Cold Press Sesame Oil: 8 Science-Backed Benefits for Skin, Hair and Heart
Sesame oil (til ka tel) has the highest antioxidant content of any cooking oil. Here is what the science says about sesamol, sesamin and why cold-press is the only form worth using.
Walk into any South Indian kitchen and you will find a bottle of gingelly oil — the amber, nutty, deeply fragrant sesame oil that has been the backbone of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Kerala cooking for over 5,000 years. In North India it is til ka tel, used for Makar Sankranti sweets, winter hair oiling and Ayurvedic massage. In Japan it is the finishing oil on ramen. In Korea it is the essential flavour in bibimbap.
Sesame oil is one of the most ancient and globally revered cooking oils in human history. And modern nutritional science is finally catching up to what traditional cultures always knew.
What Makes Sesame Oil Unique: Sesamol and Sesamin
Every cooking oil has fatty acids. But sesame oil has something no other oil has: sesamol and sesamin — two lignans (plant polyphenols) that are found exclusively in sesame seeds and their oil.
These are not minor compounds. Sesamol is one of the most potent natural antioxidants ever identified — more powerful than Vitamin E in neutralising free radicals. Sesamin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, liver-protective and blood-pressure-lowering properties in dozens of peer-reviewed studies.
Here is the critical point: cold-press extraction preserves sesamol and sesamin fully. Refining destroys up to 70% of them. The refined sesame oil in most supermarkets is nutritionally hollow compared to cold-press.
8 Evidence-Based Benefits of Cold-Press Sesame Oil
1. Highest Antioxidant Content of Any Cooking Oil
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that sesame oil had significantly higher antioxidant activity than olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil and mustard oil. The sesamol content is the primary reason. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage — the root cause of ageing, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure Clinically
A randomised controlled trial published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine found that patients who replaced their cooking oil with sesame oil for 45 days saw a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 8 mmHg and diastolic by 5 mmHg — without any other dietary changes. The mechanism is sesamin's inhibition of the enzyme that converts linoleic acid to arachidonic acid (a pro-inflammatory compound).
3. Natural SPF ~30 for Skin Protection
Cold-press sesame oil has a natural sun protection factor of approximately 30 — the highest of any cooking oil. This is why it has been used as a traditional sunscreen in South India and Southeast Asia for centuries. It also penetrates the skin deeply due to its small molecular structure, delivering Vitamin E and zinc directly to the dermis.
4. Reduces Blood Sugar in Diabetics
A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that sesamin supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in Type 2 diabetic patients. The mechanism involves sesamin's ability to improve insulin receptor sensitivity and reduce hepatic glucose production. For the estimated 77 million diabetic Indians, cold-press sesame oil is one of the most evidence-backed dietary interventions available.
5. Protects the Liver
Sesamin has demonstrated hepatoprotective properties in multiple animal and human studies — it reduces lipid peroxidation in liver cells, lowers ALT and AST enzyme levels (markers of liver damage) and supports healthy bile production. This is particularly relevant for Indians with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects an estimated 38% of urban adults.
6. Strengthens Bones and Joints
Sesame seeds (and their cold-press oil) are unusually rich in calcium (975 mg per 100g — higher than milk), zinc and copper. These minerals are essential for bone density, joint cartilage maintenance and collagen synthesis. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is the preferred oil for Abhyanga (self-massage) specifically because it penetrates deep into joint tissue and reduces Vata-related stiffness and arthritis pain.
7. Deep Hair Conditioning and Anti-Greying
Cold-press sesame oil contains copper — a mineral essential for melanin production in hair follicles. Regular scalp oiling with sesame oil is associated with reduced premature greying, stronger hair shafts and reduced dandruff. The oil's small molecular structure allows it to penetrate the hair cortex (unlike heavier oils that only coat the surface), providing genuine conditioning rather than superficial shine.
8. Antimicrobial for Oral Health (Oil Pulling)
Sesame oil is the traditional oil used in Ayurvedic kavala (oil pulling) — swishing oil in the mouth for 10–15 minutes to reduce oral bacteria. A study in the Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry found that sesame oil pulling was as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing Streptococcus mutans (the primary cause of tooth decay). The sesamol and sesamin provide the antimicrobial action.
