Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Review Article

Global Perspective of Plant-Based Cosmetic Industry and Possible Contribution of Sri Lanka to the Development of Herbal Cosmetics

Table 3

Some commonly used plant-derived oils in cosmetic products.
OilSource plantPropertiesReference(s)
Almond oilPrunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.WebbReduces hypertrophic scarring, smoothing, rejuvenating, emollient, improving complexion and skin tone, anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting[31, 32]
Apricot kernel oilPrunus armeniaca L.Nourishing, revitalizing, emollient[33]
Avocado oilPersea americana Mill.Hydrating, regenerating, antiaging, antiwrinkle, stimulating hair growth, having extraordinary transepidermal penetration capacity[34]
Brazil nut oilBertholletia excelsa Bonpl.Antioxidative[35]
Camellia oilCamellia sinensis (L.) KuntzeAntimicrobial, antioxidative, antiallergic, antiviral, skin healing properties, antiwrinkle[36]
Carrot oilDaucus carota L.Antiaging, antioxidant, suntan accelerator, photo protection, hair colour protection, emollient[37]
Cashew nut oilAnacardium occidentale L.Antiaging, restoring moisture, smoothing[38]
Castor oilRicinus communis L.Emollient, lubricant, nourishing[39, 40]
Coconut oilCocos nucifera L.Emollient, hydrating, lubricating, cooling, soothing[32]
Corn oilZea mays L.Antioxidative, nourishing, antiaging, regenerating damaged cell membranes 
Cotton seed oilGossypium hirsutum L.Emollient, cleansing, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, soothing[41]
Hyptis oilHyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit.Emollient, antimicrobial[42]
Jojoba oilSimmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid.Soothing, healing, immune booster, antiacne, antibacterial[32]
Linseed oilLinum usitatissimum L.Antiseptic, astringent[43]
Marula oilSclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst.Moisturizing, occlusive[44]
Neem oilAzadirachta indica A.Juss.Emollient, antiacne, immunostimulatory, antimicrobial, anti- inflammatory[45]
Peanut oilArachis hypogaea L.Emollient, anti-inflammatory[32, 46]
Pine nut oilPinus pinea L.Nourishing, curative, antiaging[47]
Pumpkin seed oilCucurbita pepo L.Antibacterial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory[48]
Rice bran oilOryza sativa L.Antioxidative, antiaging[49, 50]
Sesame oilSesamum indicum L.Antioxidative, antiaging, healing effect[32]
Soybean oilGlycine max (L.) Merr.Anti-inflammatory, skin lightening, antioxidative, antiaging, photoprotective[51]
Starflower oilBorago officinalis L.Skin barrier repair effect, anti-inflammatory[32]
Sunflower seed oilHelianthus annuus L.Emollient, moisturizing, nourishing, conditioning, antioxidative, antimicrobial[32]
Walnut oilJuglans regia L.Antioxidative, moisturizing, antimicrobial, nourishing[52, 53]
Watermelon seed oilCitrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & NakaiNourishing, soothing, skin lightening, moisturizing[54]