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Safflower Oil Market

The market for Safflower Oil was estimated at $312 million in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $401 million by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $514 million by 2035.

Report ID:DS1902017
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Food & Beverage
Agriculture & Horticulture Produce
Safflower Oil
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Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Safflower Oil Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$312M

Forecast, 2035

$513M

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

5.1%

The Safflower Oil industry revenue is expected to be around $312.3 million in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 5.1% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. Building on this momentum, the Safflower Oil market is solidifying its position as a premium segment within the global edible oil market, underpinned by rising health awareness, demand for natural products, and versatile industrial applicability. Food & Beverages and Cosmetics & Personal Care together command 73.8% of total end-use demand, as manufacturers leverage Safflower Oil’s neutral flavor, high smoke point, and favorable lipid profile to reformulate products for healthier positioning. High linoleic safflower oil, recognized for its rich omega-6 fatty acids content and perceived cardiovascular benefits, dominated industry revenue with $178.97 million in sales in 2025, reinforcing its status as a preferred heart-healthy cooking oil for both retail and foodservice channels. Parallelly, cosmetic and personal care brands are increasingly integrating Safflower Oil into premium skincare, haircare, and cosmeceutical ranges, capitalizing on its emollient properties, light sensory profile, and compatibility with clean-label ingredients. These dynamics, supported by steady investment in supply chain optimization and product differentiation, are ensuring sustained relevance for Safflower Oil across mature and emerging markets alike.

Safflower Oil is a light, odorless vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant, available mainly in high linoleic and high oleic safflower oil grades that offer distinct functional and nutritional benefits. Its key features include a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, excellent oxidative stability in refined variants, and a non-greasy skin feel, making it suitable for cooking oils, salad dressings, bakery fats, nutritional supplements, and advanced cosmetics and personal care formulations. In the food & beverages sector, Safflower Oil is valued as a versatile frying and cooking medium and is increasingly incorporated into functional foods and fortified products positioned for heart and metabolic health. In beauty and personal care, cold-pressed safflower oil is gaining traction in serums, moisturizers, hair oils, and massage blends formulated to deliver lightweight hydration and support barrier function in plant-based formulations. Recent market trends include premiumization through organic and non-GMO offerings, expansion of specialty high-stability grades for industrial frying, and heightened adoption of Safflower Oil as a multi-functional, label-friendly ingredient aligned with evolving consumer expectations around natural, sustainable, and performance-driven products.

Safflower Oil market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Safflower Oil Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Safflower Oil market is projected to grow from $312.3 million in 2025 to $514 million in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 5.1%, reflecting rising demand across Culinary Use, Cosmetics & Personal Care Industry, and Pharmaceutical Use.

  • Gustav Heess Oleochemische Erzeugnisse GmbH, Connoils, and Oilseeds International are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • U.S. and India are the top markets within the Safflower Oil market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 3.3% to 4.9% between 2025 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including Ukraine, Argentina and Malaysia are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 5.9% to 7.0%.

  • Transition like Embracing Healthy Living has greater influence in U.S. and India market's value chain; and is expected to add $9 million of additional value to Safflower Oil industry revenue by 2030.

  • The Safflower Oil market is set to add $201 million between 2025 and 2035, with manufacturer targeting Pharmaceuticals & Food & Beverages Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    increased demand for natural food ingredients, and

    Rising Popularity in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products, Safflower Oil market to expand 64% between 2025 and 2035.

safflower oil market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Safflower Oil - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Safflower Oil

Safflower Oil is also emerging as a preferred ingredient in the US edible oils market for premium snacks, fortified cereals, and ready meals. Rising demand for clean-label, non-GMO, plant-based products supports greater use of high-oleic variants with superior frying stability and neutral flavor. Globally, conventional Safflower Oil is projected to grow from $133.37 million in 2025 to $175.14 million by 2030, at 5.6% CAGR, with the strongest upside in US functional foods through co-development with leading CPG brands and quick-service chains.

