Introduction: Your Grandmother Was Right

Before serums, before retinol, before a billion-rupee beauty industry — Indian women used cold-pressed oils.

Coconut oil on the hair, sesame oil for abhyanga, castor oil for eyebrows and lashes. This wasn’t superstition. It was centuries of empirical observation of what worked.

Modern dermatology has caught up.

A 2020 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirmed that plant-based oils rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid, and vitamin E outperform many synthetic skincare actives for skin barrier repair, moisturisation, and inflammation reduction.

The key is quality — specifically, cold-pressed, unrefined oils that retain these active compounds.

The Science: Why Cold-Pressed Oils Work on Skin

Skin is protected by a lipid barrier — a layer of natural oils (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) that keeps moisture in and irritants out.

When this barrier is compromised (by harsh soaps, pollution, dehydration), skin becomes dry, sensitive, and prone to breakouts.

Cold-pressed plant oils are uniquely suited to supporting this barrier because their fatty acid profiles closely match the skin’s own lipids.

Key Components and Benefits

• Linoleic acid (omega-6): Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces trans-epidermal water loss, and calms inflammatory acne — found in high concentrations in cold-pressed sesame, sunflower, and rosehip oil.
• Oleic acid (omega-9): Deeply penetrating, nourishing, and anti-ageing — dominant in moringa, almond, and olive oil.
• Ricinoleic acid: Unique to castor oil — antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and a proven hair follicle stimulant.
• Vitamin E (tocopherols): Natural antioxidant, UV damage reducer, skin elasticity supporter — present in high concentrations in cold-pressed oils; mostly absent from refined versions.

Cold-Pressed Oils for Hair — Oil by Oil Guide

1. Cold-Pressed Castor Oil — For Hair Growth

Castor oil is the most evidence-supported natural oil for hair thickness and growth.

Its unique ricinoleic acid — which makes up 90% of its fatty acid content — has been shown to improve scalp circulation and reduce the enzyme (5-alpha reductase) associated with hair loss.

A 2003 study found that ricinoleic acid stimulates prostaglandin E2, a compound known to promote hair follicle activity.

How to Use

• Warm 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed castor oil.
• Massage into scalp for 5 minutes.
• Leave for 2–4 hours or overnight.
• Shampoo out.
• Use 2–3 times per week for visible results in 6–8 weeks.
• Mix 1:1 with cold-pressed coconut oil to reduce viscosity if castor oil feels too thick.

Sanjeevani’s cold-pressed castor oil is available at theamsha.com/shop in 250ml and 500ml.

2. Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil — The All-Rounder

Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is one of the most studied natural oils for both hair and skin.

Its lauric acid (a medium-chain saturated fat) penetrates the hair shaft more deeply than any other natural oil — a property unique to coconut oil, confirmed by a 2003 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science.

This makes it the best pre-wash oil treatment for reducing protein loss from hair.

How to Use (Hair)

• Apply 1–2 tablespoons to dry hair 30 minutes before washing as a protein-loss protective treatment.
• For deep conditioning: apply warm coconut oil from roots to tips and wrap in a warm towel for 1 hour.

How to Use (Skin)

• Apply a small amount to damp skin after bathing for deep moisturisation.
• Excellent for dry elbows, heels, and as a makeup remover for those without oily skin.

3. Cold-Pressed Moringa Oil — The Anti-Ageing Oil

Moringa oil (ben oil) has the highest oleic acid content of any plant oil — over 70%.

Oleic acid is deeply penetrating and has exceptional anti-ageing properties, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Moringa oil is also exceptionally stable — it was used in ancient Egypt to preserve cosmetics and mummify. It resists oxidation for over 5 years unopened.

How to Use

• Apply 3–5 drops to clean face as a night serum.
• Massage in upward circular motions.
• Particularly effective for mature or very dry skin.
• Can also be used as a cuticle oil.

4. Cold-Pressed Mamra Badam (Almond) Oil — For Brightening

Cold-pressed almond oil is rich in both oleic and linoleic acid, plus a high Vitamin E content, making it one of the most widely used natural oils for skin brightening (not whitening — brightening refers to improved luminosity and reduction of uneven pigmentation).

It absorbs quickly and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive.

How to Use

• Apply 3–5 drops to face and neck at night.
• For under-eye circles: dab 1–2 drops under eyes before bed, gently tapping (not rubbing).
• Consistent use over 4–6 weeks improves skin tone and texture.

Quick DIY Routines

Hair Mask for Hair Fall (Weekly)

• 2 tbsp cold-pressed castor oil + 1 tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil — warm and massage into scalp.
• Leave for a minimum of 2 hours (preferably overnight).
• Shampoo out with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo.
• Repeat 2x per week for 8 weeks.

Face Oil Routine (Nightly)

• Cleanse face with a gentle cleanser.
• Apply 2–3 drops moringa or almond oil to a damp face.
• Massage gently in upward circles.
• No need to rinse — oil absorbs overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shop Sanjeevani’s cold-pressed castor oil, moringa oil, and mamra badam oil at
sanjeevanicoldpressedoils.com or at theamsha.com/shop