Are seed oils in skincare the misunderstood villain of the beauty world, as some suggest? With the ongoing discussions in health communities about reducing seed oils in diets, it’s understandable why people might worry about their use in skincare. However, let's clear the air on how these oils, when chosen wisely, can be incredibly beneficial for your skin.
Your trusted clean beauty moisturizer, which has been a staple in your routine for years, likely contains a blend of these nourishing oils. Renowned for their skin-loving properties, seed oils have been used in slow beauty traditions across cultures for centuries. Curious about why they still hold their ground despite some negative press? Let’s delve into the details.
Not all seed oils are equal. It's essential to avoid low-quality oils in both your diet and skincare regimen. Instead, opt for high-quality, organic seed oils that are carefully processed to maintain their beneficial properties. These oils provide deep hydration and a youthful radiance to the skin.
Historically, the shift in the mid-20th century saw industrial seed oils begin to replace traditional fats. These oils were marketed as healthier options, yet their processing often removed essential nutrients. A prime example of this change is when butter was sidelined by the aggressively promoted margarine.* This transition contributed to an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which can lead to inflammation. (For a detailed and easy-to-read breakdown of essential fatty acids and their benefits in both diet and skincare, check out my recent blog entry here.)
In skincare, though, seed oils have been valued in diverse traditions, from Traditional Chinese Medicine to the ancient wellness wisdom of Ayurveda, for their protective and healing qualities. When sourced from premium, cold-pressed varieties, they maintain their nutrients and offer significant skincare benefits, acting as a shield to protect your moisture barrier (acid mantle) against environmental stressors. (See Omega oils blog for a better understanding of why these oils are healing.) In fact, many of the oils in skincare are from the seeds, which includes, jojoba, black seed, black currant, and cloudberry. Rosehip is typically made from both the seed and fruit of the plant. Sea buckthorn and olive oils are made from the fruit, but are not complete omegas, so one still needs a variety of oils to meet our essential fatty acid needs. And since skincare is made of so many seed oils, it’s important to choose brands wisely.
At Cult of Reason, we prioritize smart ingredient choices. Our products, like Shield and Bare, are crafted with thoughtfully sourced plant oils, celebrated on our Ingredient page for their exceptional qualities. For more insight into skincare ingredients, the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database is a valuable resource. Let's make skincare straightforward, effective, and aligned with your health-conscious lifestyle.
*My friends over at the Criminal podcast series produced a great story around a butter vs margarine controversy, which touches on animal vs plant oils in foods. Check out this fun episode here.
**Please enjoy this Beetlejuice reference.