emollient

Black Currant Seed Oil

INCI: Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil

What is it?

Black currant seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the black currant plant. It's notable for its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, an omega-6 fatty acid that makes up 12-15% of the oil, alongside linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid. It's typically used in formulations targeting skin barrier repair and inflamma...

How is it used?

Use in the oil phase of a formula, ideally paired with an antioxidant like vitamin E to help protect it from oxidizing.

Forms

Available forms and grades affect how this ingredient behaves and how it should be selected for a formula.

Appearance

Color, texture, and physical characteristics can vary between suppliers and product grades.

Usage rate

Recommended incorporation levels depend on product type, supplier guidance, and the intended result.

Why we use it

Formulators choose this ingredient for specific performance, sensory, and stability benefits.

Strengths and limitations

Its advantages, compatibility considerations, and practical tradeoffs should be weighed during development.

Alternatives and substitutions

Possible replacements depend on the ingredient's role, desired skin feel, and formulation system.

Storage and shelf life

Appropriate storage conditions help protect quality and performance throughout the ingredient's usable life.

Black Currant Seed Oil

What is it?

How is it used?

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