Adansonia digitata cold pressed and unrefined from Senegal.
Known to the locals in its natural habitat as "The Tree Of Life”, baobab's bark, leaves, and fruit pulp are all useful and valued. The normal lifespan of a baobab tree is 500 years, with the oldest trees reaching the age of 5000 years and a height of 20 meters. These trees store water in their trunks and are able to survive years of drought. The seeds of this tree are rich in oil.
Aroma: Its lovely white flowers emit a smell of rotting meat, which attracts pollinating moths, flies, and ants; however, the seed oil itself possesses a light, nutty, almost floral scent.
Common Uses: Baobab oil is an excellent moisturizer, absorbing quickly. The oil is quite viscous, with a rich, silky feel and a mild aroma. Baobab is a wonderful oil to use in dry skin treatments and products designed to moisturize dry hair.
Scars, Stretch marks and Wrinkles: Regular application on the area affected by stretch marks reduces the appearance and depth of these marks. The oil reputedly stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis under the skin to heal stretch marks, wounds, scars and wrinkles.
Properties
Emollient - It is an excellent moisturizer for the skin.
Insulator - It protects the skin from excessive high and low temperatures.
Rejuvenator - It promotes the rejuvenation of skin cells.
Non-siccative - It does not dry for a long time.
Cicatrizant - promotes wound healing.
Antioxidant - It prevents the skin from free radical damage.
Anti-Inflammatory - because of the presence of omega fatty acids in it.
Constituents: Rich in vitamins A, E, and F and sterols.
TYPICAL ANALYSIS
Colour- Golden yellow
Odour- Light, slightly nutty
Free Fatty Acids- 0.12-0.16%
Peroxide Value- less than 10
Saponification Value 190-210
Iodine Value- 65-96
Relative Density- .91-.92
Fatty Acids
Oleic- 30-40%
Palmitic- 18-30%
Linoleic- 24-34%
Linolenic- less than 1-3%
Stearic- 2-8%
Storage: Baobab oil is extremely stable against rancidity. For maximum shelf life, store tightly sealed in a cool location (under 77 degrees F) and away from sunlight.
Photo © Hans Hillewaert, via Wikimedia Commons