Avellana Seed Oil

Franz Xaver [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Plant

The Chilean hazelnut grows on a medium-sized tree with strong branches. Despite its name, the Chilean hazelnut is not related to the European common hazelnut. This evergreen tree grows mainly in the southern parts of Chile and Argentina and can grow to a height of 10 to 12 m. The flowers of the tree are arranged in pairs and are white or ivory colored. The fruits are round stone fruits about 1 to 2 cm in size. When unripe, the fruits are red, but turn brown or black as they mature and contain around the seed with a hard shell.

Extraction of Avellana Seed Oil

The pale yellow Avellana seed oil is traditionally obtained by pressing the nuts, which must be peeled, ground, and heated. However, a higher yield is achieved by enzymatic extraction of the oil. During this process, the ground seeds are mixed with water and enzymes. Once the enzymatic reaction has taken place, the enzymes are deactivated in a boiling bath and the oil can be obtained by centrifuging (separating) the mixture.

Cosmetic use of Avellana Seed Oil

A striking feature of Avellana oil is its high content of palmitoleic acid, which is particularly suitable for sensitive, irritated, or neurodermatitis skin. Thanks to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, the oil is absorbed quickly and leaves the skin feeling pleasantly velvety. The skin is nourished and protected by the oil. The Mink Oil contained in Avellana Oil has a firming effect on the skin and is used against wrinkles.

Avellana oil is also able to absorb a broad spectrum of skin-damaging UV and IR radiation but does allow non-harmful, skin-tanning radiation to pass through. The oil is therefore often used in sun care products.