Evidence supporting the use of: Sesame Oil
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Sesame Oil in Skin Care: Historical and Scientific Overview
Sesame oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and other Asian practices, for promoting skin health. Traditionally, it is used as a massage oil and is believed to moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin. Its use is supported by its rich content of vitamin E, fatty acids (such as linoleic and oleic acid), and antioxidants, all of which may contribute to its reputed skin benefits.
Some small-scale scientific studies and laboratory research support its emollient and antioxidant properties. Sesame oil exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, which could theoretically benefit certain skin conditions. Limited clinical research suggests that it may help with wound healing and barrier repair, but robust, large-scale human trials are lacking. It is also occasionally used as a carrier oil in dermatological preparations and massage therapy.
Overall, while traditional use is strong and there is some preliminary scientific support for its moisturizing, antioxidant, and barrier-protective roles, high-quality clinical evidence remains limited. Thus, its use in general skin care is mostly justified by tradition, with moderate evidence from preclinical and small human studies.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Sesame Oil
ArthritisAsthma
Backache
Burns and Scalds
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Eye Infections
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair Care (general)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nausea and Vomiting
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Sunburn
Wounds and Sores