Poppy Seeds
Poppy seed is an oilseed obtained from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). The tiny, kidney-shaped seeds have been harvested from dried seed pods by various civilizations for thousands of years. Research from 2013(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4665514/) observed strong antioxidant activity in poppy seed oil. Poppy seed oil also contains naturally occurring forms of vitamin E, which may lower the risk of conditions like cancer.
Antioxidant
Poppy seeds contain antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress and damage from harmful free radicals and are believed to play a role in protecting the body from heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Although research is limited regarding poppyseed oil for topical uses, the antioxidants and several fatty acids they contain may be beneficial for skin and hair health.
Poppyseeds have antioxidant compounds that help to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are produced as part of normal metabolism. Sometimes, they can damage your cells, possibly leading to conditions like cancer or diabetes.
Vitamin E
Poppyseed oil also contains alpha- and gamma-tocopherol - antioxidants and naturally occurring forms of vitamin E, which may lower the risk of conditions like cancer.
Fatty Acids
These fatty acids are already present in some cosmetic products. For example, linoleic acid can be found as a skin or hair conditioning agent, oleic acid can be used as an emollient, and palmitic acid can be found in various soaps and cleansers.
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Linoleic acid
Important for maintaining the water barrier of the skin. It can’t be produced by your body — it must be consumed in the diet. In fact, people with deficiencies in linoleic acid can form scaly skin lesions.
Oleic acid
May play a role in wound healing. It can also increase skin absorbance of other compounds found in poppy seed oil.
Palmitic acid
The most common saturated fatty acid in your body. It can also be found in the skin. One 2010 study observed that levels of palmitic acid actually decreased with age.
