False flax oil is a pressed seed oil, derived from the Camelina sativa or false flax, also called gold of pleasure. False flax has long been grown in Europe, and its oil used as a lamp oil until the 18th century. In recent times, its has been explored for use in cosmetic and skin care products.[1] False flax belongs to the Brassicaceae (mustard and cabbage) family, which also contains many other seed oil plants, such as rapeseed oil. It contains 1 - 3% erucic acid.
The seeds contain an average of 37% by weight of oil, and contains the following fatty acids:[2]
| Component | Percentage | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-linolenic | 35-42% | Polyunsaturated |
| Oleic | 12-27% | Monounsaturated |
| Linoleic | 16-25% | Polyunsaturated |
| Gadoleic | 9-17% | Monounsaturated |
| Palmitic | 3-8% | Saturated |
| Stearic | 2-3% | Saturated |