Why We Use Organic Sunflower Oil (And Why You Don’t Need to Fear PUFAs In Our Skincare)

Maybe you've wondered why we chose organic sunflower oil as one of the foundational oils in our Glow Serum — and it’s a great question. Ingredients matter more than ever today and we believe in full transparency, especially when it comes to oils that get a lot of attention (and sometimes concern), like those high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Let’s break it down.

🌻 Why Organic Sunflower Oil?

Organic sunflower oil is a gentle, nourishing oil that’s rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that plays a critical role in skin barrier repair, moisture retention, and reducing inflammation. It’s particularly beneficial for acne-prone, sensitive, or dry skin because it helps maintain the integrity of the skin’s natural barrier without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps defend skin against oxidative stress and environmental damage. It has a silky, fast-absorbing texture that blends beautifully with the other oils and botanicals in our Glow Serum.

But what about the PUFAs?

🔬 The PUFA Conversation

There’s been a growing conversation in the wellness space around PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) — especially in internal consumption — and some of that concern has carried over into skincare.

Here’s what we want you to know:

Topical use is not the same as ingesting oils. The skin is a barrier, not a digestive system. PUFAs can be vulnerable to oxidation internally when heated to high temperatures or consumed in excess. But when used thoughtfully on the skin, they can be extremely beneficial — especially when sourced and handled with care.

Linoleic acid (a PUFA) is essential for healthy skin function. Many people with acne-prone or damaged skin have been shown to be deficient in linoleic acid on the skin’s surface. Sunflower oil helps replenish this vital lipid, improving texture, tone, and resilience.

The real concern lies in how oils are treated. And that’s where we take extra care — through our infusion methods and thoughtful formulation.

🌼 Our Herbal Infusion Methods: Calendula + Careful Craft

To ensure the highest quality and protect the integrity of sunflower oil (and all the oils we use), we rely on two trusted methods to infuse calendula:

Cold Infusion (Time-Intensive, High-Integrity)
For some batches, we allow calendula flowers to infuse slowly into the oil over several weeks with no heat applied. This process is quiet, patient, and deeply nourishing — allowing the skin-soothing properties of calendula to gently steep into the oil while preserving its natural fatty acid profile.

Gentle Heat Infusion (Closely Monitored)
When a faster infusion is needed, we use a low, carefully controlled heat method. The oil is never rushed or overheated. We monitor the temperature closely to ensure that both the oil and the plant compounds retain their full potency and integrity.

These methods ensure that every drop of Glow Serum is rich in nutrients, botanicals, and skin-supportive lipids — with none of the shortcuts or compromises.

💛 In Short: It’s Not Just the Oil — It’s How It’s Treated

Organic sunflower oil is incredibly skin-loving — especially when paired with calming calendula and all the other amazing oils in Glow. We don’t use it because it’s trendy or popular. We use it because it works — and we treat it with the respect it deserves.

When you apply Glow Serum, you’re not just getting moisture. You’re getting weeks of intentional infusion, careful formulation, and oils that haven’t been rushed, overheated, or stripped.

Your skin deserves that kind of care.

If you’d like to learn more about why we use specific ingredients or how we formulate based on skin function and herbal wisdom, we’re always happy to share. Because when it comes to skincare, intention is everything.