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Moumoujus

MORTIERELLA OIL.

Insufficient Data CAS - / SKIN CONDITIONING

Mortierella Oil is a precision-sourced lipid derived from the fungus Mortierella alpina, renowned for its rich content of Arachidonic Acid (ARA). This omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid is integral to maintaining robust skin barrier function, enhancing intrinsic hydration, and facilitating critical skin repair processes, offering a foundational element for skin resilience.

Summary

Skin Barrier Support Hydration Skin Repair Anti-inflammatory (regulatory) Elasticity Improvement

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a key source of Arachidonic Acid (ARA), Mortierella Oil readily integrates into the lipid matrix of cellular membranes, particularly abundant within the epidermis. ARA is vital for fortifying the skin's natural barrier, thereby improving moisture retention and bolstering cellular repair mechanisms. Furthermore, it acts as a precursor for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, which are signaling molecules crucial for regulating inflammatory responses and maintaining skin homeostasis. ARA has also been shown to enhance keratinocyte migration and proliferation, processes essential for efficient skin healing.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 0.64–0.91%
Optimal

0.91%

Key findings

  1. 01 In vitro and animal studies indicate that Arachidonic Acid (ARA) derived from Mortierella alpina can significantly enhance keratinocyte migration and proliferation, processes indispensable for skin repair. These studies also suggest a potential for improving skin moisture and elasticity.
  2. 02 Clinical evidence from infant nutrition confirms the safety of ARA-rich oil from Mortierella alpina in term infants and suggests potential benefits for skin development. However, direct clinical studies specifically investigating its dermatological efficacy in adults remain limited.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Mortierella alpina oil exhibits susceptibility to oxidation due to its unsaturated nature. Its oxidative stability can be substantially improved through strategic formulation methods, including the creation of Pickering oil-in-water emulsions, increasing emulsion viscosity, and leveraging steric repulsion. The inclusion of antioxidant compounds, such as mixed tocopherols, is highly recommended. The oil can maintain stability for up to 48 months when stored under refrigeration at 5°C.

Synergies

  • Mixed tocopherols (antioxidants)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
1%
Sensitization risk Unknown

Mortierella alpina oil, particularly its ARA-rich form, holds Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from the US FDA for its application in infant formula. Its toxicity profile has been extensively documented over several decades for food use without revealing safety concerns. The originating fungus is not identified as pathogenic to humans and has not been reported to produce mycotoxins. Currently, there is no specific Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) or Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) assessment available for its topical use in skincare. The maximum concentration of 1% refers to the arachidonic acid content within the total fat content for infant formula as per EU regulation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Insufficient Data

Mortierella Oil presents a compelling biochemical foundation for enhancing skin barrier, hydration, and repair via its Arachidonic Acid content; however, direct, robust clinical evidence for its topical efficacy in adult dermatological applications is currently limited.

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