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Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil products at Skintique
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What Is Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil?
Gossypium herbaceum (cotton) seed oil is extracted from the seeds of various types of cotton plants. Supplied as a golden yellow liquid, this non-fragrant plant oil is a good source of fatty acids capable of smoothing and hydrating skin. These include linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids, with lesser amounts of linolenic, stearic, and myristic acids. This plant oil's primary use in cosmetics is for its emollient properties, but it may also be chosen to contribute occlusion to a formulation.
Although cotton seed oil is a good natural source of vitamin E, much of this is lost during processing, so its antioxidant benefit when used on skin is limited. Despite this limitation, it's among the more stable oils when exposed to air.
The safety of Gossypium herbaceum (cotton) seed oil has been evaluated and amounts up to 21% are considered non-sensitizing and non-irritating to skin. Suppliers must ensure their source of this plant oil is free from toxins such as gossypol, aflatoxin, and cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFA) or that steps are taken during processing to ensure these compounds are removed before adding the oil to cosmetics.
How It Works
As an occlusive emollient, gossypium herbaceum seed oil works by forming a breathable film on the skin surface. This layer reduces transepidermal water loss, allowing the skin to retain moisture more effectively.
The oil's fatty acid composition also allows it to penetrate slightly into the stratum corneum, conditioning the outer layers without necessarily reaching deeper skin structures.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published research specifically evaluating gossypium herbaceum seed oil in skincare is limited. Most evidence for its benefits comes from its known fatty acid composition and general emollient properties rather than dedicated clinical studies.
The ingredient is generally recognised as a safe conditioning agent, though individual responses to any plant oil can vary. Some users report that heavier oils may occasionally trigger breakouts or fungal acne, particularly on oily or acne-prone skin, though this is not unique to this ingredient.
Published Research
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Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, August 2021, pages 1,219–1,237 Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2021
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Food Science and Nutrition, March 2019, pages 1,027–1,034 Food Science and Nutrition, 2019
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International Journal of Toxicology, March 2001, pages 21–29 International Journal of Toxicology, 2001
How to Use
Use gossypium herbaceum seed oil as part of your moisturising routine. It works well layered under or mixed into water-based serums or moisturisers. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider using it sparingly or only on dry areas. Patch test first if you have sensitive skin or are prone to fungal acne.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Take the skin quizOther forms of Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
These appear on ingredients lists under different names but are the same substance. Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil is the common form.
Related Ingredients
Gossypium Herbaceum Fruit Water
A plant-derived water that imparts subtle fragrance and sensory appeal to skincare formulations
Gossypium Hirsutum Extract
A plant-derived skin conditioning agent derived from cotton plant extract
Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
A lightweight plant oil that conditions and softens skin
Glycosphingolipid
Glycosphingolipid is a subtype of glycolipids containing the amino alcohol sphingosine.
Glycosphingolipids
Lipid molecules that support the skin's natural barrier structure and function
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract
A plant extract with potential antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties
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