Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Also known as Sunflower Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Sunflower seed oil has a well-established safety and efficacy profile as a topical emollient. A randomized controlled trial (PMID 22995032) found it preserved stratum corneum integrity, did not cause erythema, and improved hydration in adult volunteers including those with atopic dermatitis history — in contrast to olive oil, which caused barrier damage. Multiple reviews confirm anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair benefits, and it has been evaluated for emollient use in preterm infants in developing-country settings. High-linoleic variety is generally considered superior for barrier repair relative to high-oleic.
Preserves stratum corneum integrity and improves skin hydration without causing erythema
Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects documented across multiple plant oil reviews
Considered safe for use on fragile neonatal skin as emollient in preterm infant care
- · Composition varies by cultivar (high-linoleic vs. high-oleic); high-oleic varieties may have reduced barrier-repair benefit compared to high-linoleic
- · Rare cases of contact allergy reported, primarily in individuals with compositae/Asteraceae sensitization
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 36(Suppl. 3):5…
“Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil | S | | IJT 36(Suppl. 3):51-129, 2017”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 56