Safflower Oil For Skin: Benefits, Usage, And Side Effects

Know Your Ingredient: Safflower Oil

What Is It?
A vegetable oil produced from the seeds of the Safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

What Are Its Benefits?
It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help with sebum production, skin texture, dark spots, and discoloration.

Who Can Use It?
It can be safely applied for moisturization, especially by people with sensitive skin.

How Often?
Products containing safflower oil can be used every day.

Caution
It may be mildly comedogenic, which can make some individuals allergic or sensitive to it.

What Is Safflower Oil?

Safflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant, Carthamus tinctorius. The plant is native to Egypt, East Asia, and the Western coasts of North America. Safflower oil is obtained by cold pressing or conventional solvent extraction methods. It is a well-known food oil due to its light taste. But its popularity in the skincare industry is on the rise.

Safflower oil has a rich linoleic acid content, making it good for the skin. Apart from that, it has many other benefits for the skin.

Benefits Of Safflower Oil For Skin

• Treats Skin Disorders: Safflower oil is used to treat skin infections. It may also help reduce the risk of skin cancer (1). The oil may also help accelerate wound healing (2).

• Has Antimicrobial Properties: The oil has good antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties (2). It fights yeast, fungi, and bacteria that hinder wound healing.

• Offers Nutritive Benefits: Safflower oil is often used in cosmetic products as an emollient (3). It is rich in oleic, linoleic, and omega-6 fatty acids (1). The high linoleic acid content improves skin appearance. It also keeps the skin from drying and flaking (3). Linoleic acid contains vitamins A, D, E, and K (3). Vitamin E helps improve skin health. Safflower oil helps treat essential fatty acid deficiencies and soothes irritated and abraded skin (3).

• Helps Inhibit Melanin: Safflower seeds contain serotonin derivatives and acacetin that inhibit melanin formation and help improve skin complexion (1). This suggests it may help lighten dark circles, dark spots, and other skin discolorations.

• Boosts Skin Hydration: Safflower oil moisturizes the skin and protects it. It boosts skin hydration and prevents water loss (4). The oil is also believed to regulate the skin barrier function.

• Soothes Skin: The oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the skin (5). It is used in cosmetic formulations to manage acne (1).

• Has Antioxidant Properties: Safflower oil contains polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and chlorophylls that have high antioxidant properties (2). These antioxidant properties help fight oxidative damage and promote skin health. Research shows that creams containing safflower oil may prevent photodamage and reduce signs of skin aging (6).
• Reduces Inflammation: Safflower oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce inflammation. Applying safflower oil may help reduce pain and swelling, especially during the postoperative period. According to research conducted on rats, it was proved that a 300 mg/kg dose of safflower oil had similar pain relief effects to 10 mg/kg naproxen sodium in specific tests. It also helped reduce swelling in rats’ paws. This study suggests that safflower oil, especially at a specific dose, has potential as a natural pain reliever (7). Another study also confirms that the presence of vitamin E contributes to the anti-inflammatory activities of the oil (8).

These are the benefits safflower oil could have on your skin. That said, are you aware that safflower oil is available in two types?

Types Of Safflower Oil

• Regular Safflower oil: This natural oil is thick in consistency and odorless. It is extracted from safflower seeds and may be used for cooking and cosmetic and medicinal purposes. It is safe to be applied to the skin. Regular safflower oil can be further classified into two types distinguished by the content of their unsaturated fatty acids.

• Linoleic Safflower oil: This oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. It contains 68-79% of linoleic acid (3), (9). Due to its high content of linoleic acid, it is often used in skincare cosmetics too.

• Oleic Safflower oil: This oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acidsⁱ  XHealthy dietary fats that keep your skin hydrated and healthy and slow down the signs of skin aging. . It is predominantly used as an edible oil in the food industry due to its lower saturated fat content.

• Safflower Essential Oil: This oil is extracted from the petals of safflowers and pressed and distilled. It can be paired with other essential and carrier oils for enhanced skin care benefits. It cannot be ingested but only applied topically.

Here are some ways you can use safflower oil to benefit your skin.

How To Use Safflower Oil For Skin

1. Safflower Oil For Acne

Safflower oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in the treatment of acne vulgaris and pimples. The oil also enhances wound healing and helps heal acne lesionsⁱ  XAreas of skin that are different in size or color from the surrounding skin due to damage or injury to the skin. or scars.

What You Need

• Honey, 1 to 2 tablespoons
• Oatmeal, 1 to 2 tablespoons
• Safflower oil, 1 to 2 tablespoons

Procedure

1. Mix the honey, oatmeal, and safflower oil.
2. Whisk the mixture thoroughly.
3. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
4. Wet your face a little and start scrubbing gently to get rid of the mask.
5. Clean your face with cold water and pat it dry.
6. Follow with a moisturizer.

Quick Tip

You can also add aloe vera to this mixture to help hydrate and soothe your skin.

2. Safflower Oil For Eczema

Eczema is an itchy skin inflammatory condition. It makes the skin barrier dysfunctional.

