Instead of silicone: Can sunflower oil replace plastic in beauty products?

Sunflower oil: Why it's the underrated star on the beauty shelf—especially in hair care.

While sunflower oil is viewed with skepticism in cooking due to its high omega-6 content (essential, but inflammatory in excess), it demonstrates its strengths as an ingredient in beauty products. It has long been known in skincare. "Studies show that it binds moisture in the skin and strengthens the skin barrier – even in baby skin," says dermatologist and nutritional physician Dr. Anne Gürtler from the LVATE practice in Munich . According to the expert, it is included in many products because it can buffer potentially more irritating active ingredients like retinol. Gürtler advises caution only for those with blemished skin, as sunflower oil can promote pimples. Overall, it is considered a multi-talent among beauty oils – and, thanks to its lightness, is particularly interesting for hair care.

In its new "Omega Hydrating Hair Oil," Dyson uses sunflower oil from its own farm in northern England. "The plants are fertilized with algae and therefore contain particularly high levels of Omega 6, which makes the oil extra nourishing and moisturizing," explains Justina Mejia-Montane, Product Development Director at Dyson. Because the long-chain fatty acids work primarily on the hair's surface, they protect against friction and heat, making the oil a natural alternative to silicones. For even more conditioning, Dyson blends it with olive, avocado, sesame, or macadamia oils, as the balance of Omega 3 , 6, and 9 allows it to work deeper.

The correct application is crucial

For optimal oil performance, the expert recommends using it sparingly: "One drop is enough for fine, shoulder-length hair . For longer and thicker hair, we recommend three to four drops." Not enough? Then you can always add more. To ensure optimal oil dosage, Dyson engineers came up with an innovative glass bottle. If you turn it upside down and gently tap the bottom with your finger, it releases a small drop of oil. "This virtually eliminates the risk of accidentally grabbing too much," says Justina Mejia-Montane.

The key to preventing greasy hair is not only the selection of oils and the dosage, but also how the oil is distributed throughout the hair. The expert recommends: "Rub it in like hand cream – not just into the palms of your hands, but also on the backs of your hands, and only then run your fingers through your hair with spread fingers." This application technique distributes a very fine film of oil throughout the hair that doesn't weigh it down or make it greasy.

Interestingly, Dyson even claims the new oil offers heat protection—an effect previously only possible with silicones in hair oil . "Many people assume that using vegetable oils after using a straightener would literally fry their hair," says Justina Mejia-Montane, adding, "However, the choice of oils is also important. In our studies, we were able to demonstrate that the sunflower oil we use, precisely because it's so rich in omega-6 fatty acids due to our special cultivation method, forms a protective film around the hair, thus mimicking the heat-shielding effect of silicone."