Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil

Corylus avellana seed oil is an oil expressed from hazelnuts (Corylus avellana nuts) – the same ones that can be found in Nutella.

Hazelnuts contain up to 67% oil, which is mostly extracted by cold-pressing. The oil mainly contains triacylglycerols consisting of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acid), as well as other beneficial constituents such as α-tocopherol (vitamin E), squalene, and a bit of phytosterols.

Thanks to its mother tree, hazelnut oil also contains phenolics and lignans, which are compounds that result in its slightly astringent taste. They offer wound healing properties.

It is used as a base oil in skincare and has emollient, occlusive, and antioxidant properties. It is interesting to note that virgin hazelnut oil has better moisturizing effects than refined hazelnut oil.

Quick fact: Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world.