Cottonseed oil
Cottonseed oil is a lightweight, emollient plant oil commonly used in UK skincare and haircare products for its moisturising and softening properties. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, making it a gentle, non-greasy ingredient that helps nourish and protect skin and hair. Shoppers often find it in creams, lip balms, cleansers and hair masks.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, cottonseed oil functions primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. Its high content of unsaturated fatty acids allows it to form a soft, breathable layer on the skin that helps reduce transepidermal water loss while delivering a smooth, velvety after-feel. It is also valued for its mildness and compatibility with sensitive formulations, often appearing in cleansers, moisturisers, lip products and hair treatments where it improves spreadability and enhances overall sensory appeal without leaving a heavy or greasy residue.
Key benefits
- Deeply moisturises and softens skin
- Helps strengthen the skin barrier
- Provides antioxidant protection from vitamin E
- Improves hair softness and manageability
- Non-greasy lightweight texture
- Enhances product spreadability and feel
Best for
dry skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, normal skin
Where it comes from
Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium herbaceum or Gossypium hirsutum) after the cotton fibres have been harvested.