Kale has been long known as a superfood, with many benefits due to its richness in antioxidants, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. But have you ever heard of kale seed oil?
Kale seed oil is a carrier oil that is extracted from the seeds of the kale plant. It is rich in many vitamins such as vitamins E, A, B6, C, and K. It promotes good hydration in the skin and may also help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays from the sun.
While little is known about kale seed oil in comparison with other carrier oils, there’s a fair amount to explore in this understated oil. In this article, we’ll explore how kale seed oil is made, its uses and benefits, some details on its appearance/scent as well as some potential alternatives.
What is kale seed oil made from?
Kale seed oil is made from the seeds of the kale plant, which is native to the coast of the northern Mediterranean. These days, kale is grown in many areas across the world that have warmer climates, including on the French and British coasts.
The oil from the seeds of the kale plant is generally extracted via a cold extraction method to ensure all of the useful vitamins and nutrients are retained as much as possible. By using a cold extraction method, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids are also maintained, which can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Uses for kale seed oil
There are lots of different uses for kale seed oil that may not be known by the general population. Here are some of our favorite uses that you may like to try if you get your hands on some kale seed oil:
- As a skin moisturizer
- As a skin balm for dry patches
- For hydrating hair
- As a hair-finishing oil
- For boosting collagen production in the skin
Benefits of kale seed oil
Take a look at the below list of key benefits of kale seed oil:
- Helps to keep the skin hydrated
- May protect against harmful UV rays
- Keeps hair smooth and hydrated
- Boost collagen production in the skin providing a plumper, more youthful appearance
- Can be used alone, or with essential oils/carrier oils
- No major allergens
Appearance and scent of kale seed oil
Kale oil generally has a yellow, clear appearance, which may vary depending on how much bleaching has been carried out in the refinement process.
It tends to have a distinctive “green” scent, however, this doesn’t tend to be considered by most as overpowering. Some kale seed oil may smell differently depending on whether it has been refined, as deodorizing is a typical step in the refinement process of most carrier oils.
Substitutes for kale seed oil
Here are some different carrier oils that have similarities to kale seed oil if you’re looking for a good alternative:
- Canola oil
- Cottonseed oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Peanut oil
- Safflower oil
- Raspberry seed oil
- Sesame oil
Shelf life and storage of kale seed oil
The exact shelf life of kale seed oil is unknown, however, provided that it is kept in a cool, dark place that is away from direct sunlight you can be fairly sure that your oil will last at least 6 months – 1 year.
If your kale seed oil shows any signs of spoiling, such as discoloration, separating, or a different smell, we recommend disposing of it and repurchasing just in case.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about kale seed oil to help you better understand this little-known carrier oil!
Kale seed oil is very high in vitamin E, which can help to keep the skin hydrated and protected against harmful UV damage.
It can also be highly nourishing for dry lips and skin, helping to increase immune function and help form red blood cells.
Kale seed oil is particularly good at helping with digestion, as well as your heart and other muscles.,
It is highly beneficial for the immune system as it’s full of antioxidants such as vitamin E.
Kale seed oil is thought to be suitable for all skin types, however, we recommend consulting with a dermatologist prior to introducing kale seed oil into your skincare routine.
Kale seed oil is not thought to cause clogged pores as it is in fact good at detoxifying pores. This is because it keeps the skin well hydrated, and is high in antioxidants.
Kale seed oil is thought to be very good for the skin as it contains high levels of vitamins K, A, C, and E. It is beneficial for reducing the appearance of early aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles, plus it can help to reduce dark spots such as circles under the eyes.
It also contains lutein which promotes collagen production and gives the skin a healthier appearance.
Leave a Comment