We all know the enormous benefits that are provided from regularly eating broccoli. Did you know the seeds of this cruciferous vegetable also yield some remarkable properties for the skin? Broccoli seed oil is packed full of antioxidants and omegas, and it's a skin super food thanks to its ability to regenerate, nourish and protect.
What Is Broccoli Seed Oil?
Don't be surprised to find this classic green vegetable being promoted as the next big thing in beauty. While marketing makes it sound as though one of your five a day is making an appearance in moisturisers and masks, broccoli seed oil is actually a nurturing ingredient that offers a wide range of impressive results.
Brassica Oleracea, or broccoli seed oil, is produced by cold-pressing the seeds of broccoli sprouts. These sprouts are the key to the magic behind the oil as they are packed with essential vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. By transforming the raw ingredient into a topical treatment, we turn a tasty, super nutritious meal into actual skin food! The result is a pale and very lightweight product that nourishes and calms the complexion while also penetrating the skin to offer long-lasting protection.
Benefits of Broccoli Seed Oil
Referred to as a natural alternative to silicones in skin and hair care, broccoli seed oil is ideal for reviving and replenishing your complexion. While longer-term studies are still in progress, initial research suggests this ingredient is bursting with potential, aiding everything from skin texture and pigmentation to barrier function and reduction of cancer-causing cell damage.
One thing is clear: broccoli seed oil offers results, and it pairs well with all skin types, especially those struggling with dry patches, damaged areas, or looking to give a boost to ageing skin. Just check out some of the benefits:
Non-comedogenic: This natural skincare ingredient is lightweight and does not clog pores, meaning it is well suited for even oily and acne-prone skin. It doesn't feel heavy or slick, and it wears well both day and night. It absorbs very quickly, making it perfect for those on the go and anyone who loves to layer individual products.
Antioxidant-rich: Broccoli seed oil is packed full of antioxidants, making this natural ingredient a skin food powerhouse. Brassica Oleracea is particularly dense in sulforaphane which can minimise inflammation and neutralise toxins. This oil is also a source of beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A. These additional antioxidant properties help combat the effects of free radicals, add radiance to your complexion, speed up the healing process, and protect against damage and premature ageing.
Full of fatty acids: Not only does broccoli seed oil protect against premature ageing and ward off breakouts, but it's also full of fatty acids like erucic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid. With a high omega content (over 50% omega 9!), broccoli seed oil is ideal for protecting the skin's barrier function. Broccoli seed oil helps maintain happy, hydrated skin, and the fatty acids create a barrier that traps moisture while also deeply penetrating to provide lasting nourishment. This is a great oil for improving skin texture, and it is also calming, with arachidonic acid easing irritation and reducing uncomfortable conditions like itching and tightness.
Mimics silicones: While ingredients like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane are pretty common in makeup and skincare, they are not readily biodegradable, meaning they hang around long after you rinse them off. With a silky and lightweight texture, broccoli seed oil is a great replacement for silicones as it offers the same sensation and results while being able to break down in the environment easily. It also lets the skin breathe. Plus, this oil adds essential nutrients to the skin like Vitamin C, A, and K, meaning it is great for your skin and better for the environment.
You can find broccoli seed oil in our Vitamin C + Broccoli Serum.