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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.