Safflower oil

Information

Practical information :

• Botanical name: Carthamus tinctorius
• Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
• Odour: Neutral to slightly herbaceous, not very pronounced
• Texture : Light and dry, it quickly penetrates the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Extraction process :

Safflower oil is mainly extracted by cold pressing the seeds, a process that preserves maximum nutritional properties, antioxidants and essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-9.

Benefits and Properties :

• Intense Hydration: Rich in linoleic acids, which are essential omega-6 fatty acids, these components help maintain skin hydration by forming a protective barrier that prevents water evaporation. This makes your soaps particularly nourishing and moisturizing.
• Non-comedogenic properties: This oil has a low probability of clogging pores, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. By incorporating it into your soaps, you create a product that is gentle on the skin and can be used even by those with acne-prone skin.
• Softening effect: Safflower oil leaves skin soft and smooth, with no greasy feel. It is therefore excellent for soaps intended for frequent use or for those seeking to avoid products that are too heavy or occlusive.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, safflower oil helps protect skin from free radical damage, reducing signs of aging and improving overall skin radiance.

Properties :

• Moisturizing:Safflower oil for soapmaking is highly valued for its exceptional moisturizing properties. Rich in essential fatty acids, it provides deep, long-lasting hydration for the skin, making it ideal for soaps designed for dry, sensitive skin.
• Capacity to regenerate skin: This oil promotes cell regeneration thanks to its vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acid content. These elements help repair and renew the skin, makingsafflower oil in homemade soaps particularly beneficial for mature, tired skin.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Used in homemade soaps, safflower oil reduces skin inflammation. It is particularly effective for skin prone to eczema or psoriasis, offering natural relief thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Impact on soap texture: In soapmaking,safflower oil for handmade soaps contributes to a smooth, creamy texture. It leaves no greasy residue, ensuring clean, comfortable skin.
• Antioxidant properties: The natural antioxidants present in safflower oil help protect skin from environmental damage and stabilize soap against oxidation, prolonging its life.
• Use in natural coloring: Safflower oil can also be used to add natural color to soaps, giving a soft hue without the use of artificial colorants, making it an ideal choice for those practicing eco-friendly soapmaking.

Safflower oil fatty acid composition :

Saturated fatty acids (SFA)

• Palmitic acid: Constitutes between 7 and 10% of safflower oil. It is a common fatty acid in vegetable oils.
• Stearic acid: present at 2 to 6%, it is known to have a neutral impact on blood cholesterol levels.
• Arachidic acid: Although less common, it can make up to 4% of the oil.

Monounsaturated fatty acids

Monounsaturated fatty acids are good for cardiovascular health:

• Palmitoleic acid: This rare fatty acid makes up 13 to 27% of safflower oil.
• Oleic acid: Safflower oil contains the majority of oleic acid, accounting for 50-70% of its composition. It is excellent for heart health.
• Eicosenoic acid: Up to 4%, this fatty acid plays a role in various biological processes.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids

• Linoleic acid: varies from 1% to 6% in safflower oil. This essential fatty acid is crucial for several bodily functions.

Recommended for which skin type :

• Dry skin: Safflower oil is extremely beneficial for dry skin, thanks to its high linoleic and oleic fatty acid content. It intensely moisturizes, helping to restore elasticity and strengthen the skin's natural barrier against dehydration.
• Sensitive skin: With its anti-inflammatory properties and wealth of essential fatty acids, safflower oil is excellent for soothing sensitive skin. It minimizes redness and irritation, while protecting the skin from external aggressors.
• Mature skin: Rich in antioxidants, notably vitamin E, safflower oil is ideal for mature skin. Fights free radical damage and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promoting firmer, younger-looking skin.
• Combination to oily skin: Precious for combination to oily skin. Regulates sebum secretion, reducing the risk of clogged pores and shine, while maintaining the necessary hydration without causing acne.

How to store Safflower oil :

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Make sure it's securely closed.
• It generally keeps for up to 12 months after opening (unstable oil).

Tips and Tricks for the Soap Maker :

Although safflower oil is often under-used in soap-making, it deserves to be discovered for its exceptional qualities. Rich in essential fatty acids, this oil helps create gentle, moisturizing soaps, perfect for sensitive skin.

Its saponification value
:

The saponification value of safflower oil is 136, which means that 0.136 g of NAOH soda are needed to saponify 1 g of safflower oil. This information will help you calculate your own recipe.

In your calculator, choose "Safflower Oil" or "Safflower oil High oleic". The saponification number will then be 0.137.

It's an unstable oil. Its content in your recipe will be between 5% and 15% maximum;

Tips :

• Use in natural coloring: Can be used to add natural color to soaps, giving a soft hue without the use of artificial colorants, making it an ideal choice for those practicing eco-friendly soapmaking.
• As safflower oil is a drying oil, it's important to calculate your oiling rate carefully to avoid soap becoming too dry or brittle.
• Combining safflower oil with other oils can balance the soap. Coconut oil for hardness, olive oil for hydration, and shea butter for its nourishing effect are ideal complements.

• Saponification temperature: Maintain a moderate temperature during the process, between 35°C and 40°C, to promote a good reaction without accelerating the trace.

Additions / Superfatting
:

• Safflower oil tends to accelerate the soap-making process slightly. This means that the soap mixture thickens more quickly, which can be useful for molding or marbling techniques that require rapid setting.
• Exfoliating ingredients such as apricot kernel powder or green coffee beans can be incorporated to add an exfoliating texture to the soap, making it ideal for use as a body scrub.
• Natural colorants: Using natural micas or clays can add color to soaps without compromising their eco-friendliness. For example, pink clay can give a soft tint while providing additional benefits for the skin.
• Incorporate additives such as essential oils, plant extracts or natural exfoliants after reaching a light trace. This infuses the soap with additional properties while maintaining the integrity of the additives.
• Ease of Saponification: Safflower oil reacts well with soda (NaOH) for saponification, helping to create a soft, luxurious soap texture, while being easy to handle for soap-makers at all levels of experience.

Mussels:

Be aware that the reaction between soda and oils can generate heat. Use our special molds and monitor the temperature throughout the process to avoid freezing your soaps.

Our molds are flexible, making them easy to remove from the mold once the soap has hardened. What's more, they enable better heat distribution during the saponification process, promoting optimal soap setting.

Tips and Usage for Solid Shampoo and Conditioner :

Add 10 ml safflower oil to your solid shampoo or conditioner recipe. Works perfectly with castor oil.

Be sure to mix well so that the oil is evenly distributed in the solid shampoo.

1. Nourishes and moisturizes: Rich in essential fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, this polyunsaturated fatty acid helps maintain the natural moisture content of hair and scalp, preventing dryness and dandruff. Used regularly, it can improve overall hair texture, making it softer and more supple.
2. Hair growth: The essential fatty acids in safflower oil stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, which can help promote healthier, more vigorous hair growth. This stimulation also helps strengthen hair follicles, reducing hair loss.
3. Protection against damage: Rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects hair against environmental damage such as pollution and UV rays.
4. Anti-frizz and detangling effect: Thanks to its lightness and ability to seal in moisture to the hair shaft, safflower oil helps reduce frizz and makes detangling easier. It smoothes hair cuticles, reducing frizz and facilitating styling.
5. Enhanced shine and radiance: By deeply nourishing hair, safflower oil helps restore shine.

The indications and advice given above are provided for information only, based on reputable sources in aromatherapy, soap-making and phytotherapy. Under no circumstances should they be considered as medical advice. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is essential to consult a health professional before using essential oils or any other product mentioned. In addition, please note that the product discussed in this context is not intended for consumption.