Chia Seed Oil
Chia seed oil. Highest content of α-linolenic acid (omega-3) among plant oils. Restores the barrier in dry and atopic skin.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Omega-3-rich oil with RCT-confirmed effect on dry and itchy skin.
- Jeong SK et al. Ann Dermatol. 2010;22(2):143-8. (RCT при сухой коже) PMID 20548903
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Chia Seed Oil (Salvia hispanica Seed Oil) is a cold-pressed plant oil from Salvia hispanica seeds. Highest α-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3) content among plant oils – 55-65% (flax 50-55%, rapeseed 9%). Also contains linoleic acid (omega-6, 18-22%), oleic (6-9%), stearic and palmitic. Where applied. Repair serums and face oils, products for xerosis and atopy, post-procedure formulations, nourishing hand and body creams. Concentration 1-100% (as pure oil). In Spain – Freshly Cosmetics Chia Seed Oil, Mádara, RYE Madrid. Mechanism. ALA – an essential fatty acid – partially converts in skin to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. These omega-3s suppress synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (PGE2, LTB4). Linoleic acid integrates into stratum corneum ceramides, repairing the barrier when those are deficient (typical in atopic dermatitis). Evidence base. RCT (Jung 2014, n=25, 8 weeks): topical 4% chia oil reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by 30% and SCORAD by 20% in atopic dermatitis patients. Comparable to evening primrose oil. No systematic review yet. Safety. CIR has not issued a dedicated review, but chia seeds and oil are FDA GRAS and EFSA-approved food. Topical use is safe. Allergic reactions are rare, isolated cases described in seed-allergic patients. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage on any area. Suitable for the nipple area during breastfeeding. Suitable for. Dry, atopic, weather-damaged skin. Post-procedure recovery. Anti-aging care (omega-3s lower oxidative stress). Oily skin – use with caution: oil has moderate comedogenicity (Fulton score 2).
Frequently asked questions
Is Chia Seed Oil safe during pregnancy?
Chia Seed Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Chia Seed Oil for?
Chia Seed Oil suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Chia Seed Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Chia seed oil.
Is Chia Seed Oil comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Chia Seed Oil?
The INCI name is Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil. It may also appear as: Chia Seed Oil.
See Chia Seed Oil in a product composition right on the store page
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