Why I Use Seed Oils in My Skincare

A love letter to nourishment, wisdom, and reclaiming what works

There’s a quiet war happening in the skincare world — and seed oils have become one of its casualties.

Somewhere along the way, the story shifted. Seed oils, once revered for their rich nutritional profile and skin-loving properties, became misunderstood. Dismissed. Blamed. Labeled as “inflammatory” or “unstable.” And many women, in their search for youthful skin, were taught to fear the very ingredients that once helped their grandmothers glow.

But here’s the truth — it’s not the seed oil, it’s how it’s used.

And in my products, seed oils are miracle workers.

What You Deserve to Know

When used fresh, stored properly, and paired with skin-supportive actives, cold-pressed, unrefined seed oils are among the most powerful ingredients we can offer maturing skin. I choose them with care. Not because they’re trendy, but because they work — deeply, gently, beautifully.

Here are a few I use often:

• Borage seed oil – one of the richest natural sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), borage calms irritation, supports the skin barrier, and helps restore elasticity

• Rosehip seed oil – high in essential fatty acids and natural retinoic acid, rosehip nourishes, smooths, and encourages radiant skin tone

• Grapeseed oil – lightweight, antioxidant-rich, and balancing for even the most sensitive skin

• Jojoba oil – though not technically an oil but a liquid wax ester, it’s extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub and is often grouped with plant oils because of how beautifully it performs in skincare. It closely mimics our skin’s natural sebum, making it one of the most balancing, non-comedogenic ingredients — suitable for both oily and dry complexions.

Wait — Jojoba Is a Seed Oil?

You’ve likely seen jojoba oil praised as a golden standard in skincare: versatile, non-comedogenic, nourishing, perfect for all skin types.

But did you know it’s pressed from seeds?

It’s true. Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. But in the midst of today’s seed oil debate, you’ll rarely see that highlighted. Perhaps it's left off the label to avoid association. But why? If jojoba is celebrated, why not borage? Why not rosehip?

It’s not the origin that’s the problem. It’s how we use it — and the intention behind it.

A Note on the Confusion

Some of the fear around seed oils in skincare likely stems from the broader conversation about industrial seed oils in food — highly processed oils like canola, soybean, or corn, linked to inflammation when consumed regularly.

But let’s not confuse the two.

The cold-pressed, unrefined seed oils I use are nothing like their chemically refined food cousins. They’re more like freshly squeezed juice — vibrant, alive, full of compounds your skin recognizes and welcomes.

It’s time to restore nuance. And trust.

A Moment That Stayed With Me

I once offered a collaboration to a wellness influencer. She was nature-minded, aligned with my values — or so I thought. But when she saw "seed oil" on my ingredient list, she refused the offer. No questions, no curiosity. Just a flat-out no.

That moment stuck with me. Not because of the rejection, but because it reminded me how quickly fear-based messaging can overshadow common sense and tradition. When we lose context, we lose connection.

The Deeper Why

As women in our 40s, 50s, and beyond, our skin asks for something different. What once worked in our 20s — harsh cleansers, oil-free everything — now leaves skin feeling dry, depleted, or inflamed.

We don’t need more stripping. We need support. We need nourishment.

That’s why I use seed oils in my formulas.

Because these oils are not fillers. They are foundational. They carry nature’s ability to soothe, repair, and glow — especially for women whose skin is shifting, evolving, and awakening into a new season of beauty.

Want to Learn More?

Every ingredient I use is listed with full transparency in my Ingredient Glossary. If you’re curious about a particular oil or want to know how it supports your skin, it’s all there — no gatekeeping.

In a world full of noise, I choose clarity.

In a world chasing trends, I choose what truly nourishes.

And in a world that tells women to shrink, I choose to pour care into every single bottle.

With love and intention,

Elvira

Founder of Sunflower Girl