Growth Opportunities in Europe and Asia-Pacific

In Europe, Safflower Oil demand is increasingly anchored in Cosmetics & Personal Care, where safflower seed oil is positioned as a high-performance emollient in natural cosmetics and dermocosmetic formulations, creating top opportunities for brands to launch cold-pressed safflower oil lines with clean label claims targeted at sensitive-skin and anti-ageing segments; Food & Beverages remains a complementary end-use, but premium, high oleic safflower oil is primarily leveraged in niche functional foods and cholesterol management products rather than mass edible oils, so the most attractive strategic moves involve investment in certified-organic refining, skin-care focused R&D, and long-term supply contracts with European cosmetic manufacturers; competitive intensity is driven by established plant-based oils suppliers and fast-growing private-label personal care brands, favouring players that can differentiate through traceability, clinical backing for skin benefits, and tailored packaging formats for cosmetic formulators, while regional drivers include stringent regulations pushing a shift from mineral oils to botanical alternatives, strong consumer preference for vegan and sustainable ingredients, and the rapid expansion of speciality retail and pharmacy channels that actively promote botanical beauty oils.
In Asia-Pacific, Safflower Oil growth is led by Food & Beverages, where high oleic safflower oil is gaining traction as a premium cooking and salad oil in urban markets and as an ingredient in functional foods focused on heart health and cholesterol management, with top opportunities in fortified edible oils, ready-to-cook products, and plant-based convenience foods that highlight omega-6 fatty acids and clean label positioning; Pharmaceuticals and traditional remedies also offer attractive niches for cold-pressed safflower oil in soft-gel capsules and therapeutic blends, encouraging investment in pharma-grade refining capacity and partnerships with regional nutraceutical and Ayurvedic or herbal medicine brands; competition is characterised by a mix of large edible oils conglomerates, regional refiners, and agile local brands that compete aggressively on price and distribution reach, making differentiated product positioning around purity, origin, and high-oleic functionality critical, while key drivers include rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, growing awareness of heart-health benefits of premium vegetable oils, and the rapid development of modern retail and e-commerce platforms that can showcase value-added safflower oil SKUs.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rising Demand for Healthier Cooking Oils and Plant-Based Functional Ingredients

The safflower oil market is also primarily driven by growing consumer awareness of healthier cooking oils and the increasing adoption of plant-based functional ingredients. Health-conscious consumers are also shifting from traditional oils high in saturated fats to safflower oil due to its high monounsaturated fat content, low cholesterol, and cardiovascular benefits, making it a preferred option for frying, baking, and salad dressings. Separately, the rising interest in plant-based and natural ingredients in cosmetics, personal care, and nutraceuticals has also boosted demand for safflower oil as a versatile emollient and carrier oil. Technological advancements in refining, cold-pressing, and high-oleic extraction methods ensure superior quality, nutrient retention, and longer shelf life, supporting broader adoption across culinary, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Together, these factors drive market expansion and innovation, enhancing product appeal and consumer trust globally.
A key driver of safflower oil growth is also its expanding use in cosmetic and personal care products. Linoleic-rich safflower oil is also incorporated in facial creams, lotions, hair oils, and anti-aging products due to its moisturizing, antioxidant, and skin barrier-supporting properties. also advances in extraction and purification techniques allow manufacturers to produce high-quality, lightweight oil suitable for sensitive skin, enhancing product performance. This trend aligns with consumer demand for plant-based, natural, and hypoallergenic ingredients, encouraging brands to innovate with safflower oil in skincare and haircare lines while strengthening brand differentiation in premium cosmetic markets.
02

