Sesame (Til) Oil for Face: Benefits, Side Effects and How to Use It

Sesame oil (til ka tel) is a good emollient for dry skin and body massage, and it carries antioxidants such as sesamol and sesamin. On the face it suits dry, non-acne-prone skin best, used sparingly or washed off. It can clog pores on oily skin, it does not remove tan, and it is not a sunscreen, despite what many home remedy posts claim.

Til oil is the backbone of Ayurvedic abhyanga (oil massage), the base of classical oils such as kumkumadi and nalpamaradi tailam, and a winter staple in many Indian homes. That long use makes it easy to assume it is good for everything. Here is what sesame oil genuinely does for skin, what it doesn't, and how to use it without breakouts.

What is in sesame oil?

Sesame oil is roughly equal parts linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and oleic acid (an omega-9), with smaller amounts of saturated fats. It also contains lignans called sesamin and sesamolin, which turn into sesamol, plus vitamin E. These antioxidants make sesame oil more stable than many plant oils.

For skin, use cold-pressed, untoasted sesame oil, usually pale gold. The dark, toasted oil used in cooking has a strong smell and is not meant for your face.

What are the benefits of sesame oil for the face?

• Softens dry skin. As an emollient, it smooths rough patches and flaking.
• Reduces water loss. It forms a light film that slows evaporation in dry or air-conditioned air.
• Supports the barrier. Linoleic acid is a building block of the skin barrier's own lipids.
• Antioxidant content. Sesamol and vitamin E help neutralise free radicals in lab studies.
• A good massage oil. Its medium slip makes it a traditional choice for facial and body massage.

Does sesame oil protect against the sun?

No. Sesame oil is often described online as a "natural sunscreen" with an SPF of about 4. Lab measurements of plant oils give very low, inconsistent figures, and a real-world layer of oil provides almost no protection. It certainly offers none against UVA, the rays that drive tanning and pigmentation. Always use a proper broad-spectrum sunscreen. Read why brown Indian skin needs sunscreen.

Does sesame oil remove tan or lighten skin?

There is no good evidence that it does. A tan fades as skin renews over four to six weeks, and sesame oil does not speed that up. Any brightness people notice is usually the glow of well-moisturised skin. For proven tan and pigmentation ingredients, see how to remove tan from face.

Is sesame oil good for oily and acne-prone skin?

Usually not as a leave-on face oil. Sesame oil sits in the middle of comedogenic ratings, higher than jojoba or squalane though lower than coconut oil. On oily, acne-prone Indian skin, especially in humid weather, leaving it on overnight can clog pores on the forehead, nose and chin. The same applies when hair oil drips onto the face. See does hair oil cause acne.

How does sesame oil compare with other oils?

Compare with mustard oil, coconut oil and olive oil. For the lightest option, see our jojoba oil guide.

How do you use sesame oil on your face?

1. Choose cold-pressed, untoasted oil and patch-test on your inner arm for 48 hours. See our patch-test guide.
2. Use it as a pre-wash massage. Warm 4–5 drops between your palms and massage the face for two or three minutes.
3. Rinse after 15–20 minutes with a gentle face wash. This gives you the softening without leaving heavy oil in the pores.
4. For very dry skin, seal at night. Apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser first, then press one or two drops over the driest areas.
5. Keep it to the evening. In the morning, go straight to sunscreen.

The order matters: water-based hydration first, oil last. Our humectant vs emollient vs occlusive guide explains why.

Is sesame oil better for the body than the face?

For most people, yes. Body skin, especially on the shins, arms and heels, has fewer oil glands and dries out faster, so it benefits more from a rich oil and is far less likely to break out. That is why traditional abhyanga uses warm sesame oil all over the body before a bath. Massage it in for five to ten minutes, then bathe with a mild cleanser, leaving a light film behind. In winter, applying a little to damp skin straight after bathing locks in more moisture than applying it to dry skin. If you are prone to back or chest acne, keep the oil off those areas. Our winter skincare routine guide covers the rest.

What are the side effects of sesame oil on skin?

• Breakouts on oily and acne-prone skin, mainly with leave-on use.
• Allergy. Sesame is a major food allergen, and skin reactions, though uncommon, are possible. If you are allergic to eating sesame, don't put it on your skin.
• Rancidity. Old oil smells sharp and can irritate. Store it away from heat and light.
• Heat rash in summer. Heavy oiling in humid heat can trap sweat. See heat rash.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave sesame oil on my face overnight?

If your skin is dry and not acne-prone, a thin layer is usually fine. If you get breakouts, wash it off instead.

Is sesame oil good for dark circles?

It can soften the dry under-eye area, but it doesn't treat pigment or hollowness. See dark circles for what helps.

Black sesame or white sesame oil for skin?

Both are used. The fatty acid profile is similar. Freshness and cold-pressing matter more than seed colour.

Can I use sesame oil on a baby's skin?

It is a traditional baby massage oil in India. Ask your paediatrician first, especially if your baby has eczema.

Can sesame oil replace my moisturiser?

Not fully. It seals, but it doesn't add water. Pair it with a humectant, such as a hyaluronic acid serum.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from a dermatologist.