HBNO offers two Sunflower Seed Oil products: Unrefined Organic Sunflower Seed Oil and Refined Winterized Sunflower Seed RBDW. This page describes the attributes of our Refined Sunflower Seed Product.
Our refined Sunflower Seed Oil is a good choice for formulators who want a consistently neutral, colorless, and odorless ingredient in their culinary and person care products, but one that still provides much of the nutritive benefit of sunflower seed oil.
"Winterized Sunflower Seed Oil RBDW" refers to a sunflower seed oil that has undergone four specific refinement processes:
1. Refined (R): The oil is treated with heat or steam to remove phospholipids, free fatty acids, and other impurities which can affect taste, clarity, and shelf life.
2. Bleached (B): The oil is passed through natural clays or diatomaceous earth to remove pigments like chlorophyll and carotenes, resulting in a lighter color.
3. Deodorized (D): The oil is exposed to high-pressure steam to remove volatile compounds responsible for odor, producing a neutral smell.
4. Winterized (W): The oil is chilled, causing waxes to solidify and separate from the liquid oil. These waxes can cloud the oil at cold temperatures, so winterization ensures a clear and stable product.
In summary, "Winterized Sunflower Seed Oil RBDW" is a highly refined, neutral-tasting, clear, and shelf-stable oil.
In commercial food applications, RBDW Refined Sunflower is perfect where a consistent neutral flavor and appearance are desired, such as cooking high-heat dishes, mayonnaise production, and salad dressings.
In topically-applied personal care applications, RBDW refinement eliminates the natural nutty aroma and flavor of sunflower seeds, creating a product with a clean slate for incorporating into various formulations without affecting their scent. Refinement removes waxes and other components that can contribute to heaviness or greasiness, resulting in a lighter, non-greasy and more readily absorbed oil. This is ideal for hair care products, skin lotions, and sunscreens where quick absorption is desired.
Advantages of Refined RBDW Sunflower Oil:
• Improved texture and feel: Winterization removes waxes that can solidify at room temperature, leading to a smoother, more consistent oil texture. This is desirable in lotions, creams, and hair products for a pleasant application experience.
• Enhanced clarity and appearance: Removing waxes also prevents cloudiness or hazing in the oil, particularly at lower temperatures. This contributes to a more aesthetically pleasing product in balms, soaps, and other visible formulations.
• Extended shelf life: Winterization helps prevent the separation of oil and waxes over time, resulting in a more stable product with a longer shelf life. This is beneficial for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Sunflower seed oil is a versatile carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus). It's widely used in various industries for its numerous beneficial properties. Here's a breakdown of its uses:
In Food:
• Sunflower Seed oil is generally recognized as safe for consumption and is a source of polyunsaturated fats.
• Sunflower seed oil is a significant source of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for brain function, cell growth, and maintaining healthy skin.
• Cooking oil: Sunflower oil is a popular choice for cooking due to its high smoke point, making it suitable for frying, sauteing, and grilling. It has a neutral flavor that doesn't overpower other ingredients.
• Salad dressing: Unrefined sunflower oil with its nutty taste adds a delicious richness to salad dressings.
• Mayonnaise: Sunflower oil is a common ingredient in mayonnaise, contributing to its creamy texture and mild flavor.
• Baked goods: Sunflower oil can be used in baking cakes, muffins, and other pastries, providing moisture and tenderness.
In Cosmetics and Personal Care:
• Skin moisturizer: Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and keeps it hydrated. It's suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive, and oily skin.
• Hair care: Sunflower oil can be used as a hair conditioner or treatment to nourish and soften hair. It can also help tame frizz and add shine.
• Soapmaking: Sunflower oil is a common ingredient in natural soaps because it produces a nice lather and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
In Other Industries:
• Biodiesel: Sunflower oil can be converted into biodiesel, a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
• Paints and varnishes: Sunflower oil is used in the production of some paints and varnishes as a natural drying agent.
• Pharmaceuticals: Sunflower oil is sometimes used as a base for topical medications and ointments.
