Carthamus Tinctorius · Cold-Pressed Safflower Seed Oil · Kusum Ka Tel · 500 ml (16.9 fl oz)
The Forgotten Indian Cooking Oil — High Smoke Point, Heart-Healthy Fats, and Skin That Glows
Before sunflower oil and refined vegetable blends took over Indian kitchens, safflower oil (Kusum Ka Tel / कुसुम का तेल) was one of the most prized cooking oils across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Cold-pressed from the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius), this oil is naturally rich in Omega-6 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and Vitamin E — the same heart-healthy fat profile that made olive oil famous, but with a higher smoke point that makes it far more practical for Indian-style cooking. The flavour is neutral and clean — it doesn’t compete with your spices the way coconut or sesame oil can. And because it’s cold-pressed (not chemically refined), it retains the full spectrum of fat-soluble vitamins, tocopherols, and phytosterols that refining destroys. Cook with it, dress salads with it, massage it into your skin, work it through your hair — this is a genuinely multi-purpose oil. 500ml bottle from Moolihai.
Cold-Pressed · Unrefined
100% Pure · No Additives
Dual-Use: Cooking + Skincare
Ships via DHL / UPS / FedEx
What Is Cold-Pressed Safflower Oil?
An ancient Indian cooking oil that deserves a comeback — and a skincare secret hiding in plain sight.
The Safflower — India’s Ancient Oil Seed
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a thistle-like plant with brilliant orange-red flowers, cultivated in India for over 2,000 years. Originally grown for its flowers (used as a textile dye and food colourant — saffron’s affordable cousin), safflower’s seeds were soon recognised for their exceptional oil content. In Maharashtra, safflower oil (called Kardai tel / कर्डई तेल) was the traditional cooking oil of choice long before industrialised seed oils existed. The plant thrives in arid, hot conditions — perfectly suited to India’s Deccan Plateau — and produces seeds containing 30–40% oil by weight. Moolihai’s safflower oil is cold-pressed: the seeds are mechanically crushed at low temperatures without chemical solvents, preserving the oil’s natural Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and phytosterols that high-heat refining destroys.
The Fat Profile That Sets It Apart
What makes safflower oil nutritionally distinctive is its fatty acid composition. It’s one of the highest sources of linoleic acid (an Omega-6 essential fatty acid) among all cooking oils — typically 70–80% of total fat content. It also contains meaningful amounts of oleic acid (the monounsaturated fat that gives olive oil its heart-health reputation). This combination, paired with very low saturated fat content (among the lowest of any cooking oil), makes safflower oil a genuinely heart-friendly choice. The high Vitamin E content (alpha-tocopherol) acts as a natural antioxidant — protecting the oil from rancidity and your body from oxidative stress. For skin care, this same fat profile is what makes safflower oil an exceptional moisturiser: linoleic acid is a key component of the skin’s lipid barrier, and supplementing it topically helps repair and strengthen the skin’s natural protective layer.
One Oil, Two Worlds of Benefits
Heart & Cholesterol
Safflower oil’s high proportion of unsaturated fats (both polyunsaturated linoleic acid and monounsaturated oleic acid) and very low saturated fat content make it one of the most heart-friendly cooking oils available. Studies have shown that replacing saturated fats with linoleic acid-rich oils may help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and improve the overall cholesterol ratio. The phytosterols naturally present in cold-pressed safflower oil may further support cholesterol management by competing with cholesterol for intestinal absorption. Cooking with safflower oil instead of ghee, butter, or palm oil is one of the simplest dietary swaps for cardiovascular health.
Blood Sugar Support
Research has suggested that the linoleic acid in safflower oil may help improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy blood sugar regulation. Some studies have shown measurable improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c levels in people who incorporated safflower oil into their diet. The mechanism is believed to involve the way polyunsaturated fats influence cell membrane composition, making insulin receptors more responsive. For people managing type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, switching to safflower oil as a primary cooking oil — alongside other dietary and lifestyle changes — may provide a modest but meaningful improvement in blood sugar management.
High Smoke Point Cooking
Safflower oil has a smoke point of approximately 230–265°C (450–510°F) — significantly higher than olive oil (190–210°C), coconut oil (175–205°C), or sesame oil (210°C). This means it can handle the high temperatures required for Indian-style deep frying, tadka (tempering), sautéing, and stir-frying without breaking down into harmful compounds. When an oil exceeds its smoke point, it releases toxic aldehydes and free radicals — safflower oil’s high threshold means safer, cleaner cooking at the temperatures Indian food demands. The neutral flavour doesn’t interfere with your spice blend — your masala tastes like masala, not like the oil.
Skin Moisturiser & Barrier Repair
This is safflower oil’s hidden superpower. Linoleic acid is a key structural component of ceramides — the lipid molecules that form the skin’s protective barrier. People with dry, eczema-prone, or ageing skin often have depleted linoleic acid levels in their skin barrier. Applying linoleic acid-rich safflower oil topically helps restore and strengthen this barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (the invisible evaporation that causes dryness), improving hydration, and creating a healthier, more resilient skin surface. The oil is lightweight, absorbs well, doesn’t feel greasy, and doesn’t clog pores — making it suitable for both facial and body use, including oily and acne-prone skin types.
