Seed oil of Abyssinian cabbage (kale). Uniquely high in erucic acid (C22:1, up to 60%) – delivers a light, dry sensorial and substitutes silicones in hair and skin care. Non-comedogenic, pregnancy-safe.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional dry emollient with unique sensorial thanks to erucic acid. CIR confirmed cosmetic safety. No standalone active effects – used as a silicone-free substitute.
Abyssinian oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Crambe abyssinica – an oilseed cabbage from Ethiopia. Its fatty-acid profile is unique: up to 55-60% erucic acid (C22:1), 17-23% oleic, 5-10% linoleic. The long erucic-acid chain gives the oil a very dry, slippery sensorial – closer to silicones and dimethicone-type emollients than to classic plant oils. INCI: Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil. In cosmetics it is used in three directions: 1. Hair care – a substitute for cyclomethicone D5 in sprays and conditioners. Gives smoothness, light slip, and heat protection. 2. Skin care – a light emollient in sunscreens, BB creams, serums. Leaves no greasy film. 3. Color cosmetics – a component of liquid lipsticks and glosses, giving shine without tackiness. Use levels are 1-15%. Often combined with C13-15 alkane and squalane for silicone-free clean sensorial. On dietary erucic acid. In food, EFSA limits erucic acid to 5 g/kg of oil (Reg EU 696/2014) because high oral doses linked to myocardial lipidosis in rat models. This applies only to oral intake. Topical use does not contribute to systemic erucic acid levels – the molecule is too large for meaningful skin absorption, and cosmetic concentrations are tens of times below the dose of concern. CIR confirmed the safety of Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil in cosmetics. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption is minimal. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen profile. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin and hair.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Seed oil of Abyssinian cabbage (kale).
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil. It may also appear as: Abyssinian Oil, Масло абиссинское, Масло абиссинской капусты.
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