Camelina vegetable oil, with its golden yellow color and characteristic odor of green vegetables, is obtained after cold pressing the seeds. Its rich composition in essential fatty acids, omega 3 and 6, gives it excellent properties in cooking but also in cosmetics. It is particularly appreciated for promoting a certain nutritional balance, making it possible to combat cardiovascular and cerebral problems. From a cosmetic point of view, it is rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant providing skin regenerating and healing benefits. Mature, irritated and sensitive skin will be served and well served with Cameline! Latin name: Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz Part used: seeds (first cold pressing)
This article was updated on 15/12/2023Main properties
-
cardiovascular protector, protector of the nervous system :
the oil from Camelina seeds is rich in unsaturated fatty acids including omega-3, 6 and 9, substances participating in the balance of the cardiovascular and cerebral systems. In addition, its taste is pleasant, it is ideal as a seasoning for a daily intake of essential fatty acids.
-
healing, skin regenerating :
the essential fatty acids of this vegetable oil participate in the reconstruction of cell membranes and therefore in the regeneration of skin cells. Thus, this property indicates it in the case of mature, wrinkled skin but also in the case of dry, damaged and sensitive skin. Its richness in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, also helps fight against wrinkles and signs of aging.
-
anti-inflammatory :
very rich in omega-3, Camelina oil helps fight against inflammatory processes in the body, both externally, on the skin, and internally. It therefore helps soothe damaged and irritated skin.
-
softening, nourishing :
like most vegetable oils, Camelina oil, due to its composition similar to that of the lipids of the skin and hair, penetrates quickly for a nourishing and softening effect.
-
anti-oxidant :
camelina oil is rich in vitamin E. This molecule is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are harmful to the body when they are present in too large quantities. They damage cells and cause premature aging. Both internally and externally, Camelina oil helps protect the functions of the body's cells and the skin.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Skin type: dry, irritated, mature, dull, sensitive.
- Hair type: dull, dry, brittle, fine.
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: fluid liquid
- Color: golden yellow
- Odor: characteristic, reminiscent of green vegetables.
- Touch: dry.
- Taste: pleasant, light, reminiscent of asparagus.
Characteristics for formulation
- Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, polyphenols, β-carotene (provitamin A), beta-sitosterol, campesterol, sterols, stigmasterol, tocopherols, avenasterols, brassicaterol.
- Comedogenicity index: 0 (=non-comedogenic)
- Average saponification index: 185
- Oxidation stability: sensitive
- High temperature stability: sensitive
- Inci name: camelina sativa seed oil
Fatty acid composition
- palmitic acid (AGS): 2 to 8%
- stearic acid (SFA): 1 to 5%
- oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 10 to 28%
- linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 12 to 25%
- linolenic acid (omega 3 PUFA): 28 to 45%
- eicosenoic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 12 to 18%
- arachidic acid (AGS): ≤ 5%
- palmitoleic acid (omega 7 MUFA): ≤ 2%
- unsaponifiable: ≤ 1.5%
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.910 to 0.940
- Flash point: 175
- Peroxide value: 15
- Acid number: 4,000
Botanical characteristics
- Botanical family: Brassicaceae
- Country of origin: Spain, mainland France.
- Distilled part: seeds
- Obtaining process: first cold pressing
- Latin name: Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz
Precautions for use
- Camelina oil is sensitive to oxidation. It is best to consume it quickly after opening, within 6 months maximum. Store in a cool place, protected from light and air. It is often recommended to dilute Camelina oil to 15-20% in other vegetable oils for any skin application.
- Camelina oil should preferably be used as a cold seasoning so as not to alter its benefits. However, its richness in antioxidants gives it good resistance to cooking (smoke point: 220°C). This oil can therefore also be used in cooking.
- By measure of precaution, it is preferable to limit Camelina oil for people on anti-coagulant treatment.
Authorized ways of use
Authorized users
Storage
Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.
