Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil (Baobab Oil): Properties and Cosmetic Applications

What Is Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil?

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, commonly known as Baobab Oil, is obtained from the seeds of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), native to Eastern and Southern Africa.

Baobab oil has been used in African skincare for centuries. It is a rich, golden-coloured oil with a slightly nutty aroma and contains vitamins A, D, E and F, including essential fatty acids.

Baobab Oil in Cosmetics

Baobab oil is used primarily as an emollient, skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning ingredient. It is described as providing moisturising benefits while absorbing relatively quickly into the skin.

It can be incorporated into formulations such as:

• Face and body creams
• Moisturisers
• Hair care products
• Body oils
• Other skin- and hair-conditioning formulations

Traditional Use

Baobab oil has a long history of traditional use in African skincare. Traditionally, the oil was extracted by pounding the seeds and used as a topical preparation for various skin complaints and as a massage oil. These traditional uses should not be interpreted as established cosmetic efficacy claims without appropriate supporting evidence.

Ingredient Information

INCI Name: Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
CAS: 91745-12-9
EINECS: 294-680-8
Function: Emollient, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
Saponification Value: 205
Iodine Value: 80
Average Carbon Number: 17.379

References

Handbook Of Natural Ingredients – Anthony C. Dweck.