Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 23, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil?

Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil is the golden green oil pressed from broccoli seeds. The seeds are packed with fatty acids, mainly erucic, oleic and linoleic acids, along with natural antioxidants like vitamins A and K. While broccoli itself has been on dinner plates for centuries, its seed oil is a newer star in beauty care, gaining notice in the last decade for its silky feel and shine-boosting qualities.

The oil is produced by cold pressing cleaned, dried broccoli seeds, followed by gentle filtration to keep nutrients intact. No harsh solvents are needed, which helps preserve its light herbaceous scent and non-greasy texture.

Because it glides on easily and absorbs fast, you will find this ingredient in lightweight facial moisturizers, anti-aging serums, hair masks, leave-in conditioners, body lotions and cuticle oils. Formulators like it as a plant-based alternative to silicones, giving products a smooth finish without a heavy afterfeel.

Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulas, this multitasking oil serves several beauty roles:

  • Hair conditioning – coats strands with a breathable layer that boosts shine, tames frizz and helps detangle without weighing hair down
  • Skin conditioning – softens rough patches, supports a supple feel and adds a subtle glow thanks to its fatty acid profile
  • Emollient – fills in tiny gaps on the skin surface creating a smooth, comfortable finish while helping lock in moisture

Who Can Use Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil

Thanks to its light texture and balance of fatty acids, broccoli seed oil suits most skin types including normal, dry, combination and even oily or acne prone skin because it sinks in quickly without leaving a heavy film. Those with very sensitive or fragrance reactive skin should take note of the oil’s faint natural scent, as botanical components can occasionally trigger redness or itching in highly reactive individuals.

The ingredient is 100 percent plant derived and involves no animal by-products or testing requirements therefore it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

No specific research flags broccoli seed oil as unsafe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing individuals should show any product containing the oil to their doctor just to be sure.

Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil has no known link to photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most other common skincare actives making it easy to slot into existing routines.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels by a reputable manufacturer.

  • Irritation or stinging on application in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to broccoli or other Brassica vegetables
  • Temporary clogged pores for users already prone to severe congestion if the oil is layered with many occlusives
  • Rancid or poorly stored oil can produce an off smell and cause mild inflammation

If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5

Broccoli seed oil absorbs fast and leaves a dry silky finish because its dominant fatty acid is erucic acid, which spreads easily without forming a thick occlusive film. It also contains a balanced mix of oleic and linoleic acids that skin can process well, so it rarely collects inside pores. For these reasons it earns a low score of 1.

Most people prone to acne or breakouts can use this ingredient without trouble, though extremely congestion-prone users may prefer spot application rather than heavy layering.

The oil stays fluid at room temperature and resists oxidation better than some polyunsaturated oils, so it is less likely to thicken over time, another factor that keeps clog risk low.

Summary

Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil acts as a lightweight emollient that smooths skin, conditions hair and seals in moisture. Its unique fatty acid pattern mimics the slip of silicones, giving products a soft touch and glossy finish while antioxidants provide an added boost of skin nurturing activity.

Although not as mainstream as argan or jojoba, broccoli seed oil has been gaining fans in clean beauty circles and indie hair care lines thanks to its natural silicone-like feel and vegan origin.

Overall safety is high with minimal reports of irritation or allergy outside of rare brassica sensitivities, making it suitable for daily use in most routines. As with any new cosmetic ingredient, patch test first to be sure your skin agrees with it.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search