Safflower Seed Oil
Safflower seed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy plant oil widely used in UK skincare and haircare for its moisturising and conditioning properties. Rich in linoleic acid, it helps soften skin and hair without leaving a heavy residue, making it a popular choice in facial oils, moisturisers, cleansing oils and hair treatments.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, safflower seed oil functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. Its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, helps replenish the skin’s lipid barrier, smooth rough texture and improve the overall feel of both leave-on and rinse-off formulations. It spreads easily, absorbs well and is often used to dilute thicker oils or act as a carrier for other active ingredients in facial serums, body oils and hair masks.
Key benefits
- Helps lock in moisture and soften dry skin
- Lightweight texture suitable for layering under makeup
- Conditions and smooths dry or frizzy hair
- Supports the skin’s natural barrier function
- Non-comedogenic for many users
- Imparts a healthy-looking glow without greasiness
Best for
dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, normal to combination skin
Where it comes from
Safflower seed oil is obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius), an annual herb in the sunflower family traditionally grown for its seeds and flowers.