Vitamin E & Antioxidant Protection
Safflower oil is one of the richest natural sources of alpha-tocopherol (the most bioactive form of Vitamin E). Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radical damage — both internally (when consumed as a cooking oil) and externally (when applied to the skin). This antioxidant protection supports slower cellular ageing, healthier skin appearance, and reduced oxidative stress across the body. The Vitamin E also acts as a natural preservative within the oil itself, extending shelf life and protecting the delicate polyunsaturated fats from oxidative rancidity.
Hair Health & Scalp Nourishment
Safflower oil’s lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it an excellent hair and scalp treatment. The Vitamin E and linoleic acid nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and may help reduce dryness and flakiness. Unlike heavy oils (castor, coconut) that can weigh hair down or require multiple shampoo washes to remove, safflower oil absorbs cleanly into the scalp and rinses out easily. Massage a tablespoon into the scalp before bed, leave overnight, and shampoo in the morning. For split ends, apply a few drops to the ends of damp hair after washing — it seals moisture in without the greasy residue.
Anti-Inflammatory
The Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E in safflower oil have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in research. While excessive Omega-6 intake relative to Omega-3 can promote inflammation (a common concern with Western diets), the moderate, balanced use of high-quality cold-pressed safflower oil — especially as a replacement for refined, heavily processed seed oils — provides anti-inflammatory rather than pro-inflammatory effects. Applied topically, the anti-inflammatory action helps calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and soothe conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and minor sunburn.
Weight & Metabolism
Some research suggests that the linoleic acid in safflower oil may help reduce trunk adiposity (belly fat) specifically. One study found that women who supplemented with safflower oil daily for 16 weeks showed a reduction in trunk fat and an increase in lean muscle mass — without changing their overall calorie intake. The mechanism may involve linoleic acid’s influence on adiponectin, a hormone that regulates fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity. While safflower oil is still a calorie-dense fat (120 calories per tablespoon, like all oils), its metabolic effects may make it a smarter choice than other oils for people focused on body composition.
Five Ways to Use Safflower Oil
Everyday Cooking Oil
Use safflower oil as your primary cooking oil for sautéing, stir-frying, deep frying, and tadka (tempering). The high smoke point means it handles the intense heat of Indian cooking methods without breaking down. The neutral flavour lets your spices shine. Use it exactly as you would sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil — in curries, dals, rice dishes, dosa, pakoras, and any fried preparation. Start by replacing your current cooking oil in one or two dishes and see how the clean, neutral flavour compares. Many people find they prefer it once they realise how much their previous oil was interfering with their food’s taste.
Salad Dressings & Cold Use
The light, neutral flavour of safflower oil makes it an excellent base for salad dressings, vinaigrettes, and marinades where you don’t want the oil to dominate. Whisk with lemon juice, herbs, and garlic for a simple dressing. Use as a base for mayonnaise or aioli. Drizzle over hummus, steamed vegetables, or grilled fish. Because this is cold-pressed (not refined), the full Vitamin E and essential fatty acid content is preserved — making raw/cold applications the most nutritionally beneficial way to consume it. For an Indian-style dressing, combine with lime juice, green chilli, and a pinch of chaat masala.
Facial & Body Moisturiser
Apply a few drops of safflower oil to clean, slightly damp skin (face or body) after bathing. The oil seals in the residual moisture from your shower while the linoleic acid repairs and strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue — making it suitable even for oily and acne-prone skin types (linoleic acid-rich oils actually help normalise sebum production in acne-prone skin). For a face oil, 3–5 drops patted gently onto damp skin is sufficient. For body use, a tablespoon covers arms and legs. Mix with a few drops of Moolihai’s Lavender Essential Oil for an aromatherapy-enhanced moisturising experience.
Hair & Scalp Treatment
Warm 1–2 tablespoons of safflower oil between your palms and massage into the scalp using circular motions. Work any remaining oil through the lengths and ends of your hair. Leave for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper conditioning). Shampoo and condition as normal. The lightweight texture means it rinses out easily — no double-shampooing required, unlike coconut or castor oil. For enhanced hair treatment, combine with a few drops of Moolihai’s Rosemary Essential Oil (traditionally associated with hair growth stimulation) or Moolihai’s Bhringraj Oil for a combined Ayurvedic hair formula.
Carrier Oil for Essential Oils
Safflower oil’s neutral scent, lightweight texture, and excellent skin absorption make it an ideal carrier oil for diluting Moolihai’s essential oils for topical use. Mix 4–6 drops of any essential oil (Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Vetiver, etc.) into a tablespoon of safflower oil for massage, aromatherapy application, or targeted skin treatment. The safflower oil delivers the essential oil compounds into the skin while providing its own Vitamin E and linoleic acid benefits. It’s a superior carrier to mineral oil (which is petroleum-derived) and more versatile than coconut oil (which can solidify in cool temperatures).
