Amaranth oil: benefits for hair health

The rise of amaranth oil is directly linked to the increasing adoption of what are known as ‘superfoods’ into beauty formulations. 

All signs point at current consumer movements being increasingly aware of the importance of diet on hair health. Research confirms this shift: for instance, 53% of respondents agreed that hair appearance can be improved through dietary choices in research carried out by Mintel in 2021 in Germany. In this context, the nutritional value of particular food ingredients is understood as an asset for hair care

At the same time, this trend is inscribed in the broader rise of health-aware consumers. Known to prioritize ingredients that are natural and perceived as safe, the “foodie beauty” trend provides a sound landing space for this type of consumer.

From algae extracts to the use of oats as a substitute for glycerin for hair hydration: all patterns align with the development of hair health innovations that focus on healthy cosmetic ingredients pulled out from substances that are conventionally conceived as food.

It’s in this context where amaranth and its extraordinary properties for hair health stand out as a new star ingredient for successful formulations.

What is amaranth oil

Amaranth oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the seeds of Amaranthus caudatus. Known as kiwicha in Quechua and taking its scientific name from the Greek amaranthos (“flower that never fades”), this is a rapid growth plant indigenous to the Americas with purple, red and gold leaves, stems and flowers. 

Amaranth has been cultivated for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples of these regions, with its seeds being a staple in the diets of Aztecs and the Incas, building from their high nutritional value.

When it comes to amaranth oil, different approaches are possible, which also lead to diverse qualities in terms of sustainability and preservation of nutritional value. For instance, Provital’s Ama-oil™  prioritizes having the maximum amount of suitable elements from amaranth seeds. As such, a special technique based on CO2 extraction is used, improving the process’ efficiency and sustainability.

The composition profile of amaranth oil

The main components in the composition profile of amaranth oil include:

• Rich in unsaturated fatty acids (50-55% Linoleic Acid, 20-30% Oleic Acid, 10-15% Palmitic Acid and smaller quantities of Stearic Acid and Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
• Squalene (8-10%). 
• Tocopherols (mainly vitamin E)
• Diisostearyl malate

What does amaranth oil do? The benefits of amaranth oil for hair care

Looking at the components found in amaranth oil we just described, these stand out for their specific benefits for hair care:

• Linoleic Acid promotes hair elasticity and moisture
• Oleic Acid provides a deep conditioning effect, enhancing hair softness and preventing frizz
• Palmitic acid acts as an emollient
• Squalene is in fact part of hair’s natural lipid components, improving the biocompatibility of amaranth oil with hair and, consequently, also its efficacy in hair health formulations. It’s highly effective in moisturizing and protecting both hair and scalp, protecting hair from damage while also retaining moisture.
• Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, thus protecting hair from oxidative stress.
• Part of Provital’s Ama-oil™ is diisostearyl malate, a compound with film forming properties, which promotes the attachment of the active ingredient to the hair and the replenishment of the gaps caused by lost lipids.

The result is Amaranth oil being capable of binding to the hair fibers and replenishing the gaps left by lipids, insulating the cortex again and protecting the elementary keratin structure. While a decrease in the internal lipid content of hair can occur due to various reasons (including the passage of time), amaranth oil helps counteract the negative cascading effects of this process by preventing excess moisture and frizziness and preserving hairstyles.

A composition that turns amaranth oil into a versatile ally for hair health: from intensive strengthening and repairing hair products, to anti-frizz, moisturizing, conditioning and hair styling formulations.

At a time when the hair health market is mature enough to develop a more complex understanding of what hair health really involves, amaranth oil provides a powerful active ingredient that targets delipidized regions, restores internal hair structure and favors hairstyle duration.

In fact, Ama-oil™ by Provital has shown ex vivo efficacy in protection against moisture changes regardless of ambient humidity, with increased protection of 26% after 6 hours (vs. placebo, at 9%); and 32% after 24 hours (vs. placebo, at 10%). 
All in all, amaranth oil represents a comprehensive ingredient for formulations that target advanced hair health that goes to the root of the problem while also encompassing contemporary consumers’ preferences for natural, food-based ingredients.