Sesame oil in cosmetics: in which treatments can it be found?

The sesame oil, or Sesamum indicum, is a vegetable oil directly extracted from sesame seeds. Fluid and clear, it displays a golden colour and does not have any distinctive odour. It possesses interesting physicochemical characteristics, particularly in terms of stability. Indeed, sesame oil has a good oxidative stability and preserves relatively well. Moreover, it has a low comedogenicity index, placing it in the category of non-comedogenic vegetable oils. Finally, thanks to its rich phytochemical composition, the sesame oil has numerous benefits for the skin and hair, explaining its high prevalence in cosmetic formulation.

• Cleansers: Sesame oil primarily contains fatty acids, particularly unsaturated fatty acids, which are responsible for its cleansing properties. As such, it can be incorporated into makeup removal oils, cleansing lotions, or even solid soaps. These products help to eliminate the sebum accumulated throughout the day as well as impurities deposited on the skin's surface. The low comedogenicity of sesame oil allows it to provide a thorough cleanse for the skin, without creating an occlusive film.

• Hydrating and Nourishing Care: The fatty acids found in sesame oil give it a significant ability to hydrate and nourish. This lipid composition allows it to penetrate the superficial layers of the skin and nourish it. Furthermore, sesame oil limits water loss from the epidermis and ensures the maintenance of its hydration balance. Sesame oil can thus be found in serums, gels, creams or even hydrating and nourishing balms intended for all skin types, whether they are dry, combination or oily.

• Soothing Products: Sesame oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Indeed, the sesamin it contains is capable of inhibiting the production of inflammation factors, particularly pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, several studies have shown that the fatty acids in sesame oil play a role in cell regeneration and the increase of vascular permeability. These various effects explain why it can be found in the composition of many soothing cosmetic products (creams, lotions, balms), helping to alleviate the skin and reduce irritation and skin redness.

• Skincare to combat skin ageing: Sesame oil is rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. This molecule reacts with free radicals, which are responsible for premature skin ageing, by neutralising them through an electron donation. Consequently, sesame oil is often incorporated into skincare products such as serums or creams aimed at combating oxidative stress and limiting its damage to the skin.

• Lip Care: Sesame oil is often found in masks and lip balms. The lips, a delicate area exposed to external aggressions, require special attention. Cold and wind are factors that can cause their dryness and irritation. Thanks to its nourishing and regenerating properties, sesame oil, whether used alone or incorporated into a cosmetic product, hydrates the lips while creating a protective film on their surface. This helps to soothe chapping and ensures their repair.

• Haircare Products: Beyond its numerous benefits for the skin, sesame oil also possesses intriguing properties for haircare, particularly for dry and brittle hair. Its richness in fatty acids allows it to protect the hair fibre by strengthening the hydrolipidic film present on its surface. Consequently, sesame oil is frequently found in the formulation of conditioners or hair masks.

• Makeup Products: Beyond cosmetic care, sesame oil can also be incorporated into the formulation of makeup products, such as lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadows, or even mascaras. In addition to its moisturising properties, sesame oil has an emollient power that allows it to improve the texture of formulas and bring softness to the skin and eyelashes.