In the last few decades, mass production, convenience, and instant gratification have skyrocketed. This has created a cascade of cheaply produced products throughout the food and skincare world, resulting in one of the most hotly debated topics of late: the dangers of seed oils. 

The truth is that not all seed oils are created equally. Cold-pressed seed oils contain starkly different properties than industrialized seed oils and contain many benefits for skin health. 

At Primally Pure, everything we do centers around supporting health – not damaging it. That’s why we continue to prioritize sourcing the purest ingredients possible – even when it comes to ingredients like carrier oils. Upholding high standards across every ingredient means our expertly crafted formulas maintain the integrity and quality your skin deserves.

That’s why we’re addressing all your questions and providing much-needed context regarding seed oils in skincare. Plus, we'll explain why we only use cold-pressed seed oils and exactly why they’re beneficial for topical use.  

First, let’s start with a little history of industrial seed oils. 

Industrial Seed Oils: History + Common Uses

Seed oils as we know them today didn’t exist a few centuries ago. So how did we end up with such a prevalence of industrial seed oils in our diets and personal care products? Let’s unpack it. 

In the original hunter-gatherer societies, animal-based oils were the only option. And as a result, the only “oils” we used! Our ancestors had a nose-to-tail philosophy. To honor the animal's life, they found a practical use for every part. In other words, nothing went to waste. So naturally, they found plenty of uses for animal fats, including things like: 

• Candles 
• Cooking 
• Skincare
• Grease 

The use of animal fats continued until the 1900s when industrial seed oils (from “vegetables”) were introduced. Marketers greenwashed these highly unstable + chemically extracted oils. They harped on the fact that they were cheaper to produce and “healthier” than animal fat.

But these “vegetable oils” were extracted from crops like:

• Corn 
• Soy
• Rapeseed
• Cotton 
• Safflower 

They were created from leftover crop parts and sold at a fraction of the cost. So the processing was also quicker and less complicated than obtaining animal fat.

The result? The prevalence of industrial seed oils exploded in all industries. 

Thousands of big and small companies started using industrial seed oils. They realized they could create the same products (in theory) at a lower cost.

But as the old saying goes, You get what you pay for. 

The Danger of Industrial Seed Oils (aka Oxidized Oils)

We’re big believers in context with controversial subjects. There are definitely some true dangers of industrial seed oils – both for skincare and food processing. So, it’s important to look at the whole picture to understand why seed oils can be dangerous depending on the production or formulation.

The biggest issue with these seed oils is not the oils themselves but the processing. Typically, seed oils are processed through: 

• Chemical extraction – this allows a larger extraction at a lower cost for the producer, but a higher cost for your health. These harsh chemical solvents deplete nutrients and oxidate the oils. Consuming damaged oils can cause many potential health risks.¹

• High heat pressure – just as some fats (such as olive oil and butter) are not safe for high-heat cooking, most seed oils are unstable at high temperatures. This creates damaged oils before they even get to your food or skincare. 

Processing seed oils in this industrialized fashion leads to:

→ Damaged oils with zero nutrients or benefits

→ Unstable shelf life and cooking uses

→ The need for synthetic preservatives to stabilize/prevent them from going rancid

→ Leftover chemical residue from processing

→ Bleaching + deodorizing (yes, really), which creates additional chemical exposures

This shortcut method poses several concerns for the health of your body + skin. Our bodies’ cell membranes are primarily composed of fat. So consuming – or topically applying – damaged oils supplies your body with damaged building blocks. (Yikes!) 

Oxidized oils also attack critical components of healthy, youthful skin, like collagen and elastin. Which, as you can imagine, leads to signs of premature aging like glycation. 

Another danger of seed oils comes from the farming methods. Industrial seed oils usually come from conventionally raised crops exposed to:

• Poor farming practices like mono-crop fields that are heavily sprayed and tilled
• Chemical-laden pesticides to kill rodents and bugs
• Herbicides containing glyphosate (one of the most prevalent toxins in our food system)  

Consuming damaged oils can also affect your gut health. Impaired gut health weakens your immune system, setting the stage for inflammatory skin conditions. 

In other words, it’s all connected. 

This is why we encourage supplying your body (and skin!) with healthy fats in their purest, most bioavailable form. But before you write off seed oils, they aren’t inherently bad. 

In fact, cold-pressed seed oils actually have many beneficial fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins that support healthy skin. This is why we confidently use cold-pressed seed oils in our products. 

But like many things, context matters. Let’s also discuss how our oils are processed and included in our formulas in balanced ratios.

Can You Safely Use Seed Oils In Skincare?

Truth be told, some might argue that seed oils’ fatty acid profiles (mostly polyunsaturated fats) aren’t beneficial for consumption at all – even topically. So, let’s address this head-on. 

While we agree that industrialized seed oils are unfit for consumption, cold-pressed seed oils have a completely different nutrient + fat profile. (Remember how we said the processing method was the biggest issue?) 

Mindfully produced, cold-pressed seed oils offer highly beneficial properties for skin longevity. In addition, how the oils are used within a formula also matters.

Similar to the conversation around seed oils in your diet, ratio matters when it comes to fatty acid profiles. Cold-pressed seed oils in skincare should be balanced with other healthy fats.

Seed oils often serve as fillers instead of a meaningful part of a balanced, intentional formulation. At Primally Pure, we never use oils – or any ingredients – as fillers. We go to extreme lengths to hand-pick and research each ingredient and ensure they work synergistically for the most effective formula. Even our carrier oils and natural preservatives are chosen for their unique properties + benefits that support skin health.

The bottom line: Cold-pressed seed oils can be invaluable for targeted skin concerns. You just want to ensure they retain nutrients and are formulated in balanced ratios with complementary fats. 

