Although traditionally known for its culinary uses and therapeutic applications in Ayurvedic medicine, sesame oil has long been used in the cosmetics industry as a highly nourishing, antioxidant, and regenerating plant-based active.
Its composition, rich in essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants, makes it an excellent option for daily skin care, especially when aiming to repair, soften, and protect.
It is obtained from the seeds of Sesamum indicum and is a natural source of:
- Essential fatty acids, such as linoleic (omega-6) and oleic (omega-9), which are fundamental for maintaining the skin’s barrier function.
- Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects against cellular damage.
- Phytosterols and lecithin, with emollient and regenerating properties.
- Sesamol and sesamin, two unique lignans from sesame with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
This composition makes it especially useful for dry, sensitive, mature skin or skin showing signs of oxidative stress.
Benefits of sesame oil
Sesame oil has a silky and light texture that penetrates the skin well without leaving a heavy feeling. Its regular use provides:
- Deep nourishment, restoring skin elasticity and flexibility.
- Antioxidant action, which helps prevent premature aging caused by free radicals.
- Soothing and repairing effect, ideal for skin damaged by sun exposure, cold, or aggressive treatments.
- Calming and protection, especially useful for reactive, irritated, or atopic-prone skin.
- Mild detoxifying action, thanks to its ability to stimulate circulation and promote the elimination of toxins at a superficial level.
Additionally, some in vitro studies have observed that sesame lignans can modulate cellular inflammation and improve the skin’s natural antioxidant response.
Uses of sesame oil
Due to its comprehensive profile, sesame oil adapts to various cosmetic uses. It can be used as the oily phase in creams and moisturizing emulsions; in body oils, massage oils, or anti-stretch mark treatments; in nourishing serums for the face or eye contour; and in after-sun or soothing post-treatment products. It is even used in oil-based or balm facial cleansers, thanks to its good affinity with the skin.
Being a stable vegetable oil, well tolerated and non-comedogenic, it can be used on all skin types, including sensitive or oily-prone skin, as long as it is properly formulated.
At Sisneo, we use sesame oil as the lipophilic phase in protocols for dehydrated, irritated, or dull skin, applying it through transdermal electroporation. This technique allows it to be introduced into the deeper layers of the skin, where its active components can act more effectively.
The result is visibly more nourished, calm, and radiant skin, with an immediate improvement in elasticity and comfort. When combined with other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or soothing botanical extracts, sesame oil becomes an ideal vehicle for intensive and reparative treatments.
Commitment to quality
This text about sesame oil has been prepared by professional writers. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following sources:
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- Hsu E, Parthasarathy S. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Sesame Oil on Atherosclerosis: A Descriptive Literature Review. Cureus. 2017 Jul 6;9(7):e1438. doi: 10.7759/cureus.1438. PMID: 28924525; PMCID: PMC5587404.
- Machado, A. P. d. F., Rodriguez‑Nogales, A., & de Paula do Nascimento, R. (Eds.). (2022). Natural plant products in inflammatory bowel diseases: Preventive and therapeutic potential. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-99111-7.00004-3