If you’re looking for the best sesame oil for skin, you’re in the right place. The reviews below go in-depth about which sesame oil brand is best and how to use sesame oil for glowing skin. Let’s begin by discussing the benefits of sesame oil.
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Here’s why it’s time to try sesame oil on your face
Although celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow are using sesame for oil pulling, that’s not the only benefit. Sure, oil pulling might help your teeth and gums because sesame oil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. But it’s also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, so it’s perfect for treating wrinkles and protecting against sun damage.
Sesame oil guards against environmental pollution and UV rays which can prematurely age the skin. Moreover, it could help treat acne as it calms inflammation. It’s right in the middle on the comedogenic scale, which means it doesn’t present a high risk for clogging pores (1).
We’ve also seen studies done on sesame oil for treating burns and other types of trauma. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it’s used for massage, too. After all, it keeps the skin supple.
Which is the best kind of sesame oil for skin?
We prefer cold-pressed sesame oil for the skin as it retains the maximum amount of nutrients. However, refined sesame oil is also a good choice because it’s lower on the comedogenic scale and less likely to clog pores.
Now, there are different types of sesame oil including dark and light. The dark, toasted seed oil is a favorite seasoning for Asian foods because of its strong nutty flavor. Meanwhile, the light-colored oil is best for cooking and has a milder flavor and aroma.
How to use sesame oil on skin
Any time you use a natural oil to moisturize your skin, there is a trick you need to know. It works best if you use it right after you wash. Apply it to damp skin.
That’s because plant oil by itself doesn’t hydrate. It doesn’t add water or attract moisture into the skin like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
Don’t waste a lot of time with your towel. Instead, a thin layer of the oil and give it a minute or two to absorb.
The same is true if you want to deep condition your hair. Make a homemade mask with sesame oil and apply it to the ends of your hair when it’s damp.
Which sesame oil brand is best?
If you’re not sure which brand to get, we recommend choosing organic oil from a reputable manufacturer. If it’s food-grade, then it’s perfectly safe for skincare, too. Scroll down to see our top picks of the best organic sesame oils.
FYI, much of the worldwide supply of sesame oil comes from the flowering Sesamum indicum plant in Tanzania, Africa, but the crop is also grown in other places like Turkey, India, and other parts of Asia.
| The best sesame oils for skin | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Banyan Botanicals Sesame Oil |
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| Eden Foods Organic Sesame Oil |
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| US Organic Sesame Seed Oil |
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| Whole Foods Market Sesame Seed Oil |
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| Spectrum Organic Sesame Oil, Unrefined |
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| NOW Solutions, Organic Sesame Seed Oil |
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| Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil for Dry Skin |
|
Best Sesame Oils for Skin in 2022
Banyan Botanicals Sesame Oil
Here’s Ayurveda sesame oil for skin from an experienced Ayurvedic products manufacturer. The company is a B-Corp. based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They use sustainably sourced sesame seed oil for this product, and it’s USDA-certified organic.
No chemicals are used to extract the oil from the seeds – it’s expeller-pressed. That’s why it retains the gorgeous, natural aroma of sesame and it’s packed with polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and natural goodness.
As you may already know, Ayurvedic medicine prizes sesame oil. It’s used for oil pulling to heal the teeth and gums as well as caring for the hair and skin. Specifically, it’s good for kapha and vata.
Reviewers love this oil because it absorbs easily when used as a moisturizer. Not only that, but it can also cleanse the skin and remove makeup without the need for scrubbing.
The manufacturer sells the oil in three different sizes and offers a satisfaction guarantee. The only downside is that it’s packaged in plastic instead of glass – but it’s BPA-free.
Pros:
- USDA-certified organic sesame oil, expeller-pressed and unrefined
- Suitable for makeup removal, moisturizing, skin care, hair care, and oil pulling
- From an Ayurvedic products manufacturer with over twenty-five years of experience
- Comes with a satisfaction guarantee
- Sustainably sourced
- Available in three different sizes (16, 34, and 128-ounce bottles)
Cons:
- Packaged in plastic, but it’s BPA-free
Eden Foods Organic Sesame Oil
Not every manufacturer shows the same level of care when it comes to sesame oil. This company uses nitrogen to flush the bottles before pouring in the oil. It’s the same thing that high-end winemakers do. The nitrogen pushes out the excess oxygen to prevent rancidity so that the product stays fresh for longer.
What’s more, the unrefined, cold-pressed oil comes from seeds sourced in Mexico. The oil is certified organic and kosher and packed in a dark glass bottle. It has a golden color and a mild flavor – just in case you end up cooking with it instead of putting it on your skin.
The bottle holds 32 tablespoons, so if you’re only using a few drops at a time, it’s going to last for months. That’s because 1 teaspoon is approximately one hundred drops (of water). Multiply that times 3 teaspoons per tablespoon and that’s a lot of drops in the bottle. (Of course, the final result may vary because sesame oil is much thicker than water).
