This botanical profile is part of the Star Naturals Herbal Library.
Sunflower Oil
Helianthus annuus
Historical / Folk Use
Sunflower oil has long been used in culinary and herbal traditions across Europe and the Americas. Pressed from the seeds of the sunflower plant, the oil was commonly incorporated into botanical oils and household preparations. Its light, nourishing texture made it a popular ingredient in herbal oil infusions and traditional skin-care blends.
Energetics
Traditionally described as:
• Neutral and balancing
• Light and smooth
• Softly nourishing
• Barrier-supportive
• Gentle and adaptable
• Moisture-enhancing
• Stabilizing and steady
Research & Resources
The research summaries below highlight findings from scientific studies on compounds found in this botanical.
They are provided for educational purposes and do not represent claims about the effects of Star Naturals products.
Study 1:
In a controlled laboratory cell model, sunflower seed extract was associated with accelerated wound closure and exhibited antioxidant activity in a human keratinocyte assay.
Study 2:
A narrative review of sunflower seed oil’s properties reported associations between its composition (linoleic acid, oleic acid, vitamin E) and observable effects on
skin barrier integrity, hydration, and wound‑healing processes in conditions such as dryness and eczema.
Study 3:
In a controlled clinical study of adults with mild‑to‑moderate eczema, a product containing emollient derivatives from sunflower seed oil and coconut oil was associated with larger improvements in itch and higher eczema severity improvement rates compared with vehicle over four weeks.
Study 4:
In a randomized, double‑blind clinical trial, topical sunflower oil was associated with observed reductions in psoriasis severity scores over eight weeks in adults with mild to moderate plaque‑type psoriasis. No adverse skin reactions were noted.