Helianthus Annus Seed Cera is a product of natural origin obtained from the sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., botanical family Compositae.

The name describes the structure of the ingredient:

• "Helianthus" is the botanical genus to which the plant belongs. Plants of this genus are commonly known as sunflowers.
• "Annus". This term indicates the specific species within the Helianthus genus. In this context, it refers to the common sunflower.
• "Seed Cera". "Cera" is the Latin word for "wax". It indicates that the product is a wax derived from sunflower seeds.

Description of raw materials used in production.

• Helianthus annuus Seeds. The primary raw material to obtain the wax.
• Solvents. Might be used in the wax purification phase.
• Separating agents. These agents help separate the wax from other components present in the seeds.

Detailed summary of the production process.

• Harvesting. Sunflower seeds are harvested from the Helianthus annuus plant.
• Oil Extraction. Oil is extracted from the seeds either by cold pressing or using solvents.
• Refining. The crude oil undergoes various refining processes to remove impurities.
• Wax Separation. During the refining process, wax is separated from the oil.
• Purification. The wax is further purified to remove any residues or impurities.

It appears in a yellowish waxy form.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

CAS   68937-99-5

EC number   273-107-5

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics and Skin Care. Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed cera is commonly used in skin care products as an emollient, helping to condition and soften the skin.

Hair Care Products. This wax can be found in conditioners and hair styling products, providing hold and shine.

Lipsticks and Cosmetics. Sunflower seed wax is used for its ability to provide structure to cosmetic products such as lipsticks, lip balms, and foundations.

Skin Barrier. Sunflower seed wax can help form a barrier on the skin, protecting it from harmful external factors and preventing moisture loss.

Sunflower seeds (Heliantuus annuus) are used in the food industry to obtain oil and as flavour enhancers for bread, cakes and other products.

They are very nutritious and have an antioxidant effect on the human body, however, no substantial and resolutely beneficial effect on the human body has been demonstrated (1).

References______________________________________________________________________

(1) De Lira-García C, Bacardí-Gascón M, Jiménez-Cruz A. Efectiveness of long-term consumption of nuts, seeds and seeds' oil on glucose and lipid levels; systematic review.  Nutr Hosp. 2012 Jul-Aug;27(4):964-70. doi: 10.3305/nh.2012.27.4.5781.