Why Seed Oils Don’t Belong on Your Skin

Why Seed Oils Don’t Belong on Your Skin

It’s no secret that seed oils are everywhere in “natural” skincare. They’re inexpensive, easy to source, and often marketed as light, quick-absorbing moisturizers. But what most people don’t realize is that seed oils are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are unstable and highly prone to oxidation. When these oils are heated during processing or exposed to light and air, they can quickly turn rancid— long before you ever apply them.

On the skin, oxidized oils generate free radicals, which can weaken the skin barrier and contribute to irritation, inflammation, and premature aging. For those struggling with acne, eczema, or dermatitis, seed oils can make matters worse, feeding into the very cycles of imbalance they claim to fix. Even when cold-pressed, many seed oils lack the stability needed to protect sensitive or stressed skin.

That’s why Shwally takes a different path. We never use seed oils in our formulas— not even the ones commonly labeled “clean” or “natural.” Instead, we rely on saturated, nutrient-rich fats that are naturally stable and packed with vitamins the skin can use. These fats, paired with modern clinical actives, create formulas that are safe, effective, and suitable for every skin type. By rejecting unstable seed oils, we return to a foundation of strength— skincare that nourishes, protects, and restores without compromise.