At a Glance
Volume
500 ml (16.9 fl oz)
Extraction
Cold-Pressed · Unrefined · No Chemical Solvents
Origin
India
Key Nutrients
Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid) · Oleic Acid · Vitamin E
Smoke Point
~230–265°C (450–510°F) — High-Heat Safe
Use
Cooking · Salads · Skin Care · Hair Care · Carrier Oil
Free From
No Additives · No Preservatives · No Chemicals
Flavour
Neutral · Clean · Does Not Compete with Spices
From India to Your Kitchen
United States
5–7 business days via DHL/UPS Express
United Kingdom
5–7 business days via DHL/UPS Express
Canada
5–7 business days via DHL/UPS Express
Frequently Asked Questions
Each oil has a different fat profile, flavour, and ideal use case. Safflower oil has a neutral flavour, the highest smoke point of the four, the lowest saturated fat, and the highest linoleic acid content — best for high-heat Indian cooking, salads, and skincare. Olive oil (extra virgin) has a strong, fruity flavour and a lower smoke point (~190°C) — best for Mediterranean-style cooking, drizzling, and dressings, but not ideal for deep frying or intense Indian tadka. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat (80%+), has a strong coconut flavour, and solidifies below 25°C — best for South Indian and Kerala-style cooking, but its saturated fat content is controversial for heart health. Sesame oil has a distinctive nutty flavour and a moderate smoke point (~210°C) — essential for certain South Indian and East Asian dishes, but too flavourful for everyday neutral cooking. Safflower oil is the most versatile of the four — it handles any cooking method, any cuisine, and any temperature without imposing its own flavour.
Not exactly. Most safflower oil in Western supermarkets is refined — extracted using chemical solvents (hexane), then bleached and deodorised at high temperatures. This process produces a very neutral, shelf-stable oil but strips out most of the Vitamin E, phytosterols, and other beneficial compounds. Moolihai’s safflower oil is cold-pressed — mechanically extracted at low temperatures without chemical solvents, preserving the full nutritional profile. Cold-pressed safflower oil may have a slightly more noticeable colour (golden-yellow vs the clear, pale appearance of refined) and a faintly nutty aroma. It’s also worth noting that some Western brands sell “high-oleic” safflower oil (bred for higher monounsaturated fat and lower polyunsaturated fat) — Moolihai’s traditional Indian safflower oil is the high-linoleic variety, which is the form traditionally used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic practice.
Yes — and this is counterintuitive for many people. Safflower oil is high in linoleic acid, and research has shown that acne-prone skin is often deficient in linoleic acid in the sebum (skin oil) composition. This deficiency causes sebum to become thick and sticky, clogging pores and creating the conditions for breakouts. Applying linoleic acid-rich oils topically may help normalise sebum quality — making it thinner and less likely to block pores. Safflower oil is also non-comedogenic (it has a comedogenic rating of 0 on most scales), meaning it doesn’t clog pores. Apply 3–5 drops to clean, damp skin at night. If you’re new to using oils on acne-prone skin, start every other night and observe your skin’s response over 2 weeks.
Safflower is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae (daisy) family — it is not a nut, and safflower oil is generally considered safe for people with tree nut and peanut allergies. However, people with allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) may potentially have a cross-reactive sensitivity to safflower. If you have a known allergy to Asteraceae plants, perform a skin patch test before topical use and consume a very small amount orally before using it regularly in cooking. If you have severe allergies of any kind, consult your allergist before introducing any new food or topical product.
Completely different products. Safflower oil (this product) is a food-grade cooking and skincare oil — you cook with it, eat it in salads, and apply it to skin and hair. It’s a carrier/base oil. Moolihai’s Moringa Oil is a lightweight facial and hair oil — primarily for topical skincare use, not cooking. Moolihai’s Bhringraj Oil is a therapeutic Ayurvedic hair oil — infused with Bhringraj herb for hair growth and scalp health, not for cooking. Moolihai’s essential oils (Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Vetiver, etc.) are highly concentrated aromatic oils — never consumed directly and always diluted before topical use. Safflower oil is the all-rounder: cook with it, moisturise with it, use it as a carrier for essential oils. The others are specialised products for specific applications.
Cold-pressed safflower oil is more delicate than refined oils because it retains its natural antioxidants and unsaturated fats — which are nutritionally valuable but more susceptible to oxidation. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources (not next to the stove). Keep the cap tightly sealed after each use to minimise air exposure. Under these conditions, the oil stays fresh for 6–12 months. If you live in a very hot climate, refrigerator storage is recommended — the oil may become slightly cloudy when cold, but this is normal and doesn’t affect quality; it clears immediately at room temperature. You’ll know safflower oil has gone rancid if it develops a sharp, paint-like, or fishy smell — fresh safflower oil should smell mildly nutty or essentially neutral. At 500ml, the bottle lasts approximately 2–3 months with regular cooking use.
Disclaimer: This is a food-grade oil suitable for both culinary and topical use. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Indian Medical Association. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a known allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family plants (ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies), exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider. If you are on blood-thinning medication, be aware that Vitamin E in high doses may interact with anticoagulants — consult your doctor. Individual results may vary. Store in a cool, dark place.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.