Hazelnut oil has a similar fatty acid content as olive oil. It contains a high oleic acid content. It can be used like olive oil in skincare products (2). Read on to know its complete nutritional profile and benefits.
Hazelnut Nutrition Composition And Benefits
Hazelnut contains many nutrients beneficial to skincare, like fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, squalene, and tocopherols (1), (3), ( 4).
Fatty acids play a role in balancing the skin’s protective barrier (5). They also prevent the loss of moisture from the skin’s surface. These fatty acids prevent any harmful substances from entering the skin. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) prevents and repairs photo-aging. It has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from UV damage (6), (7) (8). It can also be used to help reduce hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat skin conditions like acne and rosacea. It also promotes wound healing and boosts collagen synthesis. Vitamin E contains tocopherols and tocotrienols. It has high antioxidant properties that reduce free radical damage due to solar radiation (9). It protects the skin from oxidative stress. It may help prevent sun damage from a sunburn. It has therapeutic effects against psoriasis, acne, scleroderma, and atopic dermatitis. It can also promote wound healing. It might reduce the signs of sun damage, including skin thickening, wrinkling, and erythema (10). Tocopherols also have skin-conditioning properties (11). Folic acid improves skin firmness that may otherwise deteriorate due to aging (12). Folic acid supplementation is often used to treat chronic inflammatory skin conditions (13). Vitamin A (retinol) is often used in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions (14). It also slows down the aging process. It protects the skin barrier functions and collagen, and reduces water loss. It also prevents the discoloration of the skin. It reduces excess sebum production, improves skin elasticity, and boosts collagen synthesis and keratin formation. It reduces the signs of aging and photoaging too (15). Research shows that vitamin A can reduce fine lines and wrinkles effectively (16). Niacin improves the skin barrier function (14). It prevents water loss and increases the moisture content in the skin. It improves skin quality and reduces wrinkles. It may help treat skin conditions like acne and rosacea, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the effects of aging and might also reduce skin discoloration. Minerals like zinc and copper offer photoprotective properties and prevent damage from UV radiation (15). These minerals prevent the radiation from penetrating the skin. They also have antioxidant properties. Copper, additionally, improves skin elasticity and thickness.
Table 1: Nutrient composition of 100gms of Hazelnuts (3)
Abbreviations: SFA, saturated fatty acids; MUFA, monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids; LA, linoleic acid; ALA, α-linolenic acid
Table 2: Nutrient Composition Of Hazelnuts (1)
Table 3: Vitamin Composition in Hazelnut (4)
Table 4: Mineral Composition in Hazelnut (4)
Here are some additional benefits of Hazelnut oil for skin. Palmitoleic acid (0.1-0.3) Stearic acid (0.4-3.8) Oleic acid (76.3-86.5) Linoleic acid (6.5-15.6) Linolenic acid (0.1-1.9) Arachidic acid (0-0.2) OLLn – 0.5 OLLn – 12.3 OLnO – 0.7 LLP – 1.6 OLO – 28.2 LOP – 5.2 PLP – 0.2 OOO – 36.5 SLO – 1.4 OOP – 6.1 SOO – 2.8 Campesterol (4.8-7.4) Campestanol (0-0.2) Stigmasterol (1.3-2.1) Campesterol (0-0.4) Stigmastadienol + Clerosterol (0.9-1.3) 𝛽-Sitosterol (78.1-90.4) Sitostanol (1.8-3.6) Avenasterol (1.3-5.2) Stigmastadienol (0.3-1.1) Stigmasterol (0.3-2.3) Avenasterol (0.5-1.9)
Benefits Of Hazelnut Oil For Skin
These are the various potential benefits of hazelnut oil. The best way to achieve all of its benefits is using the oil right. In the following section, we discuss the same.
How To Use Hazelnut Oil For Skin
Note: Perform a patch test before applying hazelnut oil to your skin. Apply some oil to your forearm and wait for a few hours. Avoid use if you notice any adverse effects like redness, swelling, itching, rashes, inflammation, or burning sensations.
Hazelnut oil (regular and essential) can be used on its own or with other oils. Pair the oil with carrier oils or other essential oils to boost its medicinal and cosmetic benefits. The oil can also be paired with other organic ingredients and skin care products (since it is an emulsifier).
Procedure
As with most natural ingredients, hazelnut oil may cause certain side effects in some. Read on to know more.
Side Effects Of Hazelnut Oil
Hazelnut oil is generally considered safe for consumption and topical application. However, there is not enough research to guarantee its safety. In an unpublished study, hazelnut oil displayed no irritating effects on 20 patients who were prone to cosmetic contact allergy (29). It is advised to avoid hazelnut oil if you have any kind of nut allergy or sensitive skin. Hazelnut contains proteins similar to that of pollen allergens. If you have pollen allergies, hazelnut oil might not suit your skin. Perform a patch test on the back of your neck or under your forearm to ensure no harmful or adverse effects occur. Some adverse reactions that might occur on using hazelnut oil include:
Redness Burning sensations Discomfort Swelling Scaling Breakouts Acne or skin condition flare-ups
If you do feel any discomfort, inflammation or irritation, wash the oil and consult a dermatologist immediately. What does hazelnut oil smell like? Hazelnut oil has a mild, nutty, and sweet scent. How do you store hazelnut oil? You should store hazelnut oil in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, you can store hazelnut oil in the refrigerator. While the refrigeration may cause the oil to solidify, you can keep the oil out for one or two hours to bring it back to room temperature. Does hazelnut oil expire? Yes, hazelnut oil can only last between 9 to 12 months if properly stored.
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