Kalahari Melon Seed Oil
Citrullus lanatus
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is a high-performance, cold-pressed carrier oil derived from the seeds of the wild melon, indigenous to arid regions of Southern Africa.
Selected for its high linoleic acid content, light texture and rapid absorption, it is particularly suited to formulations targeting oil balance, skin conditioning and lightweight delivery systems.
Our Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is certified organic by the USDA, Control Union and the EU Control Union
Origin & Sourcing
- Origin: Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe)
- Raw Material: Seeds of wild Kalahari melon (Citrullus lanatus)
- Supply Chain: Wild-harvested and regionally sourced
- Traceability: Batch traceable from origin to export
The crop is naturally adapted to arid environments, with harvesting structured to support both consistency of supply and sustainability of the resource.
Processing
- Method: Mechanical cold pressing
- Temperature Control: Maintained below 40°C
- Refining: None (unrefined)
- Additives: None
This preserves the oil’s natural fatty acid composition and ensures a clean, functional ingredient for formulation.
Performance Profile
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is characterised by its lightweight profile and high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- High Linoleic Acid Content (Omega-6)
Supports skin barrier function and helps regulate sebum balance - Lightweight, Fast Absorbing Texture
Suitable for formulations requiring a non-greasy finish - Low Viscosity
Enables easy incorporation into serums and emulsions - Good Skin Compatibility
Well-suited to formulations for oily, combination or sensitive skin - Oxidative Behaviour
Typically requires stabilisation within formulations due to high polyunsaturated content
This profile makes it particularly effective in lightweight skincare and fast-absorbing systems.
Technical Information
- INCI Name: Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
- CAS Number: 90045-94-6
- Extraction: Cold-pressed
- Appearance: Pale yellow to golden oil
- Odour: Mild, characteristic
Each batch is supported by:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Documentation is available upon request or download.
Applications
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is used in a range of cosmetic and personal care formulations:
- Skincare
Lightweight serums, facial oils and emulsions - Oil Balancing Products
Formulations targeting oily or combination skin - Haircare
Lightweight conditioning products and scalp formulations - Cosmetic Formulations
Fast-absorbing blends and dry-touch applications
It is particularly suited to formulations requiring light texture, rapid absorption and sebum-balancing characteristics.
Packaging & Handling
- Available in bulk formats (1 L, 5 L, 25 kg, 200 kg)
- Stored under controlled conditions
- Inert gas flushed (argon as standard, nitrogen available on request)
Handling is designed to preserve stability, particularly given the oil’s higher polyunsaturated content.
Quality & Certification
Produced in line with international cosmetic ingredient standards
Cold-pressed, unrefined
Batch traceable
Organic certification available where applicable
Not Sure?
Get a smaller quantity first.
FAQs
What is Kalahari Melon Seed Oil?
A cold-pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the wild Kalahari melon, valued for its lightweight and high linoleic acid profile.
Is this oil refined?
No. It is mechanically extracted and unrefined.
What skin types is it suited for?
Commonly used in formulations for oily, combination and sensitive skin due to its light texture and absorption.
What is its shelf life?
Typically 24 months unopened under recommended storage conditions.
Do you provide documentation?
Yes. COA, TDS, and SDS are available for each batch.
Can I request a sample?
Yes. Samples are available on request. Standard pack sizes apply for bulk supply.