Seed Oils Vs Animal Fats… The Truth About Our Food & Cosmetics

Table of Contents

1. What Are Seed Oils, and Why Are They Everywhere?

2. Why Seed Oils Are Harmful to Your Health

3. The Problem with Seed Oils in Cosmetics

4. How Long Do Seed Oils Stay in Your System?

5. Benefits of Switching to Animal-Based Fats for Skin Care and Health

6. Making the Switch: Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

7. Conclusion: Choose Natural, Choose Nourishment

   
   

What Are Seed Oils, and Why Are They Everywhere?

Seed oils—like canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower, and grape-seed oils—are highly processed vegetable oils extracted from seeds. If you’ve glanced at an ingredient label recently, you’ve probably noticed them listed in everything from chips to salad dressings to shampoos and lotions. But why are they so ubiquitous?

Seed oils became popular during the rise of industrialised food production because they are cheap to produce and have a long shelf life. For the beauty industry, they serve as lightweight emollients that make products feel smooth on your skin. However, the downside of these oils is often glossed over—many are unstable, inflammatory, and potentially harmful, both when consumed and used topically.

Why Seed Oils Are Harmful to Your Health

Seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. While our bodies need a small amount of omega-6 for normal function, the modern diet has thrown the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 out of whack. Ideally, our omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should be close to 1:1. However, the average Western diet has a ratio closer to 16:1, or even higher. This imbalance can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic health issues.

Here’s why seed oils are problematic for your health:

1. Inflammation and Chronic Disease: Excessive consumption of omega-6 fats promotes inflammation, which is linked to heart disease, arthritis, obesity, and autoimmune disorders (Cleveland Clinic).

2. Oxidative Stress:Seed oils are unstable when exposed to heat, light, and air. During cooking or storage, they oxidize and release harmful free radicals that can damage cells.

3. Poor Metabolic Health:Research shows that seed oils may contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes (National Library of Medicine).

4. Stored in Your Fat Cells:The linoleic acid from seed oils doesn’t just disappear—it accumulates in your fat cells and membranes, creating long-term effects on your metabolism and inflammation levels.

   
   

   

   
   

The Problem with Seed Oils in Cosmetics

If these oils cause inflammation inside your body, imagine what they could do to your skin. Many popular lotions, creams, and cosmetics use seed oils—like sunflower or grapeseed oil—because they feel light and non-greasy. However, this doesn’t mean they are good for your skin.

Why Seed Oils Are Harmful for Skin

1. Oxidation on the Skin’s Surface:Just like cooking oils can oxidize under heat, seed oils in skincare products can break down on your skin when exposed to sunlight. This oxidative damage can accelerate aging, cause irritation, and increase the risk of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

2. Disrupt the Skin Barrier:Some seed oils contain fatty acids that can weaken your skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and an over-reliance on moisturizing products.

3. Promote Acne and Inflammation:Omega-6 fatty acids are known to contribute to inflammation. When applied topically, they can worsen acne and other inflammatory skin conditions (National Eczema Association).

4. Preservative Overload:Because seed oils are prone to oxidation, many products with these oils contain synthetic preservatives to stabilize them. These preservatives can further irritate sensitive skin.

   
   

How Long Do Seed Oils Stay in Your System?

Unfortunately, the effects of seed oils don’t disappear as quickly as you might hope. When you consume or apply products rich in seed oils, the linoleic acid becomes stored in your body’s fat cells.

Studies suggest that linoleic acid can stay in your fat tissue for months—some research even indicates it could linger for up to two years. Since these fatty acids accumulate over time, reversing their impact requires consistent dietary and lifestyle changes.

Benefits of Switching to Animal-Based Fats for Skin Care & Health

Switching to animal-based fats, both for consumption and skincare, offers several advantages over seed oils. Traditional fats—like beef tallow, lard, butter, and ghee—are stable, nourishing, and much more compatible with the human body.

Health Benefits of Consuming Animal Fats

1. Nutrient-Rich:Animal fats contain fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, essential for immune function, bone health, and skin repair.

2. Anti-Inflammatory:Unlike omega-6-rich seed oils, animal fats provide a better ratio of omega-3 to omega-6, promoting balanced inflammation levels.

3. Support Hormone Health:Saturated fats from animals are necessary for hormone production, especially sex hormones and cortisol.

4. More Stable:Animal fats are heat-stable and less prone to oxidation, meaning they don’t create harmful free radicals when cooked.

Benefits of Animal Fats for Skin Care

1. Mimics Skin's Natural Oils:Animal-based fats like beef tallow closely resemble the structure of human sebum, making them easily absorbed and highly moisturizing.

2. Rich in Fat-Soluble Nutrients:Tallow and lard are naturally rich in vitamins A, D, and E, which support healthy skin renewal and repair.

3. Non-Irritating and Long-Lasting:Unlike seed oils, animal fats don’t require chemical preservatives to stay stable. They provide deep, lasting hydration without clogging pores.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:Grass-fed animal fats contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps calm irritated or inflamed skin.

   
   

   

   
   

Making the Switch: Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

If you’re ready to reduce seed oils and incorporate animal-based fats, here are some tips to get started:

1. Read Labels Carefully:Check ingredient lists on food and cosmetics. Avoid products that contain canola, sunflower, soybean, or grapeseed oils.

2. Cook with Stable Fats:Use butter, ghee, or beef tallow for cooking. Not only do they taste better, but they are also safer to heat.

3. Choose Natural Skincare:Switch to tallow-based lotions, soaps, and balms. Look for local or artisanal brands that use animal fats, like tallow soap makers in Australia.

4. Go Grass-Fed:Opt for grass-fed animal products for higher nutrient content. In Australia, the Australian Organic certification ensures high-quality, ethically sourced animal products.

5. Balance Omega-3 and Omega-6:Increase your intake of omega-3-rich foods, such as fatty fish or pastured eggs, to rebalance your fat intake.

   
   

Conclusion: Choose Natural, Choose Nourishment

Seed oils might be cheap and lightweight, but they come at a cost to your health and skin. Whether in your food or cosmetics, these oils promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and long-term metabolic issues. Meanwhile, animal-based fats—like tallow—are stable, nourishing, and in harmony with your body’s natural needs.

Making the switch to animal fats isn’t just a trend—it’s a return to traditional wisdom and sustainable living. Whether you’re cooking with butter or moisturizing with tallow balm, these fats offer long-lasting benefits that seed oils simply can’t match.

So, next time you reach for a moisturizer or cooking oil, think twice. Your skin and body will thank you for making the natural, nourishing choice.

At Wyld Hyde, we avoid seed oils in our products because we believe in giving your body the best nature has to offer. We’ve experienced firsthand the transformative benefits of switching to natural fats, both in our skincare and our diet. Whether you’re moisturising with our tallow balms or cleansing with our artisanal soaps, you can trust that every product we create is designed to promote long-lasting health and wellness.