Cottonseed Oil and Beauty

Cottonseed oil is a well-known ingredient used to make nutritious recipes, but did you know it also has numerous benefits when applied on the body? From skin to hair, there are many ways you can add cottonseed oil to your beauty routine.

Why Cottonseed Oil for Skincare?

“The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids¹ (51.9 g per 100 g) and vitamin E² (35.3 mg per 100 g) [in cottonseed oil] offers a natural alternative for skin health,” explained beauty nutrition and formulation expert Paula Simpson.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage. The fatty acids in cottonseed oil [when applied topically] also promote a strong skin barrier to help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.³

Cottonseed oil’s antioxidant content helps to protect cells against damage from the UV rays and pollution our skin is exposed to on a daily basis, according to New York City dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. Too much UV ray exposure can lead to premature skin aging and signs of sun damage, such as wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis and solar elastosis.⁴

Why Cottonseed Oil for Haircare?

High-end oils and hair masks are all the rage in the beauty industry right now. Some claim to add moisture, while others boast hair growth properties. As it turns out, you have a natural and cost-effective option in cottonseed oil.

“Some studies⁵ suggest that plant oils [when applied topically] may help promote hair growth and protect hair from damage,” shared Simpson.⁶

According to Dr. King, the high concentrations of vitamin E and fatty acids in cottonseed oil mean great things for your hair when used topically. “These ingredients can help moisturize the hair and […] increase luster and help decrease hair breakage as well.”⁷

Practical Uses for Cottonseed Oil in Your Daily Routine

Now that you know how cottonseed oil can benefit your skin and hair, here are some ways you can work it into your beauty routine.

1. Gentle Makeup Remover
   Swap your makeup remover for cottonseed oil. Simply massage into skin and then rinse away with a damp washcloth for a more gentle and moisturizing way to remove your makeup at the end of the day.
2. Daily Moisturizer
   Use it alone or add cottonseed oil when applying any of your daily lotions for an added boost of moisture and nourishment for your skin.
3. Cuticle Oil
   Cuticle hydration is not just for manicures. “Cuticles get dry. They crack, peel and flake, just like the skin does. A good moisturizer for the cuticles is important, just like for dry skin,” shared Richard Scher, MD, a Cornell University dermatology professor. Apply cottonseed oil to your cuticles and around your nails to help keep them healthy and hydrated.
4. Homemade Body Scrub
   Say goodbye to dry, dead skin and hello to silky smooth, nourished skin. Adding cottonseed oil to a homemade body scrub can help to revitalize dry skin and leave your skin soft and hydrated after exfoliating.
5. Add Shine and Tame Frizz
   Apply a small amount of cottonseed oil to the ends of your hair to help it appear shiny and hydrate any dry ends. If you have trouble with frizzy hair, using a small amount higher up the hair shaft can also help to smooth frizz and tame flyaways.
6. Scalp Hydration
   Apply cottonseed oil to your scalp and massage it in to moisturize your roots. The cottonseed oil will help to hydrate your scalp and prevent dryness while adding moisture and shine. Leave it on for at least two hours before shampooing.
7. Gua Sha
   Moisturize with cottonseed oil to make sure your skin is slick and well-oiled before using a Gua Sha to sculpt and massage your face and body. Your skin should be oiled enough so that the Gua Sha is able to easily glide while you perform each movement.

Once you realize cottonseed oil is more than a kitchen staple, it’s exciting to spot it in the products you use. Want other ideas? Read more about how this versatile oil can be used.