Kalahari Melon Seed Oil
Citrullus lanatus
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is a cold-pressed African cosmetic lipid oil obtained from the seeds of Citrullus lanatus, a wild melon naturally adapted to the arid regions of Southern Africa.
Characterised by its high linoleic acid content, light texture and rapid absorption, Kalahari Melon Seed Oil suits lightweight skincare, haircare and cosmetic formulations.
Origin & Sourcing
- Botanical: Citrullus lanatus
- Raw material: Kalahari melon seed
- Origin: Southern Africa
- Harvesting: Predominantly wild-harvested
- Extraction: Mechanical cold pressing
- Refining: Unrefined
- Additives: None
Afrika Botanicals sources Kalahari Melon Seed Oil through established producer and harvesting networks in Southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The Kalahari melon is naturally adapted to hot, dry environments and grows across sandy and semi-arid landscapes. Communities throughout the region have traditionally collected and used its seeds.
We work with selected supply partners to provide traceable material suitable for cosmetic formulation and international supply.
Performance Profile
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is distinguished by its high linoleic acid (Omega-6) content and characteristically light skin feel.
Its fatty acid composition makes it particularly useful where formulators require a lighter alternative to more oleic-rich lipid oils.
Key formulation characteristics include:
- High linoleic acid content – provides a polyunsaturated lipid profile suitable for skin-conditioning formulations
- Lightweight texture – contributes emollience without the heavier feel of more oleic-rich oils
- Rapid absorption – particularly useful in facial oils, serums and lightweight emulsions
- Low viscosity – facilitates incorporation into cosmetic formulations and lipid blends
- Versatile formulation profile – suitable for skincare, haircare and scalp applications
- Polyunsaturated character – oxidative stability should be considered when developing finished formulations
Technical Information
- INCI: Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
- CAS: 90045-94-6
- Extraction: Cold-pressed
- Refining: Unrefined
- Appearance: Pale yellow to golden-yellow liquid oil
- Odour: Mild, characteristic
- Typical shelf life: 24 months under recommended storage conditions
Natural variation in colour, odour and analytical values can occur between origins and harvests.
Applications
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is suitable for a broad range of cosmetic formulations, including:
- Facial oils and serums
- Lightweight creams and lotions
- Body oils
- Hair conditioners and masks
- Scalp and treatment oils
- Lipid blends
- Lightweight and dry-touch formulations
It is particularly useful when a light texture, rapid absorption and a linoleic-rich fatty acid profile are required.
Afrika Botanicals supplies certified organic Kalahari Melon Seed Oil, with conventional material also available for specific requirements.
Organic & Conventional Supply
Organic certification depends on the supply chain and batch. We can provide current certification documentation with quotations and commercial orders when certified organic material is required.
Quality & Documentation
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is supplied with appropriate technical documentation, including:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Organic certification where applicable
- Origin and traceability information
Representative documentation is available during product evaluation, with batch-specific documentation supplied where applicable to commercial orders..
Packaging & Commercial Supply
Available formats depend on the required origin, specification and volume and can include:
- 1 litre
- 5 litre
- Approximately 20–25 kg bulk containers
- Approximately 180–200 kg drums
We can plan larger commercial requirements with our production partners based on availability and harvest.e
Samples
Samples are available for formulation and commercial evaluation.
When requesting a sample or quotation, please provide your anticipated order quantity, annual volume, destination and whether certified organic material is required.Not Sure?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kalahari Melon Seed Oil refined?
Our standard Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is cold-pressed and unrefined.
Is certified organic Kalahari Melon Seed Oil available?
Yes. Certified organic material is available, subject to origin, volume and current availability.
What is its fatty acid profile?
Kalahari Melon Seed Oil is particularly rich in linoleic acid (Omega-6), which gives it its characteristic lightweight formulation profile.
What is the shelf life?
Typically 24 months when stored correctly in unopened packaging. Refer to the applicable product documentation for the supplied material.
Does Kalahari Melon Seed Oil vary between origins?
Yes. Natural variations in colour, odour and analytical characteristics can occur depending on geographical origin, growing conditions and harvest.
Can you supply technical documentation?
Yes. COA, TDS and SDS documentation is available, together with organic certification where applicable.
Can you supply commercial volumes?
Yes. Please provide your required quantity and anticipated annual volume so that we can confirm the most appropriate origin, specification and supply programme.