What it is
In the register’s words: “Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., Compositae.”
- EU register name (INCI)
- HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED EXTRACT
- CAS number
- 84776-03-4 / 8001-21-6
- EC number
- - / 232-273-9
Labels often add a second name in brackets, so a label may say Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract where the register says HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED EXTRACT. Both are the same ingredient.
What the register lists it for
These are the uses the European Commission’s CosIng register lists for Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract in any cosmetic, hair roles first. They say why a maker might add it, not what it does in one formula, and they aren’t a safety rating.
- Hair conditioning
-
The register’s hair role for ingredients that make hair feel softer, smoother or easier to comb. Most conditioners, masks and leave-ins list several.
Register definition: “Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.”
- UV absorber
-
Protects the product in the bottle from UV light. It isn’t sun protection for your hair.
Register definition: “Protecting the cosmetic product from the effects of UV-light.”
- Skin conditioning
-
A register role for ingredients that help dry or rough skin feel supple again.
Register definition: “Enhancing the appearance of dry and/or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.”
Where it sits on each label
US labels list ingredients from most to least, except that those at 1% or less may follow in any order. A name near the top is a large part of the formula. A label doesn’t mark where the 1% point falls, so further down, the order says little about how much is in it.
- Shampoos 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Shampoos without it
- Rinse-out conditioners 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Rinse-out conditioners without it
- Deep conditioners 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Deep conditioners without it
- Stylers 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Stylers without it
- Protein treatments 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Protein treatments without it
- Hair oils 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Hair oils without it
Every label, product by product (6)
- OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo Shampoo 27th of 78 names
- OLAPLEX No.5 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Conditioner Rinse-out conditioner 32nd of 66 names
- Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner Deep conditioner 21st of 41 names
- Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion Styler 14th of 48 names
- Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask Protein treatment 17th of 37 names
- Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil Hair oil 20th of 31 names
Each line runs from the first name on a label to the last; a dot is where this ingredient sits. Makers change formulas now and then; if the list on your bottle differs, go by your bottle.
Your next step
Other hair conditioning ingredients on these labels
- Glycerin 131 labels
- Panthenol 72 labels
- Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil 69 labels
- Behentrimonium Methosulfate 38 labels
- Caprylyl Glycol 37 labels
- Behentrimonium Chloride 34 labels
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine 34 labels
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil 34 labels
Updated · The name, numbers and uses come from the European Commission’s CosIng entry (CC BY 4.0); we write the uses in US spelling and put the hair ones first. The labels are each maker’s own. The order rule is the FDA’s Cosmetics Labeling Guide. All our sources are on the Sources page.