Abyssinian Oil

• Product: Abyssinian (Crambe Seed) Oil
• Botanical name: Crambe abyssinica
• INCI name: Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
• Part used: Seeds
• Extraction method: Cold pressed
• Quality: 100% pure and natural
• Appearance: Pale yellow to golden yellow coloured liquid
• Odour: Characteristic faint odour
• Saponification value: 160–175 mgKOH/g
• Iodine value: 85–95 g I₂/100g
• Acid value: less than 0.5 mgKOH/g
• Peroxide value: less than 5.0 meq O₂/kg
• Flash point: above 250°C (closed cup)
• Solubility: Soluble in cosmetic esters and fixed oils; insoluble in water
• Fatty acid profile (typical specification range):
  
  Erucic acid (C22:1 n-9): 50.00–65.00%
  Oleic acid (C18:1 n-9): 10.00–25.00%
  Linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6): 7.00–15.00%
  11-Eicosenoic acid (C20:1 n-9): 2.00–6.00%
  Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3): 2.00–5.00%
  Palmitic acid (C16:0): 1.00–4.00%
  Behenic acid (C22:0): 1.00–3.00%
  Stearic acid (C18:0): 0.50–2.00%
  Lignoceric acid (C24:0): maximum 1.00%
  
  
  
• Microbial testing: Aerobic mesophilic count under 100 CFU/g; yeast and mould under 10 CFU/g; Candida albicans, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus absent in 1g — all conform
• Heavy metals: Lead under 10 ppm; arsenic under 2 ppm; mercury under 1 ppm — all conform
• Storage: Tightly closed container, cool and dry place, protected from sunlight. If stored for more than 24 months, check quality before use

• 100% pure, natural, cold pressed oil from Crambe abyssinica seeds, with nothing added
• Light golden colour and faint odour, so it won't overpower your fragrance or colour choices
• Distinctive fatty acid profile dominated by erucic acid, with oleic, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids — a characterful specialty oil for formulating
• Silky, conditioning glide that makes it a popular choice for massage oils, balms and hair care formulations
• Versatile — suited to soap making, cosmetic and body care formulating
• Soluble in fixed oils and cosmetic esters, making it easy to blend into oil-phase and anhydrous recipes
• Low acid value and peroxide value specifications indicate a fresh, well-refined oil

• Patch test finished products before wider use, particularly on sensitive skin
• Direct contact with eyes may cause temporary irritation
• For external cosmetic and soap formulation use only — intended for professional and hobbyist makers. Not for consumption
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing during bulk handling; wear safety glasses with side shields and chemical-resistant gloves when handling larger quantities; wash thoroughly after handling
• Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water for several minutes; seek medical attention if irritation develops and persists
• Eye contact: Remove contact lenses if present, rinse promptly with plenty of water while lifting eyelids; seek medical attention if irritation persists
• If swallowed: Rinse mouth with water if conscious, do not induce vomiting, and call a doctor or poison control centre immediately
• If inhaled and breathing is difficult: move to fresh air and call a physician if symptoms persist

What is Abyssinian (Crambe Seed) Oil made from?
100% pure, cold pressed oil from the seeds of Crambe abyssinica, with no additives or dilution.

What does it look and smell like?
It's a pale yellow to golden yellow liquid with a faint, characteristic odour.

Can I use it in soap making?
Yes, as a specialty oil. It has a saponification value of 160–175 mgKOH/g. Always run your recipe through a soap calculator and trial a small batch first.

Is it suitable for cosmetics and body care?
Yes — it's supplied for cosmetics and personal care formulating, and is soluble in fixed oils and cosmetic esters. Preserve any water-containing formulations appropriately and patch test finished products.

Why is it high in erucic acid?
Erucic acid (typically 50–65%) is the main fatty acid in crambe seed oil and gives it its distinctive profile. Because erucic acid is restricted in food, this oil is sold for external cosmetic and soap use only — not for consumption.

Is it water soluble?
No. It's insoluble in water and soluble in fixed oils and cosmetic esters, so add it to the oil phase of your recipe.

How should I store it?
Keep it tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If stored for more than 24 months, check the quality before using it.