Safflower Seed Oil | Kusum, Kusuma

Safflower Seed Oil (INCI Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil) is a cold-pressed seed oil supplied in two distinct grades that must be specified at order: standard, with linoleic at 70–80%, and high-oleic, with oleic at 70–80% and linoleic dropping to 12–15%. The two behave differently in both feel and stability and are not interchangeable.

• Also known as: Safflower Oil, Kusum Oil, Kusumba Tel, Carthamus Oil
• Botanical name: Carthamus tinctorius
• Plant part used: Seed
• INCI name: Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
• Extraction: Cold-pressed, Unrefined (virgin) or High-oleic grade — specify at order
• Form: Carrier oil (liquid)
• Appearance: Pale golden yellow; Very mild, almost odourless
• Grade: Cosmetic-grade · Food-grade
• Origin: India
• Shelf-life: 12–18 months · below 20 °C · tightly sealed · away from light

Key benefits

• Linoleic acid (C18:2) (70–80% (standard) / 12–15% (high-oleic)) — Skin-barrier conditioning, soothing — very high in standard grade
• Oleic acid (C18:1) (12–16% (standard) / 75–80% (high-oleic)) — Emollient — dominant in high-oleic grade
• Palmitic acid (C16:0) (5–7%) — Skin conditioning
• Stearic acid (C18:0) (2–3%) — Emulsification support

How to use

• 2–10% in emulsions
• 10–30% in facial oil serums
• 50–100% as standalone carrier or massage base
• Common applications: lightweight massage oils, oily skin formulations and soap making.

FAQs

What are the primary formulation applications of Safflower 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

Herbuno's global export listing for this oil → · HerbIQ: Botanical Anatomy → · Carrier Oils