by Dr. Christian Jurist, Medical Director of Global Education

April 17th, 2026

Are seed oils really bad for you? Do seed oils cause inflammation in the body and on the skin?

Seed oils are the latest nutritional scapegoat blamed for causing today’s diseases. While previously thought healthy, they are now on some people’s no-no lists. Fearmongers are jumping on this bandwagon to gain online views. It isn’t that dietary seed oils are the problem, but how they are processed and their excess consumption. Some food companies use solvents and high temperatures to process seed oils, and we must pay attention to what we eat and put on our faces and bodies.


Their calorie-dense nature and ease of consumption can contribute to increased caloric consumption and weight gain. Since excess body fat increases inflammation in the body, is it the seed oils themselves or the over-consumption that leads to higher body fat that’s actually to blame? Yet again, we are reminded that too much of anything can be harmful and that moderation is key for optimal health.


Seed oils are made of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) – Omega 6 fatty acids containing linoleic acid (LA), which can lower LDL levels, the leading cause of heart disease. Moderate intake is healthy as LA is safe and is a major component of our body’s metabolism, shown to prevent atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, headaches, and other health issues. Some caution that too much linoleic acid in the standard American diet and a whopping 2-year half-life that causes a surplus of oxidized linoleic acid metabolites (OXLAM’s), which impair mitochondrial function, is leading to today’s common diseases like obesity and cancer.


However, human randomized control trials show that replacing saturated fats with PUFAs has a neutral or positive effect on inflammation within the body and a similar or reduced risk of heart disease in respective cohort studies! Metabolic health also showed improved insulin sensitivity, reduced c-peptide (a marker of insulin secretion and inflammation), and reduced liver fat levels. No studies support any claims that PUFAs increase cancer risk! In some circles, eating seed oils is thought to contribute to skin issues like acne. Over-consumption of fats may make oily, acne-prone skin oilier, triggering more breakouts. A better approach is maintaining a proper balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a balanced diet that is also rich in various antioxidants – like those found in fruits and vegetables – essential for skin health.


Diet aside, let me answer the pressing skincare-related question: Are seed oils bad for your skin when applied topically? What’s true for food isn’t necessarily valid for skincare or hair care. Seed oils like safflower seed oil and rapeseed oil (aka canola oil) don’t act the same when applied topically and aren’t necessarily “bad” for the skin. It all depends on their manufacturing and quality. Topical use of seed oils has not been found to trigger most skin issues. In fact, many seed oils shunned in foods are beloved in skincare for their ability to treat multiple skin concerns! Seed oils contain numerous skin-loving components that help fortify the skin barrier. Here are my favorites and why:

Safflower Seed Oil, an essential fatty acid found in 100+ Pevonia products, is a non-occlusive, revitalizing emollient. It allows skin to breathe while moisturizing and preserving its natural barrier. It is rich in ceramides and linoleic acid, vital for healthy skin, and suitable for softening and smoothing all skin types.

• Dry skin is alipidic (lacks oil) and needs this seed oil to help prevent premature signs of aging.

• Skin with a higher tendency to react has a faulty protective barrier and needs ceramide-rich oils to help fortify its defenses against environmental aggressors.

• Acne-prone skin is low in linoleic acid production, so applying a small amount of acne-safe seed oils, like safflower oil with linoleic acid, helps rebalance this lipid abnormality, minimizing clogged pores.

Aging skin is also low in linoleic acid, making this oil ideal for aging skin formulas.


Carrot seed oil in the natural Eye Makeup Remover, C Evolutive Eye Gel, De-Aging Saltmousse - Papaya-Pineapple, and De-Aging Body Balm - Papaya-Pineapple is a fabulous emollient that moisturizes, softens, smooths, and helps prevent degeneration of tissues, combatting atrophy. Shea butter is a prevalent seed oil in skin and body care, known for its exceptional moisturizing, softening, smoothing, and protecting abilities.


It also supports cellulite reduction and helps boost metabolism! Rapeseed oil is a natural source of the antioxidant vitamin E. This multi-tasker aids lipolysis and helps synthesize and maintain elastin and collagen fibers, reducing cellulite and leaving skin with a tighter-looking appearance. It also detangles and smooths hair without weighing it down or leaving a dulling residue like synthetic silicones. Sesame seed oil in the Pevonia Hair Energize Extra Strength line purifies, rejuvenates, and moisturizes the scalp while strengthening the hair shaft. For the question: “Does sesame seed oil cause inflammation?” studies show that it has antioxidant properties and can reduce nitric oxide and other inflammatory markers!


Coffee seed oil in the Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Body Corrector is rich in caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and polyunsaturated fats, which activate lipolysis, detoxify, and help excrete excess water and salts. It improves the appearance of cellulite and skin tautness while helping neutralize free radicals. Argan oil in the Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is a powerfully rejuvenating seed oil that repairs, helps smooth wrinkles, protects, and moisturizes.


There is no scientific research to back up the question, “Do seed oils cause sunburn?” For the question: “Do seed oils cause skin cancer?” the World Cancer Research Fund concluded that these claims have no scientific basis and that consuming a small amount can aid vitamin absorption. Note: Naturally soothing olive and avocado oils are not actually seed oils. Coconut oil isn’t a seed oil, either, and although considered healthy, it could clog pores and be unhealthy if overconsumed.

Since it is Rosacea Awareness Month, what are your top recommendations for how to care for this temperamental skin condition?

Rosacea requires a multi-pronged approach to calm and help prevent flare-ups. It requires following a special rosacea diet and lifestyle habits. A diet for rosacea patients must help prevent flushing, keep redness and irritation in check, and provide adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. A rosacea flare-up diet includes bland, low acid, low glycemic, and cooling foods. You’ll also need to skip caffeine and trans fats, well-known rosacea diet triggers. Next, a consistent, proactive lifestyle that fosters a calmer complexion is needed to take charge of your fussy skin.


Here’s an approach for what works best on rosacea:

• Proper skincare with the best ingredients for rosacea prone skin includes green tea, rose, licorice, guarana, allantoin, panthenol, and chamomile – and no harsh formulas. Use the sulfate free RS2 Gentle Cleanser for the face and neck, alcohol-free, soothing RS2 Gentle Lotion toner, and RS2 Concentrate, topped off with the RS2 Care Cream to calm rosacea morning and night for relief without redness and irritation. Remembering to treat your skin gently – no hot water or harsh tools – is equally vital!

• Prioritize regular stress reduction with yoga, meditation, mindfulness, breath work, and other relaxing activities, and practice sleep hygiene for quality sleep.

• Skip high-intensity workouts and heavy lifting in favor of moderate exercise like walking.

• To help halt rosacea’s progressive nature, schedule a facial series that targets the microcirculatory dysfunction, like Pevonia’s Rosacea Mask Treatment, Oxy-Vital Mask Treatment, and Plantomer Mask Treatment rather than just soothing the skin. Visit Find a Spa to find a Pevonia provider near you.

• See a doctor to rule out and address medical conditions contributing to rosacea flare-ups.

• If possible, get a home water purifier, filtration system, or shower filter to keep skin-aggravating chlorine and other contaminants off your skin!

• Be patient with your anti-redness journey, giving your new habits time to take effect.