Safflower Oil Uses Across Industries
Safflower has been a crop for humans longer than almost any other. Initially, safflower’s petals were used as a dye (its Latin name is Carthamus tinctoris), but the oil is today’s safflower star attraction. Bell Chem, your food ingredient supplier, has information pertaining to safflower oil in more than foods, though. This versatile oil has uses across industries.
Food manufacturing
Many salad oils, cooking oils, and margarines rely on safflower oil since it has a neutral taste and a pale yellow coloring that does not detract from the overall color of the products in which it is an ingredient. Chefs appreciate its high smoke point, which gives it use in deep frying where other oils fail.
Cosmetic industry
Safflower oil works extremely well as a moisturizer, with natural vitamin E acting as an antioxidant to protect the surface of the skin from cell-damaging free radicals. In hair care products, lotions, and creams, safflower oil helps maintain elasticity in skin and impedes inflammation with its Omega-6 fatty acid content and tocopherols.
Pharmaceutical uses of safflower
Safflower oil contains an important compound known as conjugated linoleic acid, which may have a role in both weight management and the reduction of adipose. Safflower oil is naturally low in saturated fat and abundant in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically the Omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. Its moisturizing properties, including the highly beneficial tocopherol, give safflower oil uses for patients with acne.
Industrial uses
Many oils can be used as the basis of paints, but safflower oil’s ability to maintain a clear, protective coating without yellowing over time gives it top billing. Safflower oil also dries quickly, which is perfect for varnishes and paints.
Petroleum replacement?
In Australia, a private company has created a super-high oleic (SHO) safflower oil with 92% oleic acid. With this level of purity, the product could revolutionize many industries since it creates a superior lubricant with reduced friction, low emissions, and a recyclability for reuse. This SHO safflower oil has the potential to be used in specialty chemicals, fuels, lubricants, and plastics.
Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including safflower oil. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.