Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil

Adansonia digitata seed oil, AKA Baobab seed oil, is a natural, emollient skin care ingredient taken from the seeds of the Adansonia digitata tree, more commonly referred to as the baobab tree.

This seed oil has a rich composition that includes fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acid account for most of Adansonia digitata seed oil’s fatty acid content. They naturally occur in the human body, with linoleic acid being the most abundant fatty acid found within the epidermis (skin needs linoleic acid to make ceramides). When applied topically to skin, these ingredients help soothe, smooth and hydrate skin.

Phenolic compounds in Adansonia digitata seed oil lend themselves to the skin care ingredient’s antioxidant properties. Phenolic compounds assist in protecting skin from environmental stressors that can lead to signs of extrinsic ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles.

As a raw material, this skin care ingredient is a pale yellow oil. An analysis of cosmetics products concluded that Adansonia digitata seed oil is used in percentages up to 0.01%, most often in leave-on formulas; however, larger amounts may be used if desired.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that Adansonia digitata seed oil is safe for use in cosmetics.