The problems with cooking with seed oils are:

• High in omega-6 fatty acids: Seed oils like soybean, corn, and sunflower oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6s are essential, many people consume them in excess, potentially leading to inflammation.
• Processing and oxidation: The processing of seed oils often involves high heat and chemical solvents, which can lead to oxidation and the formation of harmful compounds.
• Instability at high heat: When heated to high temperatures, seed oils can break down and form harmful compounds.
• Processed Foods: It is also important to point out that many seed oils are often used in ultra-processed foods, which contain a plethora of other problematic ingredients.

But what about using seed oils on your skin? In this case, things such as processing, fatty acid consumption and instability, are not applicable.

So, what are seed oils?

Simply put, seed oils are vegetable oils extracted from the seeds of various plants. These oils are often rich in:

• Essential fatty acids: Like omega-3 and omega-6, which can help nourish and moisturize the skin.
• Antioxidants: Such as vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
• Vitamins: Some seed oils contain vitamins A, C, and other beneficial nutrients.

The Science of Seeds:

Seed oils are mainly made of triglycerides, which are like tiny molecules with a "backbone" (glycerol) and three "tails" (fatty acids). These fatty acid "tails" are where the action is:

• Saturated fatty acids: These are straight and stable, like a ruler. They're generally solid at room temperature (like butter).
• Unsaturated fatty acids: These have bends or kinks in their tails due to "double bonds" between carbon atoms. These bends make them less stable, especially when heated.

These are mainly an issue, again, when heated and consumed. This can lead to oxidation, which is when the double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids are vulnerable to reacting with oxygen — especially when heated. This creates harmful compounds that can contribute to inflammation and other health problems. Heating oils at very high temperatures or repeatedly reheating them can also create trans fats, which are particularly unhealthy.

When it comes to skincare, scientific research has shown the contrary; seed oils can in fact be very beneficial for skin. Research has found:

1. Sunflower wins out over olive oil as helping to support the appearance of healthy, hydrated skin — with findings relevant even to newborn skin.

2. Seed oils are being researched for their bioactive compounds and subsequent use in sunscreen applications.

3. Some research has explored seed oils for their potential to help skin look more youthful.

4. Some seed oils are non-comedogenic and gentle on skin that prefers a kinder approach.

Benefits of Seed Oils for Skin

Depending on the specific oil, seed oils can offer a variety of potential benefits for the skin:

• Moisturization: Many seed oils are excellent emollients, meaning they help to soften and smooth the skin by locking in moisture.
• Anti-aging: Antioxidants in seed oils can help protect against the visible signs of premature aging caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants.
• Skin Comfort: Some seed oils may help skin look calmer and more comfortable.
• Skin Appearance: Some oils, like rosehip oil, are associated with skin that looks smoother, with fine lines appearing less visible over time.

Why the Bad Reputation?

The negatives of seed oils in skincare are largely based on their quality and whether they are comedogenic (i.e., pore clogging).

So, what do we use?

We chose to use 🌻 Sunflower oil, because it is:

Rich in linoleic acid: This essential fatty acid can help strengthen the skin's barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Contains vitamin E: This antioxidant can help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
May help skin appear calmer and more comfortable, especially for easily irritated skin.

Additionally, sunflower seed oil is considered non-comedogenic, though — like any plant — some people might have an adverse reaction to it.