Pros:
- Certified organic and kosher, unrefined
- Manufacturer uses nitrogen flushing during bottling to keep the oil fresh
- Packaged in amber glass
Cons:
- Small bottle, but can last for months since you only need a few drops at a time
US Organic Sesame Seed Oil
US Organic obtains sesame seeds from the USA, Mexico, or India, but they bottle the oil in the USA. They have a FDA-registered facility that follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
At any rate, this is USDA-certified organic product made from Sesamum indicum seeds that are expeller-pressed. That’s the same as cold-pressed, which means the oil retains the natural scent, color, and all the nutrients because no heat is used to process it.
What’s nice is the oil comes with a dropper for precise application and measurements. Users say it’s quick-absorbing and kind to sensitive skin.
Pros:
- USDA-certified organic, unrefined
- Cold-pressed from seeds harvested in the USA, Mexico, or India
- Comes with a dropper
Cons:
- Not labeled for cooking
Whole Foods Market Sesame Seed Oil
As you know, Whole Foods is picky about the products they sell. If you already trust the brand, then you’re probably interested in this Kosher sesame seed oil. It’s organic and unrefined, expeller-pressed from unroasted seeds.
The bottle is a convenient 8.4-ounce size. It’s small enough and affordable enough that it’s a good place to start if you’ve never used sesame seed oil before. The label says it holds 17 tablespoons, which is equal to 51 teaspoons, and that ends up being approximately 5100 drops per bottle. Think about it: if you only use four drops per day on your face, this little bottle will last a very long time. Maybe you want to go cook stir fry with it, too!
Pros:
- Organic, unrefined, expeller-pressed
- Certified Kosher
- Made from unroasted seeds
- Can be used for cooking, skin care, and oil pulling
Cons:
- Small bottle, but good introductory size
Spectrum Organic Sesame Oil, Unrefined
This is the best sesame oil for those of you avoiding GMOs (genetically modified organisms). It’s Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA organic. It’s even certified Kosher.
What is it mean if it’s Kosher? A rabbinic agency has investigated the ingredients, facility, and production process to ensure that non-kosher substances are not involved in any way. You might think this is a bunch of bunk, but it has an unexpected benefit for everyone, not just those who follow Jewish dietary laws. If it’s Kosher, it’s also insect-free, so you’ll never have to worry about roaches having access to the sesame oil.
One last note – the manufacturer suggests storing the oil in a cool, dark place and using it within twelve weeks after opening.
Pros:
- Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, and USDA-certified organic
- Held to high purity standards
Cons:
- Use it within twelve weeks after opening
NOW Solutions, Organic Sesame Seed Oil
If you have allergies or extra sensitive skin from chemo, you’re probably extra careful about skincare products you use. Why not go back to Nature and eliminate as many unnecessary ingredients as possible? Use pure, organic sesame seed oil as your moisturizer. It soothes itchy skin and has no lingering odor.
It’s produced by NOW, a family-owned business that’s been making supplements, essential oils, and food products like this one for over five decades. They have an extensive in-house testing process to ensure the purity and quality of everything they make. Moreover, they abide by FDA GMP regulations as well as Natural Products Association rules.
The oil itself is expeller-pressed and hexane-free, ready to use right out of the bottle. The only downside is that it’s packed in plastic.
Pros:
- Cold-pressed and hexane-free
- Produced by an American manufacturer with stringent in-house testing for purity and quality
- Brand also follows FDA and NPA regulations
Cons:
- Plastic bottle
Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil for Dry Skin
Let’s wrap up with Neutrogena’s sesame body oil. At the beginning of the article, we suggested applying sesame oil to damp skin if you want to use it as a moisturizer. Well, this product emphasizes that approach. The happiest reviewers are the ones who slather it on as soon as they turn off the shower. It seals in the moisture and leaves their skin silky soft.
Furthermore, you can add a few drops to the bath and soak in it. Either way, the product absorbs more quickly than pure sesame oil. That’s because it contains a few extra ingredients to help it sink in faster. There’s even a hint of fragrance that reminded us of suntan lotion, but it fades quickly.
If you’ve struggled to find lotion or body butter that fixes your dry skin, maybe you need to use this oil instead.
On the dark side, the formula contains parabens, a preservative that’s gotten bad press for potentially messing with hormones.
Pros:
- Fast-absorbing moisturizer, sinks in quicker than plain sesame oil
- Leaves dry skin feeling like silk
- Can be applied to damp skin immediately after bathing or showering
- Can also be added to bath water
- Light fragrance disguises the nutty sesame oil scent
Cons:
- Contains parabens
Conclusion
Sesame oil is packed with vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants to repair the skin. Try it and let Nature’s goodness help you feel and look young again.
We hope our reviews helped you discover the best sesame seed oil for your needs today. Check back soon to learn more about natural products to boost your well-being.
Source:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sesame-oil-for-skin Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Corey Whelan on July 1, 2019
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