INCI: Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Chia seed oil. Highest content of α-linolenic acid (omega-3) among plant oils. Restores the barrier in dry and atopic skin.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Omega-3-rich oil with RCT-confirmed effect on dry and itchy skin.
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).
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Chia Seed Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Chia Seed Oil suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
Chia seed oil.
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil. It may also appear as: Chia Seed Oil.
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