Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil

What Is It?

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Oenothera biennis. Addition of hydrogen to Evening Primrose Oil results in Hydrogenated Evening Primrose Oil.

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil and Hydrogenated Evening Primrose Oil may be used in bath products, cleansing products, lipstick and skin and hair care products.

Why Is It Used?

When used in cosmetics and personal care products, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil and Hydrogenated Evening Primrose Oil may function as skin-conditioning agents — emollient, skin-conditioning agents — miscellaneous and emulsion stabilizers.

Scientific Facts

Oenothera biennis is a small, yellow-flowered plant that blooms in the evening. It is native to North America. Evening primrose oil contains large amounts (60-85%) of linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. Evening primrose oil also contains 5-12% oleic acid, 2-4% stearic acid and 4-10% palmitic acid.

Safety Information

The safety of Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil and Hydrogenated Evening Primrose Oil has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel.

The CIR Expert Panel evaluated scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Botanical and botanically derived ingredients used in the formulation of cosmetics are generally mild and safe.

Prior to marketing the finished cosmetic product, the safety of each ingredient must be substantiated in accordance with 21 CFR 740.10. Safety substantiation of cosmetic ingredients may include tests for ocular and skin irritation as well as allergenicity, phototoxicity, photoallergenicity and mutagenicity, depending on the application or intended use.

There is a considerable body of information about the safety of botanical ingredients and a well-established history of use. These resources are consulted to ensure the safety of these materials as they are used in cosmetics.

CIR Safety Review:

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil and Hydrogenated Evening Primrose Oil were included in the CIR Expert Panel’s review of plant-derived fatty acids oils. Based on a history of safe use in food, the composition of the oils, and data indicating that these ingredients were not dermal irritants or sensitizers, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that plant-derived fatty acid oils including Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil and Hydrogenated Evening Primrose Oil were safe as used in cosmetic products.

More information about botanical ingredients.

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil and Hydrogenated Evening Primrose Oil may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm

More Scientific Information

In naming plants, botanists use a Latin name made up of the genus and species of the plant. For example, under this system evening primrose is known as Oenothera biennis L., where “L. ” stands for Linneaus, the person who first described the type of plant specimen.

Plants are also known by a common name that has been handed down through generations. These common names may vary from country to country.

Therefore, Latin names, which are more likely to be recognized in many countries, are frequently used on the label of a product to identify an ingredient made from plants.

Resources

Cross Reference for Common Names and Latin names for Botanical ingredient: http://www.personalcarecouncil.org/botanicals-cross-reference-latin-bino…

 Find out more about the history of using plants to obtain beneficial materials:

Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm

EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/