Canola Oil

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What is it? Canola oil (or rapeseed oil) is the oil pressed from the seeds of the canola/rapeseed plant. It is commonly used in cooking, and is quite inexpensive. It is made up primarily of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and erucic acid.
INCI Brassica Napus Seed Oil
Appearance Clear yellow liquid
Usage rate Up to 100%
Texture Smooth liquid oil
Scent Low to none
Absorbency Speed Average
Approximate Melting Point -10°C (14°F)
Solubility Oil
Why do we use it in formulations? I really only use canola oil for soap making, where its easy availability and low price makes it a good choice for use in recipes where I’m testing new techniques. Some people have reported incidents of DOS (dreaded orange spots—spoilage) while soaping with canola oil, but I’ve had bars made with it last upwards of two years.
Do you need it? No, but there’s a pretty good chance you already have it in your pantry!
Strengths Inexpensive, easily available liquid oil.
Weaknesses Shorter shelf life, some people have strong negative associations with it due to GMO concerns (this can be resolved by purchasing organic canola oil).
Alternatives & Substitutions In soap I would choose olive oil or rice bran oil as an easy and effective alternative. In skin care products rice bran oil would work nicely, as would safflower oil or apricot kernel oil.
How to Work with It Include it in the oil phase of your projects. Canola oil can be hot or cold processed.
Storage & Shelf Life Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, canola oil should last at least a year.
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks “Canola” is a word made from “Canadian oil low acid”.
Recommended starter amount 1L (33.8fl oz) for soap making. 100mL (3.3fl oz) for skin care.
Where to Buy it  Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon.

Some Formulations that Use Canola oil

Skills

Posted on

March 25, 2019