fatty acids, Peanut vegetable oil is recognized for its nutritional benefits. Omega-9 contributes to the proper functioning of the body and is particularly known for its preventive role in the onset of cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity or other metabolic syndrome.

In addition to its richness in essential fatty acids, peanut oil contains vitamin E and phytosterols, natural antioxidants. Their interests? Fight against free radicals from peroxidized lipids by neutralizing them. This antioxidant property confers a protective role on cell membranes and blood vessel walls. There is thus an interest in fighting against a number of cardiovascular pathologies (atherosclerosis, cholesterol, etc.).

Furthermore, in cooking, refined peanut oil is one of the best oils to use in frying. It has a high smoke point (230°C), allowing it to withstand very high temperatures without deteriorating. Be careful, however, this is refined oil and not cold-pressed virgin oil, which does not tolerate heat well (low smoke point: 160°C).

  • Usage tips :

    1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut oil to consume regularly.

    In cooking, it is an oil that is not very sensitive to cooking. Be careful though, virgin oils are more sensitive than refined oils. Prefer to add the oil cold to your preparations to avoid losing molecules of interest.

  • Other complementary vegetable oils:

    the oils of Linen or Perilla are very interesting in nutrition because they are particularly rich in omega-3. They help balance the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. ANSES recommends providing 4 times more omega-3 than omega-6; However, at present it seems that we consume too much omega-6 compared to omega-3 (20 to 1, instead of 4 to 1).

In case of Cholesterol, Diabetes, Cardiovascular pathology

Efficiency: ++

As an accompaniment to a balanced diet obviously, peanut oil is interesting to include in the diet. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, notably omega-6 and 9 which maintain a good lipid balance. Several studies show the positive impact of peanut oil consumption on cardiovascular disorders, it seems to reduce the risks and this also includes associated chronic pathologies such as cholesterol or diabetes. 

  • Application advice :

    orally, consume two tablespoons of peanut oil per day, preferably as a seasoning.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    essential oils of Rosemary in Verbenone, of Geranium Rosat orHelichrysum Italian can be useful in cases of cholesterol or diabetes.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    vegetable oils Perilla, of Nut or Hemp can also be used for this problem, all three have an excellent lipid profile.

In case of Bloating, Digestive problems, Digestive ulcer

Efficiency: ++

/sweet-fennel-essential-oil/Coming from an oleaginous fruit, peanut oil consumed regularly and, in moderate doses, has beneficial properties for the digestive system. Studies have shown that it helps calm stomach ulcers and digestive problems but also relieves gas and bloating.

  • Application advice :

    orally, one to two teaspoons of peanut oil before a meal or added to a dish as a seasoning.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    many essential oils can support the digestive system such as Basil, there Cardamom or the Coriander Seeds. In case of digestive ulcers, Sweet Fennel remains the most appropriate.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    in case of digestive problems, oil of Castor or even that of Nigella may also be of interest. Castor oil is particularly useful in cases of constipation.

Against theEczema, Dry skin, Irritated scalp

Efficiency: ++

/geranium-rosat-essential-oil/Peanut oil is rich in omega-6. This fatty acid helps soothe irritated, dry and sensitive skin. Its emollient, nourishing and soothing properties give it a more than gourmet use in cosmetics! 

  • Application advice :

    massage a few drops of Peanut oil morning and evening on your skin.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    in case of eczema or skin irritation, it is possible to complete the treatment with an essential oil of Fine lavender, Roman chamomile or Geranium Rosat.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    dry skin appreciates oilLawyer, the butter Shea and in case of eczema or skin irritation consider the Borage or theEvening primrose.

To fight against Hair loss, Brittle hair

Efficiency: ++

It seems that Peanut oil is an excellent treatment for dry, brittle hair. It also seems to prevent their fall. The presence of vitamin E in this HV, a natural antioxidant, will protect the hair from external aggressions. 

  • Application advice :

    make a hair mask on dry, detangled hair, applying the necessary quantity. Insist on the ends, and gently massage the scalp. Leave it on for at least an hour, or overnight, then shampoo.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    in case of dry, damaged or frizzy hair, the essential oils of True Lavender or Ylang ylang complete can be added to vegetable oil. Against hair loss, Himalayan Spikenard, THE Ginger where the Grapefruit will be more effective.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    tHE Castor is the reference oil for hair care. Its viscosity pushes us to use it diluted with a second oil, why not Peanut?

In case of Wrinkles, Mature skin

Efficiency: ++

In addition to a rich composition in particular unsaturated fatty acids, peanut oil reveals a varied composition in phytosterols, squalene, vitamin E, resveratrol, etc. These latest active ingredients provide very interesting anti-oxidant properties to fight against wrinkles. Indeed, by fighting free radicals, one of the major causes of tissue aging, Peanut oil will strengthen its action against wrinkles. 

  • Application advice :

    massage a few drops of Peanut oil morning and evening on your skin.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    against wrinkles, it is possible to add a few drops of essential oil of Geranium Rosat, of Cistus or else Fine Lavender to your vegetable oil to increase its effectiveness.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    the oil of Rosehip is very useful for maintaining good skin elasticity and cell regeneration. Other vegetable oils can also be used in this case such as Hemp, THE Apricot kernels or even the Prickly Pear Seeds.

In support of theArthritis, Joint pain

Efficiency: +

/essential-oil-scented-wintergreen/Peanut oil is indicated in the management of joint pain associated with arthritis in particular. It has beneficial analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to relieve rheumatism. It is its composition in unsaturated fatty acids but especially in resveratrol which gives peanut oil its ant-inflammatory effects. 

  • Application advice :

    a few drops on painful areas, 2 to 3 times a day.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    for greater effectiveness, add a few drops of essential oil Fragrant Wintergreen orLemon Eucalyptus respecting a 20% dilution.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    oily macerates are often the most suitable for relieving inflammatory pain, in particular the oily macerate ofArnicaSt. John's wort or even that of Meadowsweet.

Was this article helpful to you?

  

Average grade: 4.6 ( 122 votes)

Bibliography

Publication: Maguire, L.S., O'Sullivan, S.M., Galvin, K., O'Connor, T.P., & O'Brien, N.M. (2004). Fatty acid profile, tocopherol, squalene and phytosterol content of walnuts, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and the macadamia nut. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 55(3), 171–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637480410001725175

Publication: Akhtar, S., Khalid, N., Ahmed, I., Shahzad, A., & Suleria, HAR (2014). Physicochemical Characteristics, Functional Properties, and Nutritional Benefits of Peanut Oil: A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 54(12), 1562-1575. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.644353

Work : Pobeda, M. (2014). The benefits of vegetable oils: Learn to know them and use them for your health and beauty. Poessneck, Germany: Marabout.

Related articles