NEEM
INCI Name / Latin Name
Azadirachta indica (Melia azadirachta)
Botanical family
Meliaceae
Cosmetic benefits
Originally from India(2), Neem oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids(1)(4), which are known for hydrating the skin and protecting it from external stresses (maintaining the hydrolipidic film)(5). The fact that it contains sterols, mainly sitosterol(4), known for their regenerative, anti-oxidant, firming, and soothing properties(6), makes it an excellent skincare product. Neem oil also has benefits for the scalp thanks to its richness in limonoids(3), known for their purifying properties(7).
(1)Warra, Soap Preparation from mechanically cold pressed Nigerian neem (Azadiracta Indica) seed oil, 2011
(2)« Les vertus du neem : des champs à la brosse à dents », Plantes et Santé, 14/09/2016 [Online] https://www.plantes-et-sante.fr/articles/plantes-medicinales/1891-les-vertus-du-neem-des-champs-a-la-brosse-a-dents [Accessed] 30/04/2020
(3)Amit, Indian Medicinal Plants Used in Hair Care Cosmetics A Short Review, 2010
(4)Momchilova, Fatty Acids, Triacylglycerols, and Sterols in Neem Oil ( Azadirachta Indica A. Juss ) as Determined by a Combination of Chromatographic and Spectral Techniques, 2007
(5)Beylot, L'hydratation du visage, 2011
(6)Dwek, Isoflavones, Phytohormones and Phytosterols, 2005
(7)Majeed, Neem oil limonoids Product overview, 2007
Origin / Cultivation
Neem, also known as “Indian lilac”, is a tree in the mahogany family that grows to about 15 metres tall. Neem has been one of the pillars of the Indian pharmacopoeia (Ayurveda) for four millennia(2). Declared the “Tree of the 21st Century” by the United Nations(2), Neem is known for its many properties supporting healthy skin and hair.
(2)« Les vertus du neem : des champs à la brosse à dents », Plantes et Santé, 14/09/2016 [Online] https://www.plantes-et-sante.fr/articles/plantes-medicinales/1891-les-vertus-du-neem-des-champs-a-la-brosse-a-dents [Accessed] 30/04/2020