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If you're still not sold on face oils and using them regularly in your skincare routine, chances are you might have had a less-than-positive experience with one in the past. Some oils are indeed known to be comedogenic and some even irritating, but that's not the case for all of them. If you've been burned by a skincare oil before, you might have sworn them off forever. But here's the deal: not all oils are the same, and they don't all work for everyone.
Take meadowfoam seed oil, for instance. This plant-based oil is nothing like the heavy, greasy consistency you might associate with oils, so don't be put off if you find this ingredient listed high up on your product's label.
Meet the Expert
- Gretchen Frieling, MD, is a triple board-certified dermatopathologist based in Massachusetts.
- Stacy Chimento, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Riverchase Dermatology in Florida
- Ron Robinson is a cosmetic chemist with BeautyStat Cosmetics
To fill us in on everything this oil can do, both for the skin and for product formulation, we turned to triple board-certified dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling, MD; board-certified dermatologist Stacy Chimento, MD, of Riverchase Dermatology; and cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson of BeautyStat Cosmetics. Together, the skin experts weigh in the benefits of meadowfoam seed oil.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Type of ingredient: Emollient
Main benefits: Seals in moisture and softens skin.
Who should use it: Because meadowfoam seed oil is similar to natural sebum, Chimento says the ingredient is suitable for all skin types.
How often can you use it: Meadowfoam seed oil is safe to use daily. Chimento recommends adding a few drops into a daily moisturizer and also incorporating it into a nightly routine for those with dry skin.
Works well with: Robinson recommends using it in conjunction with other skincare oils and butters.
Don't use with: Because meadowfoam seed oil is a very stable oil, Robinson says it's compatible with many other cosmetic ingredients.
What Is Meadowfoam Seed Oil?
A plant-based oil, meadowfoam (aka Limnanthes alba) seed oil is derived from meadowfoam seeds and is composed of mostly fatty acids and antioxidants, which explains why you'll find it in several skincare and hair care products. When talking about skincare formulas, specifically, Frieling says the ingredient is commonly included in formulations because it works well with many other ingredients, helps to thicken the product, and enhances the texture and feel of moisturizing products. So how does it feel, exactly? While some oils are known for their thick, slick consistency, this isn't one of them. Robinson describes meadowfoam seed oil as having a unique, velvety texture that is very emollient without being greasy and compares it to argan oil—but a less expensive and more stable version. Frieling breaks it down: "It has over 95% long-chain omega-9 fatty acids, making it a highly stable and oxidative oil. This means that in the presence of light and air, meadowfoam seed oil is less likely to go bad or develop a bad odor."
Benefits of Meadowfoam Seed Oil for Skin
Meadowfoam seed oil isn't only included in cosmetic formulation for its stability and sensory properties. The skincare ingredient also provides a few benefits to the skin, as listed below.
- Locks in moisture: Although meadowfoam seed oil isn't the same as the natural sebum your skin makes (Robinson points out that meadowfoam seed oil is higher in fatty acid content while sebum contains more wax esters), it works similarly to sebum, in that it seals in moisture.
- Safe for a variety of skin types: Because it’s so similar to our skin’s oils, Chimento adds that meadowfoam seed oil is suitable for all skin types.
- Softens skin: "While there is very little evidence on the effectiveness of meadowfoam seed oil to treat skin conditions, we know that it can hydrate the skin," Frieling explains. When applied to the skin, meadowfoam seed oil acts as an emollient, sealing in moisture and keeping the skin soft and supple.
- Balances sebum production: "Ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil help to balance our skin’s natural sebum production, keeping it from being too dry or too oily," Chimento explains.
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles: Dehydrated skin is one of the main causes of wrinkles, so the fact that meadowfoam seed oil replenishes lost moisture means that it also helps to reduce the appearance of any fine lines or wrinkles.
- Absorbs easily into the skin: "It can easily absorb into the skin and will not feel heavy or greasy, unlike other thicker oils and creams," Chimento says.
- Available over-the-counter: Unlike some super skincare ingredients, meadowfoam seed oil products are available in most beauty and drugstores.
- Fights aging and free-radical damage: According to Frieling, the powerful antioxidant properties of meadowfoam seed oil indicate that it might help prevent sun damage and reduce oxidative stress.
Side Effects of Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Although meadowfoam seed oil isn't one of those oils known for being super irritating, Chimento always recommends performing a patch test on the inside of your forearm when trying any new product before applying it more broadly. If an allergic reaction does occur, you might experience a rash, itchiness, tingling, swelling, and inflamed skin, in which case you should discontinue use of the product and consult your doctor.
How to Use It
Face oils typically work best as the last step in your skincare routine to seal in all the moisture underneath it. Still, Chimento also suggests adding a few drops of meadowfoam seed oil to your daily moisturizer or hydrating serum after cleansing. If you have dry skin, Chimento suggests taking it a step further and also applying two to three drops of pure meadowfoam seed oil onto cleansed skin for added moisture at night.
