Ingredient

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

Positive in 21 products Neutral in 1

What is Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil?

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is a type of vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant. The oil is commonly obtained through pressing and subsequent refinement, which can involve chemical processing.

This oil is widely used in cosmetics and food products due to its emollient properties, helping to moisturize and soften the skin. However, it is rated as very_bad in the context of Scout's doctrine on seed oils, primarily due to concerns over its high omega-6 fatty acid content, which may contribute to inflammation when consumed in imbalanced proportions.

When you see Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil on a label, it's often included for its texture and moisturizing properties, especially in personal care products like lip balms and lotions.

Commonly found in: Deodorant, Lip Care, Makeup, Body Care, Cooking

What to watch

  • Contains high omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation if not balanced with omega-3s.
FDA

The FDA generally recognizes sunflower seed oil as safe for use in food and cosmetics.

Research

Studies show mixed effects; while beneficial for skin hydration, dietary impacts depend on overall fat balance.

Vegan

As a plant-derived oil, it is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.

Sources: Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease

Scout's take

Sunflower seed oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which help to nourish and protect the skin. It is known for its emollient properties, making it beneficial for maintaining skin hydration.

The case against

There are minimal risks associated with sunflower seed oil, though it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

from the analysis of Salt & Stone Deodorant - Neroli & Basil · echoed in 4 other analyses

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.

from the analysis of Thinkbaby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 - : Zinc Oxide, Whole Body Coverage · echoed in 1 other analysis

There are minimal risks associated with Sunflower Seed Oil, primarily related to potential sensitivity in rare cases.

from the analysis of Cocokind Daily Sunscreen - SPF 32

There are minimal risks associated with sunflower seed oil, though it may cause allergic reactions in rare cases.

from the analysis of Babo Botanicals - Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 For Extra Sensitive Skin

There is a low risk of allergic reactions, but it is generally considered safe for topical use.

from the analysis of MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick Baby

The case for

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier.

from the analysis of Babo Botanicals - Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 For Extra Sensitive Skin · echoed in 3 other analyses

It helps to moisturize and protect the lips, making it a beneficial ingredient in lip care products.

from the analysis of MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick Baby

Sunflower seed oil helps to moisturize and protect the skin, improving its texture and appearance.

from the analysis of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian Vanilla

Sunflower seed oil hydrates and nourishes the skin, enhancing its softness and elasticity.

from the analysis of Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Spray

It helps to nourish and protect the skin, improving hydration and reducing inflammation.

from the analysis of Cocokind Daily Sunscreen - SPF 32

More from Scout's analyses

Sunflower seed oil is a natural oil rich in vitamins and fatty acids, known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to nourish and protect the skin, making it soft and smooth. It is beneficial for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.

from the analysis of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian Vanilla

Sunflower Seed Oil is a natural oil rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, used for its moisturizing and skin-nourishing properties. It helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier and improve hydration. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.

from the analysis of The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, Size:, None

Sunflower seed oil is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier and provides hydration without clogging pores. It also has antioxidant properties.

from the analysis of Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Spray

Found in 22 products

Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen
95 Excellent
Hume Supernatural Body Wash Desert Bloom
Hume Supernatural Body Wash Desert Bloom
94 Excellent
Burt's Bees Honey Moisturizing Lip Balm
Burt's Bees Honey Moisturizing Lip Balm
90 Excellent
Papatui Paraben-Free Men's Ageless Action Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Face Exfoliating Scrub - Unscented
Papatui Paraben-Free Men's Ageless Action Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Face Exfoliating Scrub - Unscented
85 Excellent
Babo Botanicals - Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 For Extra Sensitive Skin
Babo Botanicals - Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 For Extra Sensitive Skin
85 Excellent
Cocokind Daily Sunscreen - SPF 32
Cocokind Daily Sunscreen - SPF 32
85 Excellent
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Spray - SPF 30 - : Whole Body Protection
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Spray - SPF 30 - : Whole Body Protection
85 Excellent
Thinkbaby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 - : Zinc Oxide, Whole Body Coverage
Thinkbaby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 - : Zinc Oxide, Whole Body Coverage
85 Excellent
babo BOTANICALS Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunscreen
babo BOTANICALS Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunscreen
80 Good
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Spray
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Spray
78 Good
Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunrise Hydrating Glowy Tinted Primer Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide - SPF 40
Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunrise Hydrating Glowy Tinted Primer Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide - SPF 40
78 Good
W3LL People Lush Lip Tinted Oil
W3LL People Lush Lip Tinted Oil
76 Good
The Honest Company Face+Body Lotion-Lavender Drea
The Honest Company Face+Body Lotion-Lavender Drea
75 Good
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, Size:, None
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, Size:, None
75 Good
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant - Bergamot & Hinoki
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant - Bergamot & Hinoki
75 Good
Salt & Stone Deodorant - Neroli & Basil
Salt & Stone Deodorant - Neroli & Basil
75 Good
MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick Baby
MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick Baby
75 Good
SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil Virgin Coconut Oil for Dry Skin
SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil Virgin Coconut Oil for Dry Skin
70 Good
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian Vanilla
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian Vanilla
70 Good
Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Fresh Apricot Deodorant
Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Fresh Apricot Deodorant
38 Poor
eos Shea Better Cashmere Body Wash Vanilla Cashmere
eos Shea Better Cashmere Body Wash Vanilla Cashmere
37 Poor
Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Cool Essentials
Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Cool Essentials
12 Poor

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