Common Name(s): Lunaria seed oil,honesty plant seed oil,lunaria annua oil
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides unique ultra-long-chain emolliency from the nervonic acid-rich oil of honesty plant seeds.
Why It's Used: Lunaria annua seed oil is one of the world's richest sources of nervonic acid (c24:1 omega-9, ~25-30%) — the longest naturally occurring monounsaturated fatty acid; nervonic acid is a component of nerve cell myelin sheaths.
How It Works: Nervonic acid (c24:1) provides uniquely substantive, slow-spreading emolliency from its exceptional chain length; oleic acid (~30%) contributes penetration and emolliency; erucic acid (~20%) provides additional long-chain conditioning.
Typically Found In: Specialty premium skin care,rare botanical oils,substantive emollient products
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: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Cold-pressed from lunaria annua (honesty plant) seeds; brassicaceae family; natural plant origin.
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 specialty oils,emollients
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Nervonic acid (c24:1 omega-9) is the longest naturally occurring monounsaturated fatty acid; found in nerve cell myelin sheaths; dietary nervonic acid deficiency is implicated in neurological conditions; topically, provides ultra-substantive emolliency; lunaria annua is among the few plant sources.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary