Extending Shelf Life of Natural Oils with Antioxidants (Meadowfoam Seed Oil, ROE, Protec UV/OX)
Asked by: jeab.jeabjeab
On: October 05, 2017
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I would like to know about extending the shelf life of natural oils.
- What is the difference in using Meadowfoam Seed Oil versus Rosemary Oleoresin Extract (ROE) for this purpose?
- What is the recommended usage percentage for Meadowfoam Seed Oil to effectively slow down oil rancidity?
- When is the best time to add antioxidants like Meadowfoam Seed Oil or ROE?
- How much can these ingredients extend the shelf life of oils?
- Can Protec UV be mixed directly into natural oils, or does it require special equipment or heating?
- How does the effectiveness of Protec UV and Protec OX compare to Meadowfoam Seed Oil and ROE for preventing oxidation in natural oils, especially in clear packaging exposed to light?
Answer
Hello,
Regarding extending the shelf life of oils:
Difference between Meadowfoam Seed Oil and ROE for extending oil shelf life:
- Meadowfoam Seed Oil has good antioxidant properties for other oils, but it needs to be used in a high concentration (at least 10-20% of the formula) to effectively slow down rancidity.
- ROE (Rosemary Oleoresin Extract) works similarly but is a concentrated extract, so it is used at a much lower concentration (around 0.05%), offering more flexibility in formulation.
Usage of Meadowfoam Seed Oil:
- As mentioned, the recommended ratio for Meadowfoam Seed Oil to effectively extend the shelf life of other oils is quite high, around 10-20% of the total oil mixture.
- It is best to add any antioxidant, including Meadowfoam Seed Oil, immediately when you start using the oil you want to protect. This is because free radical formation can start a chain reaction, and adding the antioxidant early helps prevent this chain reaction from accelerating.
Shelf life extension duration:
- The exact duration that Meadowfoam Seed Oil or ROE can extend the shelf life cannot be precisely calculated. This is because many other factors significantly affect the rate of oxidation and rancidity, such as temperature and exposure to UV light.
Regarding Protec UV:
- Yes, Protec UV (which is an oil-soluble substance) can be mixed directly into natural oils without needing special equipment like a high-speed blender or heating. You just need to stir it well to ensure it is fully dissolved and evenly distributed throughout the oil, similar to how you would mix ROE, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, or Vitamin E into natural oils.
- The staff also mentioned that Protec™ OX and Protec™ UV are generally more effective antioxidants for natural oils than Meadowfoam Seed Oil or ROE, especially Protec UV if the product packaging is clear and exposed to light.
I hope this summary is helpful!
