How Does Safflower Oil Help Your Skin?

It may not be the trendiest or most googled skincare ingredient but, well, maybe it should be. Safflower oil, also known as carthamus tinctorius, is a secret weapon for a multitude of skin concerns including acne, ageing, and hyperpigmentation - and might just be the most underrated skincare ingredient in the industry...

With a thick, buttery consistency, safflower oil is derived from the seeds of safflower plants and is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and linoleic acid; all of which contribute to the abundance of safflower oil benefits for skin.

Six safflower oil benefits for skin

1. Safflower oil for acne

One of safflower oil’s most unique distinguishing features is the fact that it contains around 70% linoleic acid, which is a hero ingredient when it comes to acne prevention and reducing the size of blackheads and whiteheads.

It’s very easy to be scared of using a facial oil when you have acne or oily skin, but drying things out can often make the problem worse. The key is to choose an oil that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Safflower oil is non-comedogenic and can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin.

2. Safflower oil for skin lightening and hyperpigmentation

Research has shown that linoleic acid, of which safflower oil contains extremely high quantities, has been used to treat the hyperpigmentation condition melasma. Safflower also contains serotonin derivatives and acacetin that can help to lighten dark patches, suntan, and other skin discoloration. Safflower benefits for skin also include generally evening out the skin tone.

3. Safflower benefits for skin barrier

Safflower oil benefits for skin include stabilising the skin barrier and keeping inflammation and irritation at bay, according to a 2018 study. Indeed, its incredible anti-inflammatory properties are the perfect reason to use safflower seed oil for skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.

4. Safflower seed oil for skin injuries and wound healing

A natural antifungal and antimicrobial, safflower oil skin wound healing effects have been evidenced in research showing its effectiveness in the treatment management and prevention of both acute and chronic skin injuries.

5. Safflower oil skin moisturiser

Safflower oil benefits for skin moisturisation are largely due to its unique composition, which includes a combination of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. Individually, each of these has nourishing and hydrating qualities, but the trio together form a powerhouse of replenishment and deep moisturisation.

6. Safflower oil for face anti-ageing

Research has found that safflower oil helps inhibit UVB-induced photo-aging and the damage caused by exposure to UVB rays, and that it contains acacetin, which can also prevent photo-aging. Safflower oil is also very high in vitamin E, which is recognised as a potent antioxidant, works to minimise the appearance of aging, and also helps restore collagen.

Dr Sebagh: A skincare brand that maximises safflower oil benefits for skin

With celebrity clients that have included Madonna, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Kylie Minogue, and Simon Cowell, Dr Sebagh has been leading the way in preventative treatments and skincare for over 30 years.

The Dr Sebagh skincare range combines luxury with science-led formulas and clinically proven ingredients. It stands to reason that Dr Sebagh is a huge fan of safflower oil benefits for skin and incorporates the ingredient into a number of his pioneering products.

Dr Sebagh skincare is made in the brand's factory in France, where an expert team of in-house scientists work to realise the ‘ageing-maintenance’ vision with new and innovative formulas.

4 Dr Sebagh safflower oil-infused skin care picks

1. Dr Sebagh Supreme Day Cream

Elle Macpherson is a fan, Vogue recommends it, and it contains skin saviour safflower oil; Dr Sebagh’s Supreme Day Cream is your ultimate beauty bodyguard. The “ageing-maintenance” hydrating cream protects against daily skin fatigue and dryness and the safflower oil benefits for skin are intensified by the addition of hyaluronic acid, which promotes moisture retention.

2. Dr Sebagh High Maintenance Cream

Voted best Winter skin cream by Harper’s Bazaar, and based on seven breakthrough active ingredients, including safflower oil, skin will look more radiant, smooth, and youthful when using High Maintenance Cream, which slows down the aging process, provides daily protection against environmental aggressors, and improves overall skin quality.

3. Dr Sebagh Supreme Neck Lift

Recommended by Sheerluxe, Dr Sebagh’s Supreme Neck lift is a safflower oil skin care product that gets visible results within just weeks of regular use. The highly concentrated cream contains a potent combination of active ingredients that boost elasticity and tighten and firm sagging skin.

4. Dr Sebagh Supreme Night Secret

Designed specifically for night-time use, the latest biotech ingredients in Dr Sebagh’s Supreme Night Secret, including safflower oil, work alongside the skin’s natural body clock to combat the signs of aging as you sleep. The luxurious, cell stimulating cream encourages skin regeneration and combats signs of fatigue, whilst antioxidants protect the skin from harmful environmental aggressors.