Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oil

Also known as: Perilla Seed Oil, Shiso Oil

INCI: Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oil | Function: Emollient, Skin Conditioning | Type: Botanical Oil

What Is Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oil?

Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the perilla plant. It is one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), containing 50-60% ALA by weight — higher than flaxseed oil. The oil provides deep nourishment, supports the skin's lipid barrier, and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in facial oils, serums, and nourishing creams for dry, mature, or compromised skin.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Highest plant-based omega-3 ALA content — 50–64% by weight
+ Barrier repair — ALA integrates into skin lipid matrix
+ Anti-inflammatory — omega-3 pathway reduces inflammatory mediators
+ Skin conditioning — improves softness and suppleness
+ Antioxidant — inherent tocopherols and lignans protect against rancidity

Pros

+ Superior omega-3 source — higher ALA than flax or chia oil
+ Light texture — absorbs quickly without greasy residue
+ Suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types
+ Cold-pressed — retains full nutrient profile
+ Rich in natural tocopherols for built-in oxidation protection

Cons

− Short shelf life — high PUFA content oxidizes readily without antioxidants
− Refrigeration recommended after opening
− Nutty odor — may require fragrance masking in formulations
− Premium pricing vs common botanical oils

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Natural

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	0/5
Comedogenic Rating	1/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — traditional oil
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — IECIC listed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Facial Oils	5–100%
Nourishing Serums	2–10%
Barrier Creams	3–15%
Hair Oils	5–20%

References

CosIng Database — Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oil. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
Asif M (2011) — Chemical characteristics and nutritional potentials of perilla oil. PMID: 21740768
Shin HS, Kim SW (1994) — Lipid composition of perilla seed. PMID: 7857268
EWG Skin Deep — Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oil. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

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