What is it? |
Meadowfoam oil (or meadowfoam seed oil) is a liquid carrier oil pressed from the seeds of the meadowfoam flower. Its fatty acid composition is very unique among vegetable oils, comprising of mostly 5-Eicosenoic, 3,5-Docosadienoic acid, and Erucic acid. |
INCI |
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil |
Appearance |
Pale yellow liquid |
Usage rate |
Up to 100% |
Texture |
Smooth, satiny |
Scent |
Low |
Absorbency Speed |
Average |
Solubility |
Oil |
Why do we use it in formulations? |
Meadowfoam oil is a beautiful emollient with excellent oxidative stability (it is very slow to go rancid). Not only is it a lovely oil to use on skin and hair, but it can also extend the shelf life of other oils in an oil blend. It also has high water absorption properties (for an oil—it is still not water soluble!) making it a great addition to lotions. |
Do you need it? |
No. |
Refined or unrefined? |
My only experience is with refined, which is lovely. |
Strengths |
Excellent shelf life & resistance to rancidity, and it extends the shelf life of other oils it is blended with. It can also be produced in Canada! |
Weaknesses |
Higher price point than many liquid oils. |
Alternatives & Substitutions |
Meadowfoam seed oil is sometimes recommended as an alternative to jojoba oil, so one could also use jojoba oil as an alternative to meadowfoam. Here is an interesting comparative PDF. |
How to Work with It |
Include it in the oil phase of your formulations. It can be hot or cold processed. |
Storage & Shelf Life |
Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, meadowfoam seed oil can last up to three years. |
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks |
Meadowfoam oil is very resistant to oxidization as it is mostly comprised of long chain fatty acids. Testing has shown it to last nearly twice as long as jojoba oil in high heat testing. |
Recommended starter amount |
100mL (3.3fl oz) |
Where to Buy it |
Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |