Cotton Seed Oil

Cotton Seed Oil (INCI Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil) is a cold-pressed seed oil from Gossypium spp., with linoleic acid at 50–58% and a high palmitic fraction at 22–26%. Unrefined grades contain gossypol, a naturally occurring polyphenol that acts as a toxicant — confirm the refinement status against the intended application.

• Also known as: Cottonseed Oil, Cotton Seed Oil, Karpas Beej Oil
• Botanical name: Gossypium spp.
• Plant part used: Seed
• INCI name: Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
• Extraction: Cold-pressed, Unrefined (virgin)
• Form: Carrier oil (liquid)
• Appearance: Yellow to pale golden; Mild to characteristic, slightly strong
• Grade: Cosmetic-grade · Food-grade (refined only) · Industrial-grade
• Origin: India
• Shelf-life: 12–18 months · below 20 °C · tightly sealed · away from light

Key benefits

• Linoleic acid (C18:2) (50–58%) — Skin-barrier conditioning, soothing
• Palmitic acid (C16:0) (22–26%) — Skin conditioning — unusually high for a seed oil
• Oleic acid (C18:1) (15–20%) — Emollient, skin penetration
• Stearic acid (C18:0) (2–4%) — Skin softening
• Gossypol (natural) (Trace (unrefined)) — Antioxidant but potentially sensitising — removed in refining

How to use

• 2–10% in emulsions
• 10–30% in facial oil serums
• 50–100% as standalone carrier or massage base
• Common applications: soap making, massage oil bases, industrial lubrication and refined food frying.

FAQs

What are the primary formulation applications of Cotton Seed Oil?
Most buyers use it at 2–10% in emulsions; 10–30% in facial oil serums; 50–100% as standalone carrier or massage base. As with any new carrier oil, pilot-test in your specific base before committing to a full production run.

Explore more

See the export-grade listing on herbuno.com → · HerbIQ: Botanical Anatomy → · Carrier Oils