From making ice cream to cosmetics and skincare products, sunflower seed oil is a popular ingredient for a wide variety of applications. However, over the last few years, the oil has grown increasingly difficult to source so organizations have found it helpful to substitute sunflower seed oil in their product formulations. This switch can offer savings and increased flexibility to make a range of consumer packaged goods (CPG).
But where to start? For the purposes of making skin and personal care products, reference this guide as an entry point to discern what you can substitute for sunflower seed oil in your formulation.
The Best Substitute for Sunflower Seed Oil in Your Skin and Personal Care Products
High Oleic Alternatives to Sunflower Seed Oil
For a functional, or organoleptic substitute, to unrefined sunflower seed oil, the following seed oils may be a good alternative for producing your personal care products. The sunflower seed oil substitutes are listed in descending order — from highest to lowest — based on how high their oleic acid (high in monounsaturated fat) content is. However, none of these substitutes contain an oleic acid level that rivals sunflower seed oil.
- Carrot Seed Oil. High in carotenoids, providing the oil with high antioxidant properties which can support the skin’s tone and the appearance of brightness.
- Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil. Supports brightening and evening of skin tone, with added benefits from carotenoids which provide antioxidant properties.
- Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil. This extra-gentle lipid is recognized for its powerful antioxidant properties and can promote measurable antioxidant synergy in blends. This oil provides immune system support and increased penetrance of other phytonutrients and actives in a topical formula.
- Tomato Seed Oil. High in carotenoids provides the oil potent antioxidant properties which can help brighten skin tone.
- Organic Flax Seed Oil. This option is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids which are moisturizing and smoothing to the skin.
Sunflower seed oil substitutes for other applications
When producing cosmetics or other skin and personal care products where it’s important to have specially formulated items that are non-comedogenic, we recommend:
- Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil
- Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil or conventional Red Raspberry Seed Oil
- Blackberry Seed Oil
- Black raspberry seed oil
- Organic Grape Seed Oil or conventional Grape Seed Oil
For anti-inflammatory or wound-healing applications, the following substitutes are recommended as they are high in linoleic acid and contain carotenoids:
- Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil
- Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil or conventional Red Raspberry Seed Oil
- Blackberry Seed Oil
- Black raspberry seed oil
- Organic Grape Seed Oil or conventional Grape Seed Oil
To learn more about the essential fatty acid profile of specific seed oil, visit the Data Sheets tab on a product page to review its Technical Data Sheet, or connect with our sales and innovation teams to find the correct alternative for your needs.
Sunflower Seed Oil and Substitutes From Botanic Innovations
If you require sunflower seed oil for your formulation, unrefined cold-pressed Organic Sunflower Seed Oil from Botanic Innovations is well suited for use in personal care products and as a dietary ingredient. We partner with suppliers and farmers whose practices align with our exacting quality standards and can supply samples, pricing, and fulfill orders for our NatureFRESH™ cold-pressed, virgin Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Refined Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Hi Linoleic), Refined Sunflower Seed Oil (Hi Oleic), and Refined Sunflower Seed Oil.
Our Organic Sunflower Seed Powder, is produced in the United States, is available in large quantities, and is suitable for skincare, functional food, supplements, and animal nutrition. Contact us if you would like to learn more about what may be the best alternative for Sunflower Seed Oil for your application.