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Sumac Seed Oil is extracted from the seeds of the Rhus coriaria plant, a small tree or shrub belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. While the dried, ground fruit (the spice) is a culinary staple across the Middle East, the oil extracted from its seeds is gaining attention for its unique chemical profile and potential cosmetic applications.
The Plant in Palestine
The Sumac plant (Rhus coriaria) is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated and grows wild in Palestine.
• Local Name and Significance: The local name is Sumac (سماق). In Palestine, the dried, ground berries are one of the most important and distinctive spices, lending a tangy, lemony flavor to traditional dishes. It is a key ingredient in the national dish Musakhan (sumac-spiced chicken and onions on flatbread) and the stew Sumakiyyah.
• Traditional Use: Beyond its culinary role, Sumac has been used in traditional folk medicine in the region for centuries due to its high concentration of beneficial compounds, including its use as an astringent and for various internal ailments.
• Cultivation: The plant is hardy and thrives in the Mediterranean climate, often found growing on hillsides and in poor soils. Farmers in Palestine cultivate and harvest the berries, which are then dried and processed for the spice and, increasingly, for the seed oil.
Extraction Method and Production Yield
Sumac seed oil is primarily extracted from the seeds found within the fruit's drupes.
Extraction Method
This oil is extracted by cold-pressing.
• Process: The seeds are separated from the fruit pulp (which is typically reserved for the spice), cleaned, and then subjected to mechanical pressure in a screw press. Cold-pressing avoids high temperatures and chemical solvents, preserving the oil's volatile compounds, antioxidants, and fatty acid structure.
Production Yield
The oil content of the entire Sumac fruit (including the seed and pericarp) is range from 5% to 10%. The oil content specifically within the seed is high, with an extraction rate of up to 15 to 20% indicating a significant oil content.
To have one kilo of seeds it needs 3 to 4 kilos of entire sumac fruit.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of Sumac seed oil is characterized by a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly Oleic Acid, and a notable presence of tocopherols and phenolic compounds.
|
Component |
Typical Percentage |
Key Benefit |
|
Oleic Acid (Omega-9) |
43% - 48% |
A monounsaturated fatty acid that provides deep moisture, helps to restore and maintain the skin's barrier function, and is highly nourishing. |
|
Palmitic Acid |
21% - 24% |
A saturated fatty acid that acts as an emollient and helps improve skin texture. |
|
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) |
23% - 30% |
An essential fatty acid that helps maintain the skin barrier and reduces water loss. |
|
Stearic Acid |
2% - 3% |
A saturated fatty acid with cleansing and emollient properties. |
|
Tocopherols (Vitamin E) |
High (e.g., up to 450 mg/kg) |
Primarily gamma-tocopherol, a powerful antioxidant that protects the oil from oxidation and the skin from free radical damage. |
|
Phenolic Compounds |
High |
These include tannins and flavonoids, which contribute to the oil's strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. |
The oil is notable for its high concentration of Oleic Acid, which makes it an excellent emollient, and its rich content of gamma-tocopherol, which provides superior oxidative stability and antioxidant protection.
Health Benefits for the Skin
Sumac seed oil's rich composition of fatty acids and antioxidants makes it beneficial for skin health, though its use in commercial cosmetics is less established than other oils.
1 Antioxidant Protection: Its high content of tocopherols (Vitamin E) and phenolic compounds provides potent protection against oxidative stress and free radical damage, which are major causes of premature skin aging.
2 Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The oil has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, which can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm symptoms associated with conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
3 Moisturizing and Barrier Support: The high Oleic Acid content makes it deeply moisturizing, helping to repair the skin's lipid barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss, leading to softer, more supple skin.
4 Antimicrobial Potential: Research suggests that Sumac extracts and essential oils possess antimicrobial properties, which could potentially help in managing skin conditions related to bacterial overgrowth, such as acne.
How to Use This Oil
Sumac seed oil can be incorporated into a skincare routine similarly to other rich, botanical oils.
|
Application Method |
Instructions |
Frequency |
|
As a Facial Oil/Serum |
Apply 2-4 drops to clean skin after any water-based products (toner, serum). Gently press or massage the oil into the face and neck. |
Nightly is ideal to allow the oil's rich nutrients to work with the skin's natural regeneration cycle. |
|
Targeted Treatment |
Apply a single drop directly to areas of dryness, redness, or irritation for concentrated soothing and barrier repair. |
As needed. |
|
As a Moisturizer Booster |
Mix 1-2 drops into your regular night cream or body lotion before application to enhance its emollient and antioxidant effects. |
Daily, as needed. |
|
Hair and Scalp Treatment |
Massage a small amount into the scalp to help with dryness, or apply to hair ends to add shine and reduce frizz. |
Weekly or as needed. |
Note: As with any potent botanical oil, a patch test is recommended before full application, especially for sensitive skin. The oil is generally considered safe for topical use.
Our experience with this oil it is great for oily skin and it can give excellent results if we put 5% of frankincense essential oil with sumac seed oils.