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Usage Frequency
Daily
What Is Arachis Hypogaea Oil?
Arachis hypogaea oil, commonly known as peanut oil, is a fixed oil extracted from peanut seed kernels. It is a natural emollient that has been used in skincare formulations primarily as a skin-conditioning agent.
In cosmetic use, peanut oil functions to soften and smooth the skin surface. It also has the potential to enhance the skin's absorption of other active ingredients when included in formulations, which may influence how well other components perform.
How It Works
Peanut oil works as an occlusive emollient, meaning it forms a protective layer on the skin surface to reduce water loss and maintain hydration. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate the outer layers of skin relatively easily, which contributes to its skin-conditioning effect.
The oil's antioxidant compounds—including vitamin E (tocopherols) and flavonoids—may provide additional protective benefits by helping neutralise free radicals, although the extent of these benefits in skincare application remains an area requiring further research.
Clinical Evidence & References
Research on peanut oil's chemistry shows it contains measurable antioxidant components, and stability studies indicate these are preserved depending on processing conditions. Evidence confirms its use as a skin-conditioning agent and its capacity to enhance absorption of other compounds in formulations.
However, dedicated clinical studies examining its direct efficacy for specific skin concerns in cosmetic applications are limited. Most evidence comes from ingredient safety assessments and chemical composition analyses rather than controlled skincare trials. Further research would strengthen our understanding of its benefits in typical skincare concentrations.
Published Research
How to Use
Peanut oil is typically used at low concentrations within formulated products rather than as a standalone treatment. If using a product containing this oil, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Because it may enhance absorption of other actives, be mindful of what other ingredients are present in your formulation, particularly if you are using potent actives that require careful introduction.
Safety & Precautions
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- ARACHIS HYPOGAEA OIL
- INN Name
- peanut oil
- EC Number
- 232-296-4
- Pharmacopoeia Name
- arachidis oleum
- Function
- Skin Conditioning
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