Common Name(s): Chinese mallow seed oil,malva verticillata oil,dong kui zi seed oil
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Conditions skin with the linoleic-rich oil of chinese mallow seeds.
Why It's Used: Malva verticillata (chinese mallow) seed oil is rich in linoleic acid (c18:2, ~55%) and also contains unusual fatty acids like malvalic acid and sterculic acid (cyclopropene fatty acids unique to malvaceae family); provides skin barrier support.
How It Works: Linoleic acid (c18:2 omega-6, ~55%) supports skin barrier lipid replenishment; malvalic and sterculic acids (cyclopropene fatty acids) are unique to the malvaceae (mallow) family; tocopherols provide antioxidant stability.
Typically Found In: Natural skin care,barrier support products,chinese botanical formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,barrier support
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–15%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Cold-pressed from malva verticillata seeds; chinese native mallow; natural plant origin.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated; the cyclopropene fatty acids are unique but not known irritants at cosmetic concentrations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Other linoleic-rich oils,plant oils,humectants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Malvaceae family seed oils uniquely contain cyclopropene fatty acids (malvalic, sterculic) not found in most plant oils; these unusual fatty acids are being studied for their unique effects on fatty acid metabolism; at cosmetic concentrations, they are considered safe.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary