Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

The sunflower is an annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae, which is the largest family of flowering plants that we find in nature. The scientific name "Helianthus" derives from the Greek word "helios" which means sun, and "anthos" which means flower, while its common name "sunflower" derives from a particularity of this plant, which has a remarkable heliotropism: the flower, i.e. , moves following the movements of the sun, and in this way faces it for the whole day; this is possible thanks to the "pulvinus", a filament found on the stem. The shoots are exposed to the east in the morning and to the west in the evening; they return to the East during the night. The stem can reach considerable heights: in the oil varieties up to about 2 meters. The flowers are large daisies whose intense yellow petals crown a showy dark brown central button. The sunflower is a plant native to South America. The exact geographical origins of this species are not known, some sources speak of Brazil, others of Peru or Mexico. What is certain is that the sunflower was cultivated and revered by the ancient South American populations, while the "conquistadores" imported it into Europe around the year 1500. The sunflower extract is rich in vitamin E and vitamin B6, both very important for cell renewal and skin protection as they act as powerful antioxidants. In the extract there are also some minerals, such as phosphorus, manganese, zinc and iron, useful for energy development and the correct functioning of the organism. Furthermore, thanks to the presence of polyphenols, sunflower extract guarantees stressed hair an intense restructuring and repairing action, eliminating dryness and lack of hydration.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

Unsaponifiable sunflower seed oil is characterized by a high content of phytosterols. The natural lipid film of the skin absorbs it completely, strengthens its barrier properties and contributes to the protection of the skin against water loss, therefore it is suitable for skin care products for dry skin.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Sunflower extract is an excellent remedy for many skin ailments. The fatty acids present have an anti-inflammatory function, important in controlling the inflammatory microenvironment at the skin level, thus reducing the risk of any inflammatory skin lesions and evolutions.

The Emilian company that supplies us with the sunflower extract carries out the extraction using a technologically advanced method based on ultrasound: it is an exclusively mechanical method in which the entire extraction process takes place at room temperature thus avoiding the disintegration of the thermolabile active ingredients , such as vitamins or essential oils. During the process, the ultrasounds are transformed into shock waves which spread in the containment tank through the formation of millions of micro-bubbles which grow until they explode. This phenomenon allows the rupture of the cell membrane, the emptying of the active principles contained in it and the consequent solubilization in the solvent medium: in this way almost total extractions of all the active principles contained in the plants are obtained, which cannot happen with a physical extraction. It is therefore an extraction method capable of keeping the organoleptic and functional qualities of the plants intact.