Restraint: Intense Competition From Other Edible Oils Limits Market Share Growth

Safflower oil faces strong competition from widely established edible oils such as olive, sunflower, and canola oil, which enjoy greater consumer familiarity and stronger distribution networks. These alternatives often cost less or carry stronger health perception narratives in key markets, making it harder for safflower oil to expand mainstream culinary usage. For example, many retail and foodservice buyers favor olive oil for flavor and heritage or sunflower oil for price, reducing safflower oil’s shelf space and limiting revenue growth. This competitive landscape constrains demand expansion, particularly in price‑sensitive regions and among consumers unfamiliar with the unique health benefits of safflower oil.
03

Opportunity: Safflower oil nutraceutical capsules for aging European consumers and Organic safflower oil for natural skincare in Asia-Pacific

Safflower Oil is underleveraged in European dietary supplements targeting cardiovascular and joint health in adults over-55. As interest in science-backed nutraceutical solutions rises, high-purity refined oils offer an alternative to fish oil, especially for flexitarian and vegan users. Growth potential is strongest for high-oleic conventional Safflower Oil in softgel capsules and liquid concentrates, supported by clinical research, microencapsulation technologies, and partnerships between oil refiners, contract manufacturers, and pharmacy chains focused on healthy aging portfolios, online supplement platforms, and specialist health retailers.
Organic Safflower Oil is gaining traction as a lightweight emollient in natural skincare, K-beauty, and J-beauty formulations across Asia-Pacific. Rich in omega-6 fatty acids, it fits consumer demand for botanical, sensitive-skin-friendly facial oils, sunscreens, and body lotions. Global organic Safflower Oil revenues are expected to rise from $178.97 million in 2025 to $225.40 million by 2030, at 4.72% CAGR, with the fastest growth in cold-pressed grades, co-branded with regional personal-care innovators and sold through digital beauty marketplaces and pharmacy-based dermocosmetic channels.
04

Challenge: Raw Material Price Volatility and Supply Chain Challenges Increase Production Costs

Another significant restraint is the volatility of safflower seed prices and ongoing supply chain inefficiencies. Fluctuations in seed availability due to climatic variability or agricultural shifts impact production costs for cold‑pressed and refined safflower oil. This inconsistency can drive up input prices and reduce profit margins for manufacturers, translating into higher retail prices that dampen consumer demand. For example, in regions where supply chain disruptions delay processing or increase logistics costs, producers may struggle to maintain competitive pricing, altering demand behavior and slowing overall market growth.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Seed Sourcing

Oilseeds International Ltd.Adams Group Inc
2

Vegetable Oil Processing

Connoils LLCAdams Group Inc
3

Safflower Oil Refining

Gustav Heess Oleochemische Erzeugnisse GmbHSpectrum Organic Products LLC
4

Nutritional Oils Applications

Edible oils marketDietary supplementsSkincare formulations
Safflower Oil - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Safflower Oil in Culinary Use & Pharmaceutical Use

