Common Name(s): Hydrogenated black currant seed oil,hydrogenated ribes nigrum seed oil
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides stable, long-lasting emolliency from hydrogenated black currant seed oil.
Why It's Used: Black currant seed oil is rich in gla (gamma-linolenic, ~16%) and ala (alpha-linolenic, ~13%); hydrogenation saturates these polyunsaturated fatty acids, greatly improving oxidative stability while maintaining emollient feel.
How It Works: Hydrogenation converts polyunsaturated gla/ala chains in black currant seed oil to saturated equivalents; removes the oxidative instability of the native oil; produces a waxy to semi-solid emollient with improved shelf life.
Typically Found In: Formulas requiring stable berry oils,barrier repair products,natural emollients
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Hydrogenated ribes nigrum (black currant) seed oil; plant origin. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Other hydrogenated plant oils,emollients,natural waxes
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Hydrogenation of highly unsaturated plant seed oils (like black currant, borage, evening primrose) is done to improve oxidative stability when the efa activity of the native oil is less important than formulation stability; hydrogenated forms provide solid/semi-solid emolliency.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary