What Is Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil?
Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil is a plant oil extracted from the tiny seeds of Amaranthus spinosus, a leafy plant sometimes called prickly amaranth. The seeds are pressed or solvent-extracted, then filtered to remove waxes and impurities, leaving a clear to golden oil with a light feel. Chemically it is rich in linoleic and oleic acids, squalene, tocopherols and phytosterols, a mix that gives the oil its skin-nurturing reputation.
Amaranth species have been cultivated for food since ancient Mesoamerican times, but interest in the seed oil grew in the late 20th century when researchers noted its high squalene content, a compound prized in skincare for its biomimetic qualities. As the demand for plant-based and sustainable ingredients rose, cosmetic formulators started adding Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil to moisturizers, nourishing masks, facial oils, anti-aging serums, lip balms and after-sun products.
Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare formulas this oil delivers two main functions that translate to noticeable benefits
- Skin conditioning: The blend of fatty acids and antioxidants helps soften rough patches, improve elasticity and support the skin’s natural barrier, leaving the surface smoother and more supple
- Emollient: It forms a light occlusive film that reduces water loss, adds slip to creams and oils and imparts a silky after-feel without a greasy residue
Who Can Use Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil
This lightweight plant oil is generally suitable for most skin types including normal, dry, mature, sensitive and even combination skin because it sinks in quickly and supports the moisture barrier without leaving a heavy film. Those with very oily or highly blemish-prone skin may still want to monitor how their skin responds since any oil has the potential to feel too rich in a sebum-heavy environment.
Because it is 100% plant derived the ingredient aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles and is often used as a botanical alternative to animal-sourced squalene.
No specific concerns have been flagged for topical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified doctor just to be safe.
Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil does not make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be worn day or night without increasing the risk of sunburn. It is also fragrance free and generally plays well with other common actives like retinoids and vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil vary. The points below outline potential side effects though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and stored correctly.
- Allergic contact dermatitis a rare immune response that can cause redness itching or swelling
- Irritation on compromised or highly sensitive skin usually presents as mild stinging or flushing that subsides once the product is removed
- Pore congestion in very acne-prone skin possible if the oil is layered heavily or combined with other rich occlusives
- Rancid odor or discoloration can occur if the oil oxidizes which may reduce product efficacy and increase the chance of irritation
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
The oil is rich in linoleic acid and has a relatively thin, quick-absorbing texture, which makes it less likely to clog pores compared with heavier, saturated oils. It contains naturally occurring squalene that mimics skin’s own lipids, helping the oil spread easily instead of sitting in pores. Because it is still an oil there is a small chance it could contribute to congestion if layered heavily or mixed with other rich occlusives, which is why it scores a 1 rather than a 0.
Overall it is usually suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts, provided the rest of the routine is balanced and not overly occlusive.
Freshness matters: once oxidized any oil can increase the risk of irritation or clogged pores, so products should be stored away from heat and light and used within their recommended shelf life.
Summary
Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil works as a skin conditioning agent and emollient. Its blend of linoleic and oleic acids, natural squalene, tocopherols and phytosterols reinforces the skin barrier, softens rough texture, reduces moisture loss and leaves a smooth, silky finish.
While not as famous as argan or jojoba oil it is gaining popularity in clean beauty circles thanks to its high squalene content and light feel. You will most often spot it in facial oils, serums, moisturizers and lip care where a quick-absorbing plant oil is desired.
Topically it is considered low risk with a minimal record of irritation or allergy. Still every skin is unique so when trying any new product containing this ingredient it is wise to perform a small patch test first to confirm compatibility.