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
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Extraction | Cold expeller pressed or solvent extraction |
| Appearance | Light yellow liquid |
| Main Fatty Acids | Linoleic, Oleic, Stearic, Palmitic |
| PUFA Content | 63–86% |
| Key Nutrients | Amino acids, magnesium, iron, B vitamins |
| Cosmetic Uses | Moisturizer, anti-inflammatory, humectant |
| Hair Uses | Scalp and hair conditioning, supports melanin |
| Nutritional Uses | Cardiovascular, metabolic, immune health |
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