Culinary Use : Safflower oil, particularly the high-oleic variety, is widely used in culinary applications due to its light flavor, high smoke point, and nutritional benefits. It is commonly utilized by home cooks, restaurants, and food manufacturers for frying, sautéing, salad dressings, and baking. High-oleic safflower oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats while maintaining stability during high-temperature cooking. Its neutral taste allows it to blend seamlessly with various ingredients, making it a versatile choice for both everyday cooking and gourmet recipes. Foodservice providers value it for its healthy lipid profile and functional performance in diverse culinary preparations.
Cosmetics & Personal Care Industry : In the cosmetics and personal care industry, linoleic-rich safflower oil is predominantly used in skincare and haircare formulations. Its lightweight texture, high vitamin E content, and moisturizing properties make it ideal for lotions, creams, facial oils, shampoos, and conditioners. Manufacturers leverage safflower oil for its ability to nourish, hydrate, and improve skin barrier function without leaving a greasy residue. It is also incorporated into anti-aging and therapeutic products, providing antioxidant support and enhancing skin elasticity. The oil’s natural origin and hypoallergenic properties appeal to consumers seeking gentle, plant-based personal care ingredients.
Pharmaceutical Use : Safflower oil, especially refined and standardized formulations, is used in the pharmaceutical sector as a carrier oil, emollient, and source of essential fatty acids. It is often incorporated into capsules, intravenous formulations, and topical medicinal creams. Its high content of polyunsaturated fats, particularly linoleic acid, supports cardiovascular health and acts as an excipient in drug delivery systems. Pharmaceutical companies rely on safflower oil for its stability, bioavailability, and compatibility with active pharmaceutical ingredients, ensuring consistent therapeutic effects while meeting regulatory standards for quality and purity.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the safflower oil market show growing emphasis on health‑oriented edible oils, organic variants, and natural functional ingredients. Industry reports project steady market growth driven by increased consumer demand for heart‑healthy, high‑oleic and cold‑pressed oils, as well as expanding applications in culinary, dietary supplements, and cosmetics and personal care segments. High‑oleic safflower oil’s mono‑unsaturated fat profile and mild flavor position it as a preferred choice over traditional oils, reinforcing its role in clean‑label and plant‑based formulations. A key trend is the rising organic and non‑GMO product adoption, as buyers seek sustainable, minimally processed oils with verified quality and nutrient retention. These shifts are reinforcing safflower oil’s presence in both mainstream food and premium wellness markets.

May 2024 : CoreFX Ingredients LLC completed the acquisition of Connoils LLC’s assets, a boutique nutritional technology company specializing in oil and powder delivery systems. This strategic acquisition strengthens CoreFX’s technical capabilities and expertise in formulation technologies, including bulk oil supply and specialty oil processing, which can support expanded deployment of safflower oil ingredients across functional foods, supplements, and nutraceutical markets.
June 2025 : Spectrum Organic Products LLC maintained and expanded its organic safflower oil offerings across major retail and e‑commerce platforms, enabling wider consumer access to USDA‑certified organic safflower oil for culinary and health applications. Its growing shelf presence at mainstream retailers reflects an increased supply agreement footprint with national grocers.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Safflower Oil Market

As a core segment of the Agriculture & Horticulture Produce industry, the Safflower Oil market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Embracing Healthy Living and Advancement in Extraction Techniques have redefined priorities across the Agriculture & Horticulture Produce sector, influencing how the Safflower Oil market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Embracing Healthy Living

Driven by the Embracing Healthy Living shift, the global Safflower Oil market is evolving from a niche cooking ingredient into a strategic health-focused asset, with the U.S. and India value chains capturing the largest upside and expected to unlock about $9 million in additional industry revenue by 2030. Rising preference for natural, minimally processed, and heart-healthy oils is accelerating adoption of Safflower Oil in reformulated foods, functional products, and premium cooking oils segments, particularly high-oleic and cold-pressed safflower oil formats. As food manufacturers and wellness-oriented brands substitute less healthy dietary fats with cleaner plant-based oils, Safflower Oil strengthens its positioning in health-conscious consumer baskets, deepens integration across the food and beverage value chain, and reinforces the long-term growth trajectory of the safflower oil industry.
02

Advancement in Extraction Techniques

Advancements in extraction and refining techniques have significantly transformed the safflower oil industry, improving yield, purity, and sustainability. Modern methods such as cold-pressing, high-precision solvent extraction, and high-oleic processing allow manufacturers to produce oil with enhanced nutritional quality, higher antioxidant retention, and minimal impurities. In the culinary sector, this ensures a light, stable oil ideal for frying, baking, and salad dressings. Within the cosmetics and personal care industry, improved extraction yields linoleic-rich oil suitable for lotions, haircare, and skincare formulations, providing consistent quality and skin benefits. Even the pharmaceutical sector benefits, as refined safflower oil acts as a reliable carrier for capsules and topical medications. These technological transitions support scalable production, meet regulatory standards, and enable premium product offerings across diverse markets.