Meadowfoam seed oil is a seed oil, extracted from the seeds of Limnanthes species (the meadowfoams). The seeds contain 20-30% oil. Meadowfoam seed oil is extraordinarily stable, primarily because it contains over 98% long chain fatty acids.[1] Meadowfoam oil is most similar to rapeseed oil, with which it competes directly for the high-volume industrial oilseed applications.[2] Meadowfoam oil is widely used in cosmetic and hair-care applications due to its stability, emolliency and smooth, soft skin feel.[3] The oil in its unpurified form is not suitable for human consumption, primarily because of the high erucic acid content.
| Name | Composition range | |
|---|---|---|
| Eicos-5-enoic acid | 58-64% | |
| Docos-5-enoic acid | 3-6% | |
| Erucic acid | 10-14% | |
| Docosa-5,13-dienoic acid | 15-21% |