Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil unsaponifiables
AKA “Sunflower Seed Oil”
Essential Oil
Ingredient Facts
Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil unsaponifiables
AKA: Sunflower Seed Oil
Essential Oil · Antioxidant · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Antioxidant
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Essential Oil
Clean
Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural | Process: Cold Pressed / Solvent Extraction Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
CAS #
8001-21-6
Form
Oil
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
The unsaponifiable fraction of sunflower seed oil was isolated in the mid-20th century and has been studied for its sterol and antioxidant content. This modern extraction preserves the bioactive compounds not saponified during oil processing.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Safety Assessment of <I>Helianthus annuus</I>(Sunflower)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin ...
Simon G Danby, Tareq AlEnezi, Amani Sultan, Tina Lavender, John Chittock, Kirsty Brown + 1 more
Pediatric dermatology, 2013
Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin ...
Simon G Danby, Tareq AlEnezi, Amani Sultan, Tina Lavender, John Chittock, Kirsty Brown + 1 more
Pediatric dermatology, 2013
Verified Feb 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR