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Safflower oil

Safflower oil suppliers and sourcing guide

Safflower oil is pressed or solvent extracted from the seeds of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) and is usually refined, bleached and deodorized. Two main types exist: traditional high-linoleic oil and high-oleic oil from varieties bred for oleic acid, which is more stable to heat. Brands buy it as a cooking oil, a carrier oil for softgels and in cosmetics.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil · Carthamus oil · High oleic safflower oil
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of safflower oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • High-oleic

    Oil from high-oleic varieties, used where oxidative stability matters.

  • High-linoleic

    Traditional safflower oil with mostly linoleic acid.

  • Expeller-pressed

    Mechanically pressed oil made without hexane, then refined.

  • Organic

    Oil from certified organic seed.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Fatty acid profile
Oleic and linoleic acids by GC as methyl esters to confirm type.
Free fatty acids and peroxide value
Free fatty acids (as oleic acid) by titration (AOCS Ca 5a-40) and peroxide value (AOCS Cd 8b-90); both rise as the oil ages or is handled poorly.
Color
Lovibond color for refined grades.
Residual solvents
Hexane by headspace GC for solvent-extracted grades.
Heavy metals
Lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS, reported against the supplier specification.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed, away from heat and light; high-linoleic oil oxidizes faster than high-oleic oil and should be used sooner. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with peroxide value retested on aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the oil type and fatty acid profile for each lot, since high-oleic and high-linoleic oils look the same but behave differently. Keep extraction method documentation for expeller-pressed claims.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • The Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils, as printed in FAO's 2001 edition of Codex Alimentarius Volume 8, covers safflowerseed oil and requires high oleic acid safflower oil to contain not less than 70% oleic acid.

    Source: fao.org (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Fixed Oil Products monograph lists safflower oil from the seed of Carthamus tinctorius as a medicinal ingredient.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Safflower oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking safflower oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of safflower oil can brands buy?

Common forms include high-oleic, high-linoleic, expeller-pressed and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for safflower oil include?

Expect fatty acid profile, free fatty acids and peroxide value, color, residual solvents and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should safflower oil be stored?

Store sealed, away from heat and light; high-linoleic oil oxidizes faster than high-oleic oil and should be used sooner. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with peroxide value retested on aged stock.

What is the regulatory status of safflower oil?

The Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils, as printed in FAO's 2001 edition of Codex Alimentarius Volume 8, covers safflowerseed oil and requires high oleic acid safflower oil to contain not less than 70% oleic acid. Health Canada's Fixed Oil Products monograph lists safflower oil from the seed of Carthamus tinctorius as a medicinal ingredient.

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