According to the National Eczema Association, approximately 31.6 million individuals in the United States, accounting for 10.1% of the population, are affected by various forms of eczema. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will develop this skin condition at some point in their lives, with the highest prevalence occurring during early childhood. Among adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD), 60.5% reported experiencing severe or unbearable itch in the past two weeks. Additionally, 86% reported daily itching, while 63% reported itching for at least 12 hours each day.

Its best treatment options include emollients and topical anti-inflammatory products (9). Safflower oil is known to improve the protective skin barrier function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and prevents the skin from drying and flaking.

What You Need

• Safflower oil, a few drops, or as needed

Note: You can also pair safflower oil with essential oil.

Procedure

1. Apply a little safflower oil to the affected area once or twice a day and let it get absorbed completely.
2. You may also apply it before you go to bed and leave it on overnight.

3. Safflower Oil For Wrinkles

Safflower oil is known for improving skin texture and promoting skin cell renewal, thanks to its linoleic acid. Incorporating it into your beauty routine can help improve skin health and tone. The oil’s antioxidant properties help minimize the signs of aging, including wrinkles.

What You Need

• Safflower oil, a few drops, or as needed

Procedure

1. Apply safflower oil to your face before you hit the bed every night. Wash it off the next morning.
2. You can also mix it with other essential oils like lavender or tea tree. You may even use safflower oil as an alternative to moisturizer.

4. Safflower Oil For Dark Circles And Skin Lightening

Daily sun exposure, environmental damage, and other extrinsic factors constantly bombard the skin and affect its health. This damage appears as early signs of aging, dark circles, dark spots, discoloration, and photodamageⁱ  XChanges in the skin like wrinkles and pigmentation that appear on the skin due to prolonged exposure to the UV rays of the sun. . Safflower oil can be used for melanin inhibition (1). It may help lighten the dark circles, dark spots, and other discolorations.

What You Need

• Safflower oil, a few drops

Procedure

1. Gently apply a few drops of safflower oil around your eyes with your fingertips just before you sleep. The oil works as a great under-eye serum.
2. Apply it all over your face and follow it up with your nighttime skincare routine to accelerate the skin-lightening process.

5. Safflower Oil For Enhanced Skin Moisture

The non-greasy texture of safflower oil makes it an excellent skin moisturizing agent. It is similar to a humectant and helps maintain your skin’s moisture balance.

What You Need

• Safflower oil, a few drops

Procedure

1. If you use an oil-based face mask, you can replace that oil with safflower oil or add a few drops of safflower oil to the existing recipe.
2. For everyday use, add 15 drops of safflower to a bottle. Combine it with another carrier oil (you can use sweet almond or grapeseed oils).
3. Apply a small amount of the blend to your face twice a day. It protects your skin from the sun during the day and keeps it moisturized when left overnight.

Quick Tip

You can mix carrier oils like sweet almond or coconut oil with safflower oil to offer added hydration to your skin.

Side Effects Of Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is used in many cosmetic products such as moisturizers and suntan lotions. It is generally considered to be safe and non-toxic. It is often used to treat abraded and irritated skin. However, a study conducted on animals showed that undiluted safflower oil may cause minimal skin irritation (3). Safflower oil also may be mildly comedogenicⁱ  XAny substance or product that may likely clog the pores on the skin and encourage the formation of blackheads. , which might irritate the skin. Therefore, a patch test should be done to check for any adverse or allergic reactions to the skin.

Safflower oil is similar to sunflower oil, known for its skin benefits. So what sets safflower oil apart from sunflower oil?

Sunflower Oil Vs. Safflower Oil For Skin

When it comes to skincare, sunflower oil is relatively similar to safflower oil. They both contain high amounts of linoleic acid. They are also known to improve skin barrier function and are great emollients that improve skin health.

However, safflower oil is not as well-known and researched as sunflower oil. It also has a lower content of saturated fat when compared to sunflower oil.

Infographic: 5 Ways To Use Safflower Oil For Enhanced Skin Care

Safflower oil may not be a trending skin care oil, but due to its various benefits, it is considered the best for providing a boost of hydration to the skin. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamin E, heart-healthy fats, and linoleic acid. Check out the infographic below to learn how to use safflower oil as a part of your skin care regimen.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

What skin type is safflower oil good for?

Safflower oil is light and non-greasy, and it suits all skin types. You can use it even if you have sensitive skin.

Is safflower oil a moisturizer or a sealant?

Safflower oil is an excellent moisturizer that gets absorbed quickly into the skin.

Is safflower the same as saffron?

No, safflower and saffron are not the same. However, many people use safflower as an alternative to saffron.

What is the pH of safflower oil?

Safflower oil is acidic and has a pH of 5.5 once digested.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Sonam Jeswani RamrakhianiMBBS, DDV

   

Dr. Sonam Jeswani Ramrakhiani is a renowned dermatologist with over 11 years of experience. She has a sharp eye for facial aesthetics and advocates learning newer technologies and treatment protocols for the benefit of her clients. After completing her academics, she worked with Dr. Jamuna Pai, India's leading celebrity skin expert, where she learnt about lasers and injectable treatment options,...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more