Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil expressed from sunflower
(Helianthus annuus) seeds. Sunflower oil is commonly used in food
as a frying medium, and in cosmetic formulations as an
emollient.
Sunflower oil also contains lecithin, tocopherols, carotenoids and
waxes. Sunflower oil's properties are typical of a vegetable
triglyceride oil.
There are several types of sunflower oils produced: high linoleic,
high oleic and mid oleic. High linoleic sunflower oil typically has
at least *9% linoleic acid. High oleic sunflower oil has at least
*2% oleic acid. Variation in fatty acid profile is strongly
influenced by both genetics and climate.
