While the golden hues of sunflowers in summer never fail to make us smile, that’s not all they’re good for! The oil produced by sunflower seeds – Helianthus Annuus – is hailed for many health and skincare benefits. 

Here at UpCircle, we’re big fans of sunflower seed oil, including it in many of our products to help repair the skin barrier and protect against free radicals.  

Sunflower oil benefits for skin

Sunflower seed oil offers many benefits for the skin, which is why we use it in so many of our products! Here are some of the skin benefits you can expect when using sunflower oil for skin:

1. Source of natural ceramides

Sunflower seed oil is a great source of natural ceramides due to the linoleic acid and oleic acid it contains. Ceramides are hailed for a huge range of skincare benefits including: intense hydration, repairing the skin’s natural barrier and improving the skin’s complexion. 

2. Helps to repair the skin barrier

As sunflower seed oil is rich in natural ceramides, it helps to protect your skin’s natural barrier against environmental stressors that could cause damage. Containing the fatty acids linoleic acid and oleic acid, sunflower oil helps to hold together the skin cells and protect them from stressors in the environment such as free radicals which can damage the skin.

3. Won’t clog your pores

Sunflower oil is a non-comedogenic ingredient, meaning that it won’t block your pores. Non-comedogenic products are light enough to allow the skin to breathe, helping to reduce the risk of breakouts. 

4. Rich in antioxidants

Rich in antioxidant vitamin E, sunflower oil in skincare helps to protect against free radical and UV damage to the skin. This is never a substitute for a Mineral SPF though – which should be worn daily even in the cooler months. 

5. Deeply moisturising

An effective emollient, sunflower seed oil helps to nourish the skin and add a hit of hydration. This moisture is then held in place and prevented from escaping by the fatty acids in the oil, keeping your skin moisturised. 

Sunflower oil skin care routine with UpCircle

An easy way to reap the benefits of sunflower oil is to use skincare products that are rich in this skin-loving ingredient as part of your daily routine. In doing so, you won’t need to add any extra products into the mix and can keep your routine simple, but effective. 

1. Gently cleanse your skin of impurities

Our classic Cleansing Face Balm is packed with organically-grown Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) seed oil helping to leave your skin feeling nourished. Working to remove makeup, stubborn mascara and any impurities, the award-winning cleanser soothes the skin and helps to even out your skin tone. 

If you were lucky enough to try out our Gentle Cleansing Face Milk you’ve already experienced the magic of sunflower oil in skincare. Formulated with sunflower seed oil, this is a perfect morning cleanser packed with active ingredients to give your skin the boost it needs. 

2. Treat yourself to a face mask

Now’s the time to take a few mindful moments as you apply a layer of our Kaolin Clay Face Mask. Formulated with finely-ground powder of discarded olive stones, a natural by-product of the olive oil industry, as well as sunflower oil, this mask is a great anti-inflammatory product. 

Make sure you don’t overdo it with the face masks – stick to two to three times per week maximum.

3. Dab on some eye cream

After spritzing some of your favourite uplifting toner, use your ring finger to gently dab some of our Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Coffee underneath your eyes and on your lids. Dermatologically approved, this eye cream boasts a range of skin-loving ingredients including: sunflower oil, shea butter, and amongst others, salicylic acid. 

4. Nourish your skin

It’s time to add a hit of moisture back into your skin by using our Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E in the daytime or Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide in the evening. Both formulated with organically-grown sunflower seed oil, the products help to nourish and hydrate the skin. 

5. Smooth on some serum

Apply a few drops of our Organic Face Serum with Coffee Oil and smooth over the face to help boost, brighten and hydrate the skin. Using jojoba, rosehip and sunflower seed oil, the serum is suitable for all skin types to enjoy. 

Certified organic, our vegan face serum upcycles leftover coffee grounds. We’re committed to the planet at UpCircle, so this product is 100% natural, sustainable and cruelty free.

6. Apply your SPF

An absolutely essential step in every skincare routine – rain or shine – is using a Mineral Sunscreen. This high-performance broad spectrum mineral SPF is designed for all skin tones. Formulated with both aloe vera and sunflower oil, this lightweight sunscreen is both ultra-hydrating and fast-absorbing.

7. Don’t forget the rest of your body!

We’ve covered how to make the most sunflower seed oil in your facial skincare routine, but you can also reap the benefits with body products too. 

• Hand & Body Lotion with Bergamot Water – plastic negative, this fan-favourite product combines sunflower seed oil with lemongrass oil and bergamot water to deeply moisturise. 
• Hand Cream with Upcycled Hibiscus Flowers – rich in shea butter, grape seed oil and sunflower seed oil, our vegan hand cream nourishes the skin.

Sunflower oil for skin: FAQs

Sunflower oil is the oil expressed from sunflower seeds and is used in many skincare products to hydrate and protect the skin. Find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about sunflower seed oil.

Is sunflower oil good for oily skin?

Those with oily skin can reap the benefits of sunflower seed oil because of its non-comedogenic nature. This means that it won’t block your pores and is lightweight on the skin while providing it with the hit of moisture it needs. 

Is sunflower oil good for dry skin?

Sunflower oil is a great moisturising agent for the skin. As it is a ceramide, sunflower seed oil helps to lock moisture into the skin by preventing it from escaping. On top of this, it is also an emollient, adding extra moisture to the skin.

Is sunflower oil good for sensitive skin?

This type of oil is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin to use. As it is rich in antioxidants, sunflower seed oil helps to protect sensitive skin against UV damage and free radicals.