Sunflower Seed Oil
Plant oil high in linoleic acid. Restores the lipid barrier in xerosis. Recommended as a base oil for newborns instead of olive oil.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Clinical studies show reduced TEWL and improved skin condition in neonates and atopic dermatitis patients. Linoleic acid is a precursor to ceramide 1 linoleate. Preferable to olive oil, which can disrupt the barrier.
- Danby SG et al. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30(1):42-50. PMID 22995032
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
- Dry, Sensitive, Normal, Combination
About this ingredient
Sunflower Seed Oil (INCI Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil) is a cold-pressed plant oil. Contains 65-70% linoleic acid, 20-30% oleic acid, tocopherol. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid – its deficiency links to barrier dysfunction. Mechanism. Restores the lipid barrier in xerosis and atopy: linoleic acid incorporates into intercellular ceramides. Lowers TEWL, reduces inflammation and itch. Unlike olive oil it lacks the oleic-acid excess that disrupts the barrier in newborns. Where applied. Body oils, atopic-skin creams, infant skincare. AAP and ESPGHAN recommend sunflower oil as the base for newborn skincare instead of olive oil. In Spain – Mustela, Babé Laboratorios, Cetraben. Evidence base. Darmstadt 2002 in Bangladesh in newborns showed a 26% reduction in neonatal mortality with daily sunflower oil application – barrier function is critical in preterms. Cooke 2016 RCT confirmed the TEWL effect in infants versus olive oil. Safety. CIR confirmed safety. Hypoallergenic (sunflower allergy is rare). Non-comedogenic (rating 0). No systemic absorption. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Applicable on any area, including face, breast, abdomen, nipples during breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunflower Seed Oil safe during pregnancy?
Sunflower Seed Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sunflower Seed Oil for?
Sunflower Seed Oil suits: dry, sensitive, normal, combination.
What is Sunflower Seed Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Plant oil high in linoleic acid.
Is Sunflower Seed Oil comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Sunflower Seed Oil?
The INCI name is Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil. It may also appear as: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil.
See Sunflower Seed Oil in a product composition right on the store page
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