Why Mustard Oil Should Be A Part Of Your Beauty Routine

A common ingredient in classic Indian dishes, mustard oil contains high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids that may be beneficial to your beauty regimen. But even with its anti-inflammatory properties, the oil is still considered a controversial one to cook with and is banned in the United States due to its "high levels of erucic acid," as noted by Medical News Today. These levels of the compound may pose a risk to certain groups of people in large doses, most notably to children.

However, many people around the world use mustard oil in their beauty routines, and it's considered safe for topical use. First, test out your skin's tolerance by using mustard essential oil combined with a carrier oil to make sure that you aren't allergic. Due to its high content of natural fats, mustard oil proves a valuable ingredient in many hair deep-conditioning treatments. You can make a hair mask with equal parts mustard, almond, and jojoba oils, which aids in hair breakage, split ends, flaky scalp issues, and more (via Healthline). The high-fat content locks moisture into the strands for deep hydration.

How else could you use mustard oil as part of your beauty routine?

If you suffer from dandruff or a dry scalp, using mustard oil can help to reduce these symptoms while combating inflammation, as noted by Healthline. The outlet also explains that the oil creates a warming sensation, which can soothe sore muscles and other body aches. If you struggle with inflammation of the skin — such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. — applying mustard oil may be the remedy you didn't know you needed. But again, make sure to spot test on a small patch of skin before you apply it elsewhere.

Furthermore, mustard oil is antifungal and can even promote hair growth. If you're struggling with dandruff or seborrhea, applying the oil to your scalp can make a big difference due to its "anti-parasitic effects," as noted by Byrdie. A certain "type of mite found on the scalp" may contribute to slower hair growth, and the compounds found in mustard oil help to kill these intruders.

A powerful addition to your medicine cabinet, mustard oil packs a moisturizing, anti-bacterial punch that can aid in hair growth and reducing inflammation.