Watermelon Seed Oil (Citrullus Vulgaris)

Watermelon Seed Oil (Citrullus Vulgaris)
Buy Watermelon Seed Oil (Citrullus lanatus)

Watermelon seed oil is a nutrient-rich, light yellow oil extracted from the seeds of the Citrullus lanatus plant, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. This oil is valued for its high content of essential fatty acids and its versatility in cosmetic, wellness, and food applications.

Extraction and Properties

• Extraction Method:
  Watermelon seed oil is typically obtained from dried seeds using cold expeller pressing or solvent extraction (commonly with n-hexane or petroleum ether). Cold pressing preserves the oil’s nutritional profile, while solvent extraction can yield up to 35–43% oil content from the seeds124.

• Appearance: Light yellow liquid

• Acid Value: 2.37

• Saponification Value: 183

• Iodine Value: 121

• Specific Gravity: Nearly 1

• Viscosity: 2.50

• Refractive Index: 1.50

Chemical Composition

Watermelon seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, primarily:

• Linoleic acid (omega-6): 45–73%

• Oleic acid (omega-9): Significant proportion

• Stearic acid and Palmitic acid: Present in smaller amounts

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA): 63–86% total content125

It also contains amino acids (arginine, lysine, glutamic acid), magnesium, iron, and B vitamins (niacin, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid)12.

Uses and Benefits

• Skin Care & Cosmetics:

  • Excellent moisturizer and humectant; light, easily absorbed, and non-comedogenic

  • Restores skin elasticity and helps maintain hydration

  • Suitable for both oily and dry skin; used in moisturizers, body lotions, creams, and serums

  • Rich in antioxidants, helping to combat free radicals and support skin health

  • Anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated or inflamed skin235

• Hair Care:

  • Used in shampoos and hair treatments to support scalp health, maintain hair color, and condition the scalp

  • Contains melanin-supporting compounds for hair vitality

• Nutritional & Wellness:

  • Contains essential amino acids and minerals, supporting cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune health

  • Magnesium aids in blood pressure regulation, energy metabolism, and protein synthesis

  • Iron content supports hemoglobin and myoglobin production

• Digestive Health:

  • B vitamins in the oil help maintain a healthy digestive system and nervous system function

• Other Applications:

  • Used in culinary applications for its mild flavor and nutritional value

  • The de-oiled seed cake is a rich source of protein for nutraceuticals or animal feed124

Summary Table

Watermelon seed oil is a versatile, nutrient-dense oil ideal for skin and hair care, wellness, and culinary uses. Its light texture, high content of essential fatty acids, and beneficial micronutrients make it a valuable addition to both cosmetic formulations and health routines