As one of the oldest plants to ever be cultivated, Safflower Oil, also known as false saffron, has been used across textile, culinary and medicinal practices for thousands of years. In fact, Safflower Oil was used by Native tribes and communities all around the world to create anti-inflammatory ointments, soothe fevers and assist with jaundice.
Safflower Oil was believed to assist with hysteria, measles, pain, panic attacks and skin conditions. It was also thought to promote blood flow and even have aphrodisiac properties. Now, Safflower Oil is sought after as a valuable carrier oil in cosmetic and aromatherapeutic practice for its soothing and hydrating qualities
What is Safflower Oil?
The Safflower plant (Carthamus Tinctorius) originated from Mexico and is widely known for its bright yellow and orange flowers. Safflower Oil is made by cold pressing the seeds of the Safflower plant to retain its natural vitamin, mineral and essential fatty acid content. It has a pale yellow colour with a light consistency and is easily absorbable into the skin, making it a popular choice to use as a massage oil, or add to existing skincare products.
Safflower Oil has an approximate shelf-life of 1 to 2 years if it is stored correctly in a dark, cool place kept at room temperature. Safflower Oil is also known to cleanse and soothe dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin types because of its light consistency.
It has been seen to promote healthy, glowing hair and skin due to its natural antioxidant and vitamin content. It may also help moisturise the skin, promote healthy hair and act as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Benefits of Safflower Oil
The chemical profile of Safflower Oil includes a spectrum of restorative and protective qualities including vitamin E, A, and essential fatty acids (notably Omega 9, Omega 3 and Omega 6). It also contains palmitic, stearic, linolenic and palmitoleic acids that may ease inflammation, enhance soft, supple skin and brighten the complexion.
As a highly valued ingredient for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, Safflower Oil can be used directly, added to existing cosmetic products, or as a base to dilute essential oils. Here are some potential benefits of Safflower Oil:
- Soothe skin conditions such as eczema
- Protect the skin barrier from free radicals and UV damage
- Help with muscle pain and joint stiffness
- Cleanse the pores to remove dirt, sweat and pollutants
- Promote soft, supple skin
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Encourage bright complexion
- Soothe dry skin
- Condition hair shafts to protect from environmental damage
- Soothe acne breakouts
- Encourage wound healing
- Help promote thick, long and healthy hair growth
- Build moisture retention in skin and hair
- Enhance skin elasticity
Common Uses of Safflower Oil
Safflower Oil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in nutritious fatty acids and vitamins. Here are some popular uses for Safflower Oil:
Safflower Oil For Hair
Safflower Oil for Hair
The compounds in Safflower Oil are known to nourish, protect and replenish damaged, dull or brittle looking hair.
- Its essential fatty acid content may promote thick hair growth and work to prevent hair loss.
- With a rich oleic acid content, Safflower Oil contains intensely moisturising properties that may soothe the scalp and retain moisture in the hair shaft.
- Safflower Oil contains stearic acid, which is known to help condition hair and promote shine.
- As a rich source of vitamin E and antioxidants, Safflower Oil has been seen to help protect the hair from free radicals and UV damage.
- Safflower Oil may also work to reduce an itchy or dry scalp while eliminating dandruff.
Safflower Oil For Skin
Safflower Oil for Skin
- Because of its natural vitamin E and A content, Safflower Oil may help skin cell health. It has been seen to help soothe the skin’s barrier while working to prevent flaking skin.
- Safflower Oil may also help to soothe skin irritations such as eczema, with its natural anti-inflammatory components.
Safflower Oil For Acne
Safflower Oil for Acne
Safflower Oil is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores and may act as a cleanser to help balance the skin.
- Safflower Oil contains natural cleansing properties that may purge away dirt, pollutants and excess oil from the skin.
- Its natural anti-inflammatory qualities may also soothe acne breakouts.
- Safflower Oil is a great base to dilute Lavender or Tea Tree Essential Oil to soothe and cleanse acne breakouts.
How To Apply Safflower Oil
Massage: Dilute a few drops of your favourite essential oil in Safflower Oil to create a soothing and hydrating massage oil.
Directly on the Skin: Apply directly onto the skin to receive the many skin benefits of Safflower Oil.
Diluting with Essential Oils: Safflower Carrier Oil makes a great base for diluting essential oils. You can also add it to your favourite skincare products such as skin serums and moisturisers.
Hair Mask: Apply this carrier oil to the scalp to create a nourishing hair mask.
Is Safflower Oil Safe?
Safflower Oil is known to be generally safe for topical use on the skin.
Before using Safflower Oil, we recommend performing a skin patch test on a small area of the skin to check for a reaction. Those with sensitive skin should perform the test over at least 48 hours.
As a carrier oil, we do not recommend ingesting or using Safflower Oil for culinary use. Our products are for therapeutic and aromatherapy purposes and are not food grade.
If you are on blood-thinning medication, have bleeding disorders, have diabetes or are undergoing surgery, speak with your GP before implementing Safflower Oil into your skincare routine.
When storing Safflower Oil, ensure that it is kept away from direct sunlight in a cool space at room temperature to optimise its shelf life. Also, keep out of reach of children.
Safflower Oil and Pregnancy
When used topically, Safflower Oil is considered generally safe for use during pregnancy to enhance skin health.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend reaching out to your GP or healthcare professional to discuss your concerns about implementing Safflower Oil into your skincare routine. Do not ingest Safflower Oil at any stage of your pregnancy as it may cause the uterus to contract and bring on menstrual periods.
Where To Buy Carrier Oils?
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less which allows us to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!