Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil or arachis oil, is obtained from the seeds of the Arachis hypogaea plant of the Fabaceae family. This product can be obtained either through cold pressing or by extraction with chemical solvents and refining. The obtained oil is widely used in cooking, for frying but also to prepare tasty sauces such as mayonnaise. But the use of peanut oil does not stop there, in fact, this plant based oil can also become a beauty ally!
Peanut oil, cosmetic properties
First, peanut oil is moisturizing, helps repair the skin barrier and has an anti-age effect by fighting wrinkles and aging processes (Tzu-kai Lin et al, Int J Mol Sci, Jan 2018). In addition to this, peanut oil contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and resveratrol, a substance also contained in grapes, wine and cranberries, which gives the product anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic properties (Korac et al, Pharmacogn Rev, Jul 2011). In particular, thanks to this feature, peanut oil is able to protect the skin from UV damages, by shielding up to 20% of this solar radiation and preventing DNA damage thanks to its anti-tumor action (Korac et al, Pharmacogn Rev, Jul 2011 - Lasne et al, Bull Cancer, 1991). In any case, if you plan to sunbathe, do not rely only on the action of plant based oils but also apply an effective sun protection.
Peanut oil, when to use it and benefits to skin and hair
Thanks to these characteristics, peanut oil can be useful in case of mature and wrinkled skin, sunburned, dry and dehydrated skin or with eczema. In these cases, you can massage a few drops of this oil on damp skin. Don’t use it in case of acne-prone skin as peanut oil is comedogenic, namely in oily skin, with enlarged pores and pimples, it can worsen the situation. Given its beauty properties, peanut oil also helps in case of dandruff. In this case, moisten the scalp, for example, you can spray a flower water or even just water. Then apply the peanut oil by massaging well and leave on for 30 minutes. Finally rinse with your usual shampoo.
Peanut oil for external use, and for those who are allergic to peanuts?
Peanuts can cause allergies and this has led scientists to wonder if the topical oil application is safe. According to the research (Yunginger et al, Cutis, Aug 2001), it has emerged that the external use of cosmetic products containing refined peanut oil does not cause risks even to those who are allergic. It should be noted that in the study we speak about refined peanut oil, that is subjected to a process that removes the allergenic parts of the product.
