Clariant has introduced a multifunctional African hair oil that has benefit for both hair and skin. Plantasens Abyssinian Oil (INCI: Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil) is a versatile oil that presents an opportunity for personal care formulators to combine natural product claims supporting radiant skin and lustrous, healthy hair for consumers.
The 100% natural ingredient is extracted from the seeds of Crambe abyssinica, a plant native to the rich soil of the African highlands that can grow at elevations of more than 2,500 m. Crambe abyssinica was recently rediscovered and explored by Clariant in response to the growing demand for effective natural ingredients in personal care.
The oil is rich in omegas 6 and 9 and long-chain triglycerides. For hair care, this light, hydrating natural oil adds shine and a soft, light feel to hair. It can improve the manageability of hair, making it easier to comb and less prone to damage. During dry-combing tests, significantly less force is required than with other oils such as argan. The oil is ideal for use in shampoos and conditioners as well as leave-on treatments.
In skin care, the oil acts as an emollient that helps nourish, hydrate and protect the skin. It is soft to the touch and goes on smoothly to give the skin a non-greasy matte finish. It is recommended for face cream, cleansing milk and body lotion, but it has also can be used in sun care products, as it disperses and solubilizes UV filters effectively. The hydrating and protective characters of the oil also make it a beneficial addition to lipstick and lip balm.
The oil presents a sustainable profile that matches the trend in the personal care sector. The pure, vegetable-based oil is extracted by cold-pressing Crambe abyssinica seeds without any solvents. The oil is GMO-free, Ecocert approved and carries Clariant’s EcoTain sustainability label.
Plantasens Abyssinian Oil also makes a contribution to social and environmental sustainability in Africa. The fast-growing Crambe abyssinica crop is planted by farmers during the dry season, where it manages to flourish despite the rainfall shortage. It also brings with it rotational advantages. Rather than further depleting the land, planting Crambe abyssinica between the main crop results in a richer soil at the end of its growing season. This represents a win-win situation for farmers who earn a supplementary income during a time when the fields would otherwise be lying fallow. ”
