safflower oil fermenting

Safflower Oil for Skin

Safflower Oil for skin has been used for centuries. In this article we take a look at why that is by dissecting the Safflower Oil benefits, examining what is Safflower Oil and Safflower Oil for acne.

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What is Safflower Oil?

Safflower, or Carthamus Tinctorius, is a herbaceous plant that appears similar to a yellowy orange flowered thistle. For years the safflower plant has been cultivated for its oil, which is extracted from the seeds. In its natural state, safflower oil is both colourless and flavourless.


So what is safflower oil used for? Similar to olive oil, the most common uses of safflower oil include cosmetics, cooking oil and as an ingredient in various food products, such as margarine and salad dressing.


Now we’ve covered what is safflower oil, let’s take a look at some of its benefits for skin.


safflower on a wrist

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Safflower Oil Benefits for Skin

The use of safflower oil for skin dates as far back as Ancient Egypt where the Egyptians used to use it as an ointment for its nourishing properties. Safflower oil benefits for skin include:


1. Antioxidant Effects:

There are numerous benefits of antioxidants for skin, but in the most rudimentary terms, they fight oxidation and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This in turn leads to brighter and healthier skin. The safflower oil used in our skincare products undergoes the process of fermentation, enhancing its antioxidant action.


2. Moisturising & Soothing for Dry Skin:

One of the safflower oil benefits is that it is particularly hydrating, especially for dry skin. Safflower oil contains Vitamin E, which is commonly added to skincare products for its ability to lock in moisture and treat dry skin.


3. Anti-Inflammatory:

Studies have shown that safflower oil for skin can possibly help to reduce inflammation, this is partially due to it containing antioxidants, Vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids.

woman with nice skin smiling

woman sniffing a safflower

4. Emollient:

Using safflower oil for skin can result in skin that feels much softer, due to its nourishing properties.


5. Smoother & Brighter Appearance:

The combination of antioxidants and hydration that safflower oil provides for skin can lead to a much smoother and brighter complexion.


6. Rich in Unsaturated Fatty Acids:

This is both a general health benefit of eating safflower oil and a skin benefit. As a healthy source of fatty acids, safflower oil can help the body to regulate hormones as well as absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Applying unsaturated fatty acids topically to skin can still be beneficial though as they can help to smoothen the skin complexion.

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Safflower Oil for Acne

If you have been diagnosed with acne, we always recommend you follow your GPs advice when it comes to skincare. At Florena, each of our products has been tested on all skin types, however they are not specifically formulated to treat acne.


If you do suffer from acne though, or just the occasional outbreak of spots, you would be forgiven for thinking that putting additional oil on your skin will worsen its condition. However, safflower oil is non comedogenic which means it should not clog your pores. The anti-inflammatory properties it possesses means it also has the potential to reduce redness, pimples and spots.


It is also worth noting that many cases of acne are linked to hormones and that safflower oil contains unsaturated fatty acids which have the potential to help regulate the body's hormones. Using safflower oil for acne prone skin may also help to unclog pores and lead to a smoother complexion.


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Florena Fermented Safflower Oil for Skin

Due to its numerous benefits for skin, safflower oil is one of the key ingredients in our Florena Illuminating Facial Oil. Before being added to the formula though, we ferment the safflower oil to boost its efficacy and antioxidant properties.


The luxurious formula combines both fermented safflower oil and fermented pink helichrysum to restore radiance to dull and tired skin. The result is skin that feels silkily soft and smooth with a beautiful glow.


You can opt to use our natural facial oils alone, or in combination with one of our natural face creams to create a personalised skincare product, tailored to your needs.

florena illuminating facial oil