Cold-Press vs Refined Sesame Oil: What You Lose
| Property | Cold-Press | Refined |
|---|---|---|
| Sesamol | Present | 60-70% destroyed |
| Sesamin | Present | 50-60% destroyed |
| Vitamin E | High | Low |
| Natural colour | Amber/golden | Pale yellow |
| Flavour | Rich, nutty | Bland |
| Antioxidant activity | Very high | Low |
How to Use Cold-Press Sesame Oil
For cooking: Use as a finishing oil on South Indian rice dishes, chutneys, kootu and poriyal. Its smoke point of 410°F makes it suitable for medium-heat cooking but not ideal for deep frying.
For hair: Warm 2-3 tablespoons and massage into scalp. Leave for 30 minutes or overnight. Wash with mild shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times per week.
For skin: Apply a few drops to damp skin after bathing. Use as a natural makeup remover or as a base for DIY face masks.
For oil pulling: Take 1 tablespoon of cold-press sesame oil first thing in the morning. Swish for 10-15 minutes. Spit out (not in the sink — it can clog drains). Rinse with warm water.
The Bottom Line
Cold-press sesame oil is not just a cooking oil — it is a functional food with a unique biochemical profile that no other oil can replicate. The sesamol and sesamin lignans, the natural SPF, the bone-building minerals and the liver-protective properties make it one of the most nutritionally complete oils available to Indian households.
The key is cold-press extraction. Refined sesame oil is a nutritionally depleted product that retains the calories but loses most of the benefit. Dune Aura cold-press sesame oil is extracted below 45°C, zero solvents, preserving the full lignan and antioxidant profile that makes this oil extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of cold press sesame oil for skin?
Cold press sesame oil contains sesamol, sesamin, Vitamin E, and natural SPF compounds that protect and nourish skin. It has natural antibacterial properties, absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, and has been used in Ayurvedic skin care for thousands of years. It is particularly beneficial for dry skin, eczema, and as a natural sunscreen for everyday use.
Does cold press sesame oil help with hair growth?
Cold press sesame oil contains zinc, selenium, and Omega-6 fatty acids that nourish hair follicles and support scalp health. Regular scalp massage with warm sesame oil improves blood circulation and may reduce hair fall. It is particularly effective for premature greying - traditional Ayurvedic practice uses sesame oil specifically for this purpose.
How does cold press sesame oil benefit heart health?
Cold press sesame oil's lignans (sesamol and sesamin) are powerful antioxidants that protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, reducing cardiovascular risk. Its polyunsaturated fatty acids support healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that regular sesame oil consumption reduces blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in people with hypertension.
Can I use cold press sesame oil for oil pulling?
Yes. Cold press sesame oil is the traditional oil used for oil pulling (kavala or gandusha) in Ayurveda. Swishing 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes is believed to improve oral health, reduce harmful bacteria, and support gum health. Modern research shows some support for its antibacterial effects in the mouth.
Is cold press sesame oil safe to use on the face daily?
Cold press sesame oil is generally safe for daily facial use and is non-comedogenic for most skin types. Its natural SPF of approximately 4 provides mild sun protection. Apply a few drops to clean, slightly damp skin and massage gently. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, patch test first as some people find it too heavy for daily facial use.
Buy Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Delivered to Your City
Dune Aura cold pressed sesame oil (til ka tel / gingelly oil) ships pan-India within 2–5 business days:
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Gurugram (same-day delivery)
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Delhi
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Noida
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Greater Noida
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Ghaziabad
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Faridabad
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Mumbai
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Bangalore
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Chennai
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Hyderabad
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Kolkata
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Kanpur
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Patna
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Pune
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Ahmedabad
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Delhi NCR Hub
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Written by
Surya Bhan SinghBSc Hotel & Hospitality Management, NCHMCT · Founder & MD, Dune Aura Industries Private Limited · Former Dubai & Singapore hospitality professional · Full credentials
