We’ve all heard of broccoli, and probably consume it at least occasionally in our diets due to its fiber-rich benefits. But have you heard of broccoli seed oil?
Broccoli seed oil is an oil rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and is produced by cold-pressing the seeds of broccoli sprouts. It is commonly used in the beauty industry as a natural alternative to silicones, as it helps to smooth out the skin and revive your complexion.
If you’re keen to know whether broccoli seed oil is going to be the next big thing in the beauty industry, just keep reading. We’ll be talking through how broccoli seed oil is made, its potential uses and benefits, some details on its appearance and scent as well as potential substitutes and info on shelf life.
What is broccoli seed oil made from?
Broccoli seed oil is made from the seeds of broccoli sprouts. The process usually involves drying the seeds and then cold-pressing them to ensure the nutrients are transferred properly and not lost in the manufacturing process – broccoli sprouts are packed full of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants which is why the cold-pressing process is so important.
To gain more benefits from broccoli sprouts, you could always grow your own broccoli sprouts at home!
The oil is then filtered to remove particulates, leaving behind a silky oil that is clear/golden in color.
Broccoli plants are native to the Mediterranean region, however, they are now grown all over the world including in the USA, the UK, Italy, and across Europe.
Uses for broccoli seed oil
Broccoli seed oil has many uses, primarily within the cosmetic industry. However, it is inedible, and should not be consumed due to containing high levels of erucic acid and may cause adverse side effects such as negative effects on heart tissue.
Here are some popular uses for broccoli seed oil as a topical product that many people enjoy:
- Light heat protectant
- Finishing oil for hair
- Within moisturizers and lip balms
Broccoli seed oil can also be mixed with other carrier oils to improve its benefits – take a look at our list of carrier oils to get an idea of what you could mix broccoli seed oil with!
Benefits of broccoli seed oil
There are many different benefits to broccoli seed oil, which is why you’ll see it regularly listed as an ingredient in skincare and haircare products.
Take a look at the below list to learn about some potential benefits of broccoli seed oil:
- Absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy finish
- Low comedogenic rating of 1, which means it shouldn’t clog pores or cause acne
- Suitable for dry, normal, and oily skin types
- Long shelf life of 2 years when stored properly
- Rich in antioxidants allowing it to reduce inflammation and neutralize toxins
- Naturally contains Vitamin A which can add radiance to the complexion
- Contains fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 9 which help to protect the skin’s natural barrier and reduce irritation
- Is nicknamed ‘the natural silicone’ as it helps to mimic silicone in smoothing the skin while allowing the skin to breathe.
- Contains vitamins C, A, and K, which are great for promoting healthy skin
- Can be mixed with essential oils for other beauty applications – here’s some information on essential oils if you’d like to try this!
Appearance and scent of broccoli seed oil
Broccoli seed oil is pale green in color, however, it may appear clear or a golden-yellow color if heavily refined due to bleaching in some manufacturing processes.
It has a fairly potent herbaceous scent which some say smells very similar to broccoli in general. This aroma isn’t for everyone, which is why some manufacturers add different fragrances to provide their broccoli oil with a more neutral scent.
Substitutes for broccoli seed oil
Broccoli seed oil is very unique, particularly in its ability to mimic silicone when used in skincare.
Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that may be used as a substitute for broccoli seed oil. There are many carrier oils that offer similar non-comedogenic properties such as the following:
- Blueberry seed oil
- Calendula oil
- Camellia seed oil
- Castor oil
- Goji berry seed oil
Shelf life and storage of broccoli seed oil
You should be able to achieve a 2-year shelf oil from your broccoli oil. However, this is provided that it’s stored in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight.
FAQ
We’ve included below some frequently asked questions that should provide you with some further insight into broccoli seed oil:
Broccoli seed oil comes from the seeds of broccoli sprouts, which were originally native to the Mediterranean, however, are now grown all over the world.
Broccoli seed oil is not edible as it contains high levels of erucic acid, which could lead to adverse side effects such as issues with heart tissue if consumed.
It’s recommended that you only use broccoli seed oil topically on the skin and avoid consuming it in food or as supplementary products.
Broccoli seed oil should not clog pores as it has a low comedogenic rating of 1. This means that it is unlikely to cause excess sebum on the skin and is therefore unlikely to cause acne or breakouts.
It is suitable for all skin types, including those with oily skin.
Broccoli seed oil is highly moisturizing when used on the face. It also mimics the effects of silicone by providing a smooth complexion when applied, which can be helpful in providing a good base for makeup products.
Broccoli seed oil is known to be good for eczema as it is hydrating, and moisturizing, plus it can help to nourish and calm the skin.
It can also help to soothe inflammation, making it perfect for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea.
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