Nutritional benefits
Camelina oil is often called "bastard flax", and it's not for nothing! These two oils have one big thing in common: their richness in omega-3, which provides most of the nutritional benefits. Firstly, it allows rebalance the omega-3/omega-6 ratio in our diet. If this should normally be 1/5, it is currently around 1/20. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties which help prevent cardiovascular risks, obesity, inflammatory and cognitive disorders. They also help maintain normal cholesterol levels. But conversely, too much consumption of omega-3 can create a risk of stroke since they thin the blood. It is therefore essential to rebalance this ratio by adding thecamelina oil in your diet daily while combining it with other oils rich in omega-6 such as Sesame or Peanut oil for example.
- Usage tips :
consume 1 teaspoon per day of Camelina oil, as a seasoning.
In case of Dry skin, Irritated skin, Sensitive skin
Efficiency: ++
The entire composition of Camelina oil is good for sensitive, damaged and dry skin. Omega-6 and 9 strengthen the skin's natural barrier, to soothe and soften it. Omega-3s have a particular property: they give Camelina the advantage of being anti-inflammatory, to act against minor redness of the skin. Indeed, the lack of omega-3 is often the cause of continually dry skin.
-
Application advice :
apply a few drops of Camelina oil morning and evening to the skin with a massage to make the oil penetrate well.
-
Other suitable vegetable oils :
in case of dry and irritated skin, the Shea Butter, the oil of Wheat germ or Perilla can also be used.
In case of Mature skin
Efficiency: ++
Camelina oil is largely made up of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which initially nourish and regenerate the skin, but it also and above all contains vitamin E. The latter gives it properties anti-oxidant, it fights against free radicals responsible for cellular damage, and more particularly skin aging. Omega-3 and 6 help strengthen the skin barrier and elasticity of the skin.
-
Application advice :
massage a few drops of Camelina oil morning and evening onto the skin to make the oil penetrate well.
-
Complementary essential oil(s) :
to prevent skin aging, essential oils of Rosat Geranium, Carrot or Cistus can complement Camelina oil.
-
Other suitable vegetable oils :
the oils of Rosehip, Apricot kernels or Prickly Pear Seeds are also perfect for mature skin.
For the Dull hair, Fine hair
Efficiency: ++
Camelina oil is good for hair lacking nutrition, dry and brittle. It softens and makes hair shine thanks to its composition of omega-3, 6 and 9. These fatty acids will strengthen the hair fiber to make it stronger and protect it from external aggressions.
-
Application advice :
apply a few drops of Camelina vegetable oil to the hair, paying particular attention to the ends and lengths. Leave on for a few minutes to a few hours then rinse with shampoo.
-
Complementary essential oil(s) :
ylang Ylang oil is the reference in case of dry and brittle hair, add a few drops in Camelina oil to strengthen its action.
-
Other suitable vegetable oils :
to deeply nourish the hair, it may be interesting to combine Camelina with oil of Castor, of Coco or else Grape seeds.
Was this article helpful to you?
Average grade: 4.7 ( 654 votes)
Bibliography
Publication: Karvonen, HM, and al. (2002). Effect of alpha-linolenic acid-rich Camelina sativa oil on serum fatty acid composition and serum lipids in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Metabolism, 51(10), 1253–1260. https://doi.org/10.1053/meta.2002.35183
Publication: Zubr, J. (2009). Unique dietary oil from Camelina sativa seed. AgroFOOD industry hi-tech, 20(2), 42–46.
Publication: Eidhin, D.N., Burke, J., Lynch, B., & O'Beirne, D. (2003). Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Camelina Oil on Porcine Blood Lipids. Journal of Food Science, 68(2), 671–679. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2003.tb05730.x
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Pobeda, M. (2011). The benefits of vegetable oils, learn to know them and use them, for health and beauty. Editions Hachettes Livres (Marabout).
Work : Clergaud, C. (2003). Vegetable oils: health and beauty oils. Amyris.