Seed Oils In Skincare: Why Our Cold-Pressed Seed Oils Are Great for Your Skin

It feels good to say it: all our products are completely refined seed oil free! You’ll only find cold-pressed seed oils in our products – each containing a specific, beneficial purpose. 

Sourcing cold-pressed oils has always been a priority for us, so we recently did a deep dive into each of our carrier oil suppliers. We wanted to be absolutely sure that the processing methods align with our values of only sourcing cold-pressed oils. 

This process of exclusively sourcing cold-pressed seed oils took some time, intention, and investment on our part. We found that the vast majority of the oils have always been cold-pressed. But now we are proud to say that we are using 100% cold-pressed carrier oils.

We’re committed to always improving and bringing you the purest products we can create. We lean on the resources nature gives us – and the knowledge we learn along the way. 

Cold-pressed oils take longer to make (and are more expensive to source). But we believe it’s the only way you should extract oil from seeds. Cold-pressing oils preserve the inherent nutrients and fats that benefit your skin. 

Our cold-pressed oils are free from: 

• Chemical extraction
• Artificial preservatives
• Chemical residue
• Oxidative damage 
• High-heat processing 
• Pesticides + herbicides

When it comes to processing, all of our seed oils are naturally extracted with manual force. This retains the integrity of their beneficial properties. And in alignment with our core values, we exclusively source from ethical producers and intentional farmers. 

But beyond these practices, it also matters how you use cold-pressed seed oils. 

Our products are all formulated with a proper balance of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) and saturated fats to support healthy skin. Potent animal-based fats like emu and tallow complement the fatty acid profiles of our cold-pressed seed oils. 

Our careful processing, packaging, and formulation help prevent damage or oxidation of the oils. Because they're processed correctly, our cold-pressed seed oils provide incredible benefits for your skin. 

Let’s break down some of the cold-pressed seed oils in our products so you can see the benefits yourself. 

• Carrot seed oil – contains antioxidants, phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids. It can help firm your skin, reduce fine lines, and support a radiant complexion. It can even help reverse and prevent sun damage.

→ Find it in: Fancy Face Serum, Plumping Serum, Plumping Cream, and Plumping Bar

• Grapeseed oil – full of polyphenols, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It’s great for regulating sebum (oil) production and balancing your skin’s lipid barrier. Paired with its lightweight moisture, it’s perfect for oil-rich or acne-prone skin states. It also helps promote collagen, reduce scarring, and calm signs of redness. 

→ Find it in: Clarifying Serum

• Pumpkin seed oil – this nutrient-dense oil contains a blend of fatty acids and clearing + anti-aging components like vitamins A, C, and zinc. And its antioxidant content protects from free radicals.

→ Find it in: Fancy Face Serum and Soothing Serum

• Sunflower oil – with high concentrations of vitamin E and fatty acids, this carrier oil is highly emollient + rich in moisture. It helps support a balanced skin barrier and provides a luxurious creamy consistency (+ light lather) in our body cleansers and hand soaps.

→ Find it in: Almond + Vanilla Body Wash, Bergamot + Eucalyptus Body Wash, Citrus + Mint Body Wash, Eucalyptus + Lavender Body Wash, Holiday Body Wash, Cool Citrus Breeze Hand Soap, Crisp Smoky Woods Hand Soap, Sweet Floral Sage Hand Soap, and Warm Citrus Spice Hand Soap

• Prickly pear seed oil – incredible for balancing oil production, treating acne-prone skin, and restoring a healthy skin barrier. It contains vitamin K as well as the highest vitamin E content of any plant source. This oil helps stimulate cell turnover, restore elasticity, and reduce pigmentation from sun damage.

→ Find it in: Clarifying Serum and Plumping Serum

• Pomegranate seed oil – high anti-inflammatory properties and a rich fatty acid profile make it deeply reparative + restorative. This oil plumps and hydrates skin and can even help minimize discoloration, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. 

→ Find it in: Cleansing Oil (Normal Skin), Plumping Serum, Soothing Serum, Fancy Face Serum, and Blue Tansy Body Oil

• Castor oil – a true skin superfood that can penetrate deeply and support healthy skin. It contains a high profile of fatty acids and vitamin E, plus antimicrobial properties. It plumps skin and promotes collagen production – all while providing the potent nourishment your skin craves. 

Find it in: Cleansing Oil (Dry Skin), Cleansing Oil (Normal Skin), Cleansing Oil (Oily + Acne Prone Skin), Nature Spray (Mosquito Repellent), Plumping Serum, Mojito Beard Oil, and Old Fashioned Beard Oil

Sounds pretty incredible, right? Given the chance, seed oils can shine as a crucial part of your skin-supportive routine. ;) Not all oils are created equally, but these cold-pressed seed oils deserve a spot in your skincare routine. 

Purity Is Our Priority 

As a holistic company, our skincare products are ever-evolving. 

Our products are intentionally and purposefully crafted. The more we learn, as nature + experience teaches us, the more we continue to improve our products for you – and provide even more potent effects. While it’d be easy to opt for cheaper ingredients, your health is worth more to us. 

We only craft the highest quality, safest products possible. 

We hope this conversation around industrial seed oils sets your mind at ease as you can now understand the larger context of this problem. But more than that, we hope you see the tangible impact cold-pressed seed oils can have on your skin! 

If we wouldn’t put it on our skin, we’d never ask you to put it on yours. 

We’re committed to purity, through and through – even when it requires change. We can promise you one thing: these ingredients are as pure as they get. 

XO

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Sources: 

1. The Detroit News | Oxidized Oils in Food May Be Harmful to Health

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