Product Description:
Sun Flower Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus), one of the most widely cultivated oil crops in the world. The oil is clear to light amber in colour with a slightly fatty scent and a light texture that absorbs into the skin without leaving a heavy residue. Sun Flower Oil is one of the most studied and widely used carrier oils in cosmetic formulation, valued for its non comedogenic nature and skin barrier compatibility. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Sun Flower Oil as a raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY formulators, and skin care product developers looking for a dependable, everyday carrier oil.
Botanical and Trade Names
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
English Name: Sunflower Oil
INCI Name: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Other Common Names: Sunflower Seed Oil, Sun Flower Carrier Oil
Key Properties
- Cold pressed from sunflower seeds with no heat and no chemical solvents involved
- Light texture with good absorption and a non greasy after-feel
- Naturally rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid, and Vitamin E
- Unrefined and supplied in its natural state without bleaching or deodorisation
- Non comedogenic profile suited for most skin types including oily and acne prone skin
- Widely used and well studied across cosmetic and personal care formulation
- Compatible with other carrier oils, butters, and oil-phase ingredients
About Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of sunflower heads in its organic form, though commercially produced sunflower oil is more commonly extracted with solvents. It is native to North America but is commercially grown across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra in India. It is a light, moisturising oil that works as an effective base for light creams, massage oils, and aromatherapy carrier blends, and as an emollient it can be used in cleansing products for both skin and hair.
One important thing to understand about sunflower oil is that it is not one fixed product — there are several distinct types based on their fatty acid profile, including high linoleic, mid-oleic, high oleic, and high stearic/high oleic variants. The higher the monounsaturated and saturated fatty acid content, the more heat and oxidation stable the oil becomes. High linoleic sunflower seed oil, where linoleic acid is the predominant fatty acid, is particularly beneficial for repairing the skin lipid barrier. Sunflower oil is high in vitamins D and E, as well as lecithin, and it is growing in popularity as a substitute for soybean oil as an alternative lecithin source in natural cosmetics, particularly given concerns about genetically modified soybean. Despite being widely available and affordable, sunflower oil is genuinely effective for the care of dry, irritated, and inflamed skin.
| Property |
Detail |
| INCI Name |
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil |
| Sourced From |
Native to North America; commercially grown in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, India |
| Processed & Packed |
Processed & Packed in India |
| Function |
Emollient, skin conditioning |
| Absorption Rate |
Typically medium; may vary depending on the type of sunflower oil (high linoleic vs high oleic) |
| Recommended Usage Amount |
Typically up to 100%; works well as a standalone or blended base oil |
| Heat Stability |
Generally poor, but may vary depending on the type — high oleic versions tend to be more heat stable |
| Colour |
Typically light yellow to golden yellow; colour may vary slightly between batches and grades |
| Scent |
Weak odour |
| Oxidation Stability |
Generally unstable, but may vary depending on the type — high oleic versions offer better oxidation resistance |
| Restrictions |
None |
| Substitution |
Corn oil |
Working with Sunflower Oil in Your Formulations
Sunflower oil works well in anhydrous products such as balms, masks, butters, and scrubs, and can also be used in emulsions and haircare products. Its light texture makes it a reliable base for light creams, massage oils, and aromatherapy blends, and it is particularly effective in formulations targeting dry, irritated, or inflamed skin.
Quality & Formulation Notes
No adverse effects or formulation restrictions are documented for sunflower oil. The most useful thing to confirm when sourcing is which type of sunflower oil is being supplied, as the fatty acid profile and stability characteristics vary significantly between high linoleic and high oleic versions. For natural cosmetics where soybean concerns are relevant, sunflower oil is increasingly used as the lecithin source instead.
Applications
Skin Care Formulations: Facial oils, body lotions, moisturisers, baby care formulations, balms
Hair Care Formulations: Hair oils, conditioning treatments, scalp serums
Cosmetic and Soap Making: Carrier base for essential oil and aromatherapy blends, massage oils, soap making, lotion and cream oil-phase ingredient
General Use: Bulk supply for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY skin and hair care kits, salon and spa product formulations
Packing and Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in active use. Recommended storage temperature below 25°C. Refrigeration is acceptable for extended shelf life. Best before 12 months from packaging date. Natural variation in colour and scent between batches is characteristic of a cold pressed, unrefined oil.
Caution
Patch test is recommended before use on skin. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or physician.