We sat down with Dominique Caron—founder, lead formulator, and CEO of Apoterra—to ask the question you really want to know: are seed oils in skincare safe? 

THE BACKGROUND:

You’ve probably heard the hype about the dangers of seed oils in food by now. Claims are circulating that they are “toxic,” “slowly killing you,” and that we are being “unknowingly poisoned”—YIKES! 

Yet are seed oils really as bad as some say? Or is this question a bit more complicated? And, as some of you have been asking, should we be worried about seed oils in skincare as well? 

After receiving your questions, we wanted to take the opportunity to unpack this important topic. We sat down with Dominique Caron, founder and lead formulator of Apoterra, who is a certified herbalist and aromatherapist with 15+ years of experience in formulating clean, natural skincare. 

So, are seed oils bad for our skin? Read on to answer that question and more!

Q: Hi Dominique! Thanks for sitting down with us today. Firstly, can you bring us up to speed on the seed oils controversy? Why are some saying they’re dangerous, and is there any truth to it? 

A: A lot of customers have been asking whether seed oils are bad for you, and the short answer is: it depends! Here’s the longer version: many seed oils are packed with omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6s are essential for your body, getting too much of them—especially when not balanced by enough omega-3s—can lead to chronic inflammation. This is linked to a bunch of health issues like heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and skin problems.

Back in the day, our diets were more balanced, with an ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 1:1. But today’s processed foods and industrial seed oils often throw that balance way off, with ratios like 10:1 or even 20:1. Omega-3s are found in foods like fish, grass-fed meat, eggs, and flax or chia seeds, while omega-6s are abundant in seed oils, nuts, and grain-fed meat. Too much omega-6 can lead to oxidative stress, higher inflammation, and disruption of normal cellular function. So, balance is key!

→ TAKEAWAY: Seed oils are high in Omega-6, which can lead to inflammation if not balanced with Omega-3. 

Q: Thanks so much for laying this out! Taking this into account, do you think the conscious consumer should be looking to remove seed oils from their lifestyles? 

A: It’s all about balance! If your diet is heavy on processed and fried foods, cutting back on seed oils might do you some good. Seed oils can sneak into unexpected places like baked goods, crackers, protein bars, stir-fried restaurant meals, salad dressings, and more. While omega-6 (found in many seed oils) is essential for a balanced diet, the issue arises when it's in everything you eat. This can easily throw off your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

The key is moderation. Eating foods rich in omega-6 and omega-3 supports overall health, reduces inflammation, promotes healthy skin, supports brain function, and keeps your heart happy. You don’t have to ditch all seed oils—just be mindful of which ones you choose and how much you consume. It's not about the oils themselves; it's about their type, quality, processing methods, and how they stack up against your omega-3 intake.

For optimal health, here are some tips:

• Minimize highly refined, industrial seed oils (like soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, and safflower) in processed foods. 
• Opt for cold-pressed, unrefined seed oils (such as flaxseed, black cumin, hemp, and pumpkin seed) when possible. 
• Balance your omega-6 intake with omega-3 sources (like wild-caught fish, algae oil, flax, and chia). 
• Prioritize whole-food fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocado, grass-fed animal fats, and nuts.

Q: What’s the difference between those kinds of seed oils and the seed oils used in traditional herbalism and natural skincare? 

A: Beyond just eating a balanced diet, the quality of the oils you choose makes a huge difference in whether a seed oil is truly healthy or not. Cold-pressed oils are the gold standard because they retain a higher concentration of vitamins (like vitamin E and vitamin K) and antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These nutrients not only help protect your body from oxidative stress, but they also play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and supporting overall skin health.

Cold-pressed oils are typically richer in omega-3s and omega-9s, which are linked to lower inflammation and improved cholesterol levels. So, when choosing seed oils, opting for cold-pressed versions means you’re getting more of the good stuff your body—and your skin—needs!

→ TAKEAWAY: Not all seed oils are created equal. Cold-pressed oils can be beneficial for your health.

Q: Are seed oils in skincare safe? 

A: The skin doesn’t process omega-6s and omega-3s the same way your digestive system does. Many seed oils are rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that’s actually super beneficial for the skin. When applied topically, linoleic acid can work wonders, especially for acne-prone, sensitive, or dehydrated skin.

There are multiple studies showing that topical use of linoleic acid can improve skin health, support skin barrier repair, speed up wound healing, and reduce inflammation. It has even shown promise in treating conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne.

→ TAKEAWAY: High-quality seed oils can be incredibly beneficial for the skin when applied topically!

Q: How are seed oils incorporated in the Apoterra skincare line? 

A:  The fatty acid linoleic acid (omega-6), which is abundant in many seed oils, is one of the key reasons some of our best-selling oils and balms work so well! It won’t clog pores and helps support the skin’s resilience, skin barrier, and promote clarity, making it ideal for keeping your complexion clear and balanced.

While olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are fantastic choices for both your diet and body care, they aren’t always the best options for facial care, especially for reactive skin (like sensitive, acne-prone, or inflamed skin). Ironically, the very properties that make them great for your diet—rich in omega-9s and fatty acids—can be too heavy for the delicate skin on your face. It’s a bit counterintuitive, but for sensitive skin, lighter oils with linoleic acid often work better to maintain balance and clarity!

→ TAKEAWAY: Linoleic acid (Omega-6) found in some seed oils can be incredibly beneficial for your skin; we use it in our skincare to help support the skin barrier and promote a clear, balanced complexion.

Q: Which seed oils do you consider most beneficial to include in skincare? 

A: 

• Safflower oil: The richest source of linoleic acid in the plant world, this seed oil is 90% linoleic acid (omega-6), which makes it an amazing oil for acne prone skin, aging skin & dehydrated skin. 
• Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is unique because it is technically a wax ester—it is very similar to the natural oils produced by human skin. It is lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), super hydrating, rich in vitamins E and B, and full of antioxidants. 
• Rosehip oil: This oil is rich in essential fatty acids (especially omega-3 and omega-6), and vitamin A. It promotes skin regeneration and provides deep hydration. Rosehip oil is also known for helping with hyperpigmentation and improving the overall texture of the skin.
• Pomegranate Seed Oil:  This oil has unique bioactive compounds (including punicic acid & ellagic acid) that work synergistically to support skin health. Applied topically, it can help boost collagen production, boost skin regeneration, improve skin hydration, boost elasticity & reduce the appearance of fine lines. It is also rich in antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage. 

Q: Lastly, do you have a takeaway for anyone reading today who may still be feeling undecided about the safety of seed oils? 

A:  I think there is some truth about the danger of consuming too much seed oils, but like many other health warnings from the past (eating too much red meat, too much fat, too much sugar, etc), it all comes down to balance. I always like to compare this to salt. No salt in your diet is not good for you. Too much salt can be dangerous, even fatal. But just the right amount, and it’s actually good for you. 

Sometimes it's not about what you are eating, but the quality and how much. I have a saying I like to remind myself of: balance in all things. If you love eating seed oils, enjoy them! Just in moderation, with a dose of omega 3 on the side. :)

Thank you Dominique for answering our questions today! And to our dear Apoterra community, we hope that we’ve addressed your concerns! If you have more questions about this topic, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us via direct message or email. Your health and safety is the most important thing to us with every product we create—we always have your best interests in mind!