6 Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Safflower Oil

Abstract

Safflower Oil is a polyunsaturated edible seed oil consisting primarily of triglycerides of linoleic acid. The oil is used in cosmetics as an emollient in topical lotions and creams at concentrations normally between 0.1 and 5 percent. The pure oil produced slight to moderate comedogenicity. However, products containing up to 5 percent Safflower Oil were not comedogenic in rabbits. Results of animal tests indicated that Safflower Oil was not an eye or skin irritant or contact sensitizer. The oil increased the incidence of 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in rats. Safflower Oil has been used to treat human essential fatty acid deficiencies via oral and topical administration and is often applied to irritated and abraded skin. Products containing up to 5 percent Safflower Oil were negative for human skin irritation, sensitization, or photosensitization. From the information presented in this report, it is concluded that Safflower Oil is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the present practices of use.