Is Canola Oil Safe for Skin? Dermatologist Reviews
Oils have slowly taken over our beauty routines. From our daily skin care to our after-shower body and hair treatments, oils can be found on the ingredient lists of moisturizers, cleansers, masks, conditioners, lotions, and creams. But when we talk about oils, especially those that serve dual purposes and have a place in our kitchens (like olive, avocado, and almond oils), we can’t help but wonder if they’re safe for the skin. The answer? Yes—mostly.
However, as we know, not all oils are created equal. So can the same be said for canola oil? In true Byrdie style, we went straight to the experts for the answer. We spoke to two board-certified dermatologists, Elaine F. Kung, MD, FAAD, and Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP, to find out everything you need to know about this ingredient.
Read on to learn more about using canola oil on your skin.
Meet the Experts
Elaine F. Kung, MD, FAAD, is a clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College and founder of Future Bright Dermatology.
Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP, is a renowned dermatologist at Orentreich Medical Group, LLP.
What is Canola Oil?
Canola oil is a vegetable oil made from crushed rapeseed. “In some countries, the term canola oil refers to industrial oil, while rapeseed oil refers to cooking oil,” Kung told Byrdie. Due to its nourishing and moisturizing properties, canola oil is used in hair care, skin care, and cosmetics.
Compared to other oils, canola oil is relatively new to the market. Genetically modified rapeseed plants, also known as canola oil, were produced in Canada for cooking in 1979 and are the world’s third-largest source of vegetable oil and the second-largest source of protein powder, Kung said.
Canola Oil Benefits for Skin
“[Canola] oil has been scientifically proven to help the skin retain moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss because it is semi-occlusive,” explains Kung. “[Canola] oil has a 2:1 ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid, which is almost similar to the ratio of healthy skin. In addition, canola oil is rich in proteins, phenolics, lipids, and vitamins such as vitamin E, which are scientifically proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkle properties.
In addition, LoGerfo says canola oil is beneficial for the skin because the oil is rich in essential fatty acids and is rich in vitamins K, C, E, and antioxidants. “Essential fatty acids can moisturize the skin and improve its firmness,” she explains. “Vitamins E and K may help with skin issues such as acne and skin aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E can also protect the skin from free radical damage. ” She also notes that the vitamin C in canola oil can help reduce skin pigmentation and blemishes.”
Potential Side Effects and Skin Type Considerations
Both experts agree that anyone with acne-prone skin should be careful when using products containing canola oil. “Canola oil has a comedogenicity level of 4,” explains Dr. Logfor. “Comedogenicity refers to the oil’s ability to unclog the body’s pores. While canola oil can theoretically be helpful for treating acne, it probably shouldn’t be used in people with acne because it can clog pores, which can make acne worse.”
How to Use Canola Oil for Skin Care
Now that you know canola oil can benefit your skin and hair, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Since it can clog pores, you shouldn’t just pull a bottle out of your kitchen cupboard and apply it to your skin. Instead, opt for products that contain canola oil.
Conclusion
Canola oil (made from crushed rapeseed seeds) is a plant lipid that contains high levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins K, C, E, and antioxidants to moisturize the skin. Canola oil also has a semi-occlusive effect, which means it reduces transepidermal water loss and retains moisture in the skin. It is found in a variety of skin and hair care products, including moisturizers, creams, lotions, masks, conditioners, and sunscreens. People with acne-prone skin should avoid this ingredient because it can clog pores. It is also recommended not to use culinary-grade canola oil on the skin. If you experience irritation, rash, redness, or stubborn breakouts after using canola oil products, seek advice from a trusted dermatologist.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
