Sunflower Seed Oil

Helianthus annuus

Sunflower Seed Oil is considered to be an affordable all-purpose carrier oil. Because several varieties of Sunflower Seed Oil are produced that strive for abundance of oleic acid or linoleic acid, it can be helpful to study the composition of the specific oil that you are working with in order to understand its properties and shelf life.

A High Oleic Acid version of Sunflower Oil is produced from sunflower crops raised to produce higher ratios of oleic acid. Sunflower Seed Oil that is higher in oleic acid is sometimes more desirable as the oil tends to have a longer, stable shelf life. It is also sometimes more desired by soapmakers because oleic acid can be highly mosturizing in soap formulations.

Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage by Len Price mentions that Sunflower Oil contains approximately 12% saturated fat, and 64% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid). Standard Sunflower Oil contains approximately 20% oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid), and High Oleic Sunflower Oil contains approximately 80% Oleic Acid. [Len Price with Ian Smith and Shirley Price, Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage (United Kingdom: Riverhead, 1999), 138.]

Botanical Name

Helianthus annuus

Aroma

Faint and Sweet

Viscosity

Thin

Absorption/Feel

Penetrates Well and Does not Leave an Oily Residue

Color

Virtually Clear With a Yellow Tinge

Shelf Life

12 Months

Important Information

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General Safety Information

Use caution when trying any new ingredient, including carrier oils on the skin or in the hair. Those with nut allergies should consult their medical practitioner before coming into contact with nut oils, butters or other nut products. Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Safety information can be found by visiting the Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand.

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