Are Seed Oils Bad for Your Skin? Here’s What the Research Really Says

If you've been wondering “Are seed oils bad for your skin?” you're not alone. The internet is full of hot takes and half-truths, but the answer (at least where your skincare is concerned) is refreshingly simple: No, they’re not bad. In fact, they’re some of the most skin-loving ingredients you can use.

Seed oils are nutrient-dense, barrier-repairing, and full of essential fatty acids that help your skin look and feel its best. The problem isn’t with seed oils - it’s with how they’re processed and where they’re used. And that’s exactly what we’re clearing up here.

Seed oils like sunflower and canola are often used in everyday cooking, raising questions about their effects on both internal health and skin when consumed regularly.

Are Seed Oils Bad to Eat?

Let’s start with the confusion. Yes, seed oils can be problematic when eaten in large quantities, especially the heavily refined, bleached, and deodorized types used in ultra-processed foods. These oils are often high in omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid, which, when consumed excessively, may contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

According to a 2022 review in Nutrients, “a high dietary intake of linoleic acid may increase susceptibility to lipid peroxidation,” especially when exposed to heat during cooking. That’s science-speak for: deep-fried seed oils aren’t doing your cells any favors.

Are Seed Oils Bad for Your Skin? Not When They're Used Topically.

While there’s plenty of online noise about avoiding seed oils in your diet, it’s important to separate food fears from skincare facts. When applied to skin, seed oils provide barrier-repairing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich benefits that don’t translate to dietary concerns. The fatty acids in seed oils aren’t just tolerated by your skin, they’re embraced. When applied topically, these oils don’t go through digestion or high-heat breakdown. Instead, they nourish directly at the surface level, supporting your skin’s natural barrier function, hydration, and repair.

A 2018 paper in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that topical plant oils (including seed oils) “promote skin barrier homeostasis, have anti-inflammatory effects, and enhance wound healing.”

In other words, the very same components that can become unstable inside your body actually stabilize and soothe when used on your skin. It’s not about the oil - it’s about the context.

Plant-based oils, when applied topically, can deliver nourishing benefits for dry or sensitive skin depending on the type of oil and its fatty acid profile.

Ingredients like jojoba seeds, cranberries, rosehips, and meadowfoam are rich in skin-loving compounds and used to create natural, non-toxic facial and body oils.

What Makes a Seed Oil Great for Skin?

It all comes down to how the oil is extracted and processed. Here’s what we look for and why it matters:

• Cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oils preserve delicate nutrients and antioxidants that benefit your skin. These methods use mechanical pressure rather than chemical solvents.

• PUFA-rich oils, such as those from sunflower, cranberry, borage, or raspberry seeds, are naturally high in linoleic acid, which helps restore the skin’s lipid barrier which is especially in dry, flaky, or acne-prone complexions.

• Antioxidant protection is crucial. We stabilize our oils with tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), which research shows protects delicate fatty acids from oxidizing on your shelf or your skin.

• No unnecessary processing means the oil retains its texture, color, and full botanical profile. While that might make your face oil smell faintly of actual seeds (because it contains actual seeds), it also means you're getting something real and effective.

So, Should You Avoid Seed Oils in Skincare?

Only if you also plan to avoid hydration, skin barrier support, and soothing anti-inflammatories.

High-quality seed oils are:

• Packed with vitamins E and A

• Naturally rich in essential fatty acids

• Gentle on sensitive, reactive, and acne-prone skin

• Non-comedogenic when formulated correctly

• A trusted part of traditional skincare in cultures around the world

Here’s what they’re not: processed cooking oils, inflammatory dietary fats, or anything remotely similar to what’s in a drive-thru fryer.

Real Skincare, Rooted in Common Sense

We use seed oils where they shine: on your skin. Our formulations are built around carefully selected, cold-pressed and expeller-pressed seed oils. Each chosen for its proven ability to restore moisture, calm inflammation, and deliver glow-worthy results with zero drama.

We don’t rely on trends, and we certainly don’t fear monger. Instead, we trust the research and your skin’s wisdom. As dermatological researcher Dr. Zoe Draelos notes in Dermatologic Clinics, “Topically applied oils can supplement deficient skin lipids, reduce trans-epidermal water loss, and improve skin texture.”

At Anatomy Naturals, we trust the research. That’s why we’re so excited about our upcoming face oil launch, formulated with a powerhouse blend of some of the most beneficial seed oils in skincare. You’ll find ingredients like borage seed oil (rich in gamma-linolenic acid for calming irritation), cranberry seed oil (full of antioxidants and omega 3–6–9), and meadowfoam seed oil (for superior moisture barrier support). These oils are thoughtfully blended to nourish aging, dull, and sensitive skin without ever feeling greasy or heavy.

Because when it comes to real results, nature knows best and seed oils deliver.

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