Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil

Salvia hispanica seed oil is a fatty, emollient oil extracted from chia seeds. The plant is called Salvia hispanica and is closely related to common sage. The seeds have recently gained fame as a functional food and are tiny, black, and very oily (with a 30% oil content).

Chia seed oil has a unique ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids: 60% alpha-linolenic acid, 20% linoleic acid, and 10% oleic acid make chia seed oil one of the richest sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, comparable to, if not better than, flaxseed oil.

Chia seed oil also contains antioxidant phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E) and is a fantastic emollient and occlusive (moisturizing) ingredient for use in skincare products. It is very prone to oxidation due to the high degree of unsaturation, and so the chia seed oil products must be well protected from light and air. The high content of alpha-linolenic acid is also great for oily and problematic skin.

Chia seeds have many other uses in skincare products. You can read more about that here.