Elula Kalahari Melon Seed Oil (Kupanda Ltd) from Citrullus lanatus(INCI: Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil) originates from the western Kalahari region of Namibia and Botswana, where it can be found in the wild in a diversity of forms together with other Citrullus species (Fig 1). It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, of which pumpkins and melons are widely known.
The fruits and seeds are used in different ways in different countries1 and in the Kalahari region in Africa, C. lanatusis often used as a source of drinking water. The seeds are commonly roasted and salted for nutritional purposes. Known since the time of ancient Egyptians, the oil has been anecdotally used to care for the skin to maintain its healthy appearance.11 The oil is light in texture and therefore considered a highly suitable emollient for cosmetic formulations.
Dry skin
Everyone at some point experiences dry (xerotic) skin. It is a common occurrence, often worse during the winter months, and is a consequence of environmental exposure as well as issues relating to certain skin conditions with prevalence for dryness. The moisturisation capabilities of a cosmetic product can provide relief for those with the problems of flaky, itching or irritated and dry skin, and it is this moisturisation sector of the industry that is enormously successful. Emollient products containing various oils are essential to any moisturising formulation, and may vary depending on the formulators approach. Oils rich in fatty acids from which barrier lipids (ceramides) are formed are sought after, especially when combined with attractive sensorial properties.
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