Sesame oil is derived from the seeds of the flowering sesame plant, also known as Sesamum indicum. These plants are native to East Africa and India, but they’re currently grown in many countries around the world.

Due to its hearty, nutty flavor and its high levels of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, sesame oil has become one of the most popular oils.

Sesame oil has the following properties, which help to make it a beneficial oil for the skin:

• Antioxidant: it has the ability to fight damage by free radicals, or unstable molecules that can harm the cellular structure of your skin.
• Antimicrobial: it can kill harmful microorganisms or stop their growth.
• Anti-inflammatory: it can reduce inflammation and swelling.

As with all non-fragrant oils, sesame has moisturizing and emollient properties and can help prevent water loss from skin’s uppermost layers.

Sesame oil is a natural source of omega-6 fatty acids, and its fatty acid profile helps ensure a healthy skin barrier by complementing skin’s natural supply of ceramides and lipids.