Sesame Oil (Gingelly / Til Oil): A Practical Guide for Skin, Hair and DIY Recipes

Sesame oil, also called gingelly or til oil, is a light-yellow carrier oil cold-pressed from the seeds of Sesamum indicum. As a carrier oil it is used mainly on the skin and hair — for massage, moisturising and diluting stronger essential oils — and it is prized for its natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial character. Azlok offers cold-pressed sesame oil starting at ₹149, in pack sizes from 100 gm up to 25 kg.

What makes sesame oil useful

Sesame oil has been part of Indian daily life for generations, from oil-pulling to hair massage to Ayurvedic abhyanga. As a carrier oil it spreads smoothly, absorbs at a moderate pace and carries a mild, characteristic nutty aroma. A few reasons makers and home users reach for it:

Antioxidant support: it helps protect skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Soothing feel: its anti-inflammatory nature makes it comfortable for dry, tight or irritated skin.
Blendable base: it mixes well with most fixed oils and dilutes essential oils safely.

Everyday ways to use it

Body massage: warm a little between your palms and massage into skin. It is a classic choice for a warming, grounding massage.
Scalp and hair oiling: apply to the scalp and lengths, leave for 30–60 minutes or overnight, then wash out.
Moisturiser for dry areas: a few drops on elbows, knees and heels after a bath.
Carrier for essential oils: dilute concentrated essential oils before they touch skin. A common guide is 2–3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of sesame oil for adults.
DIY formulations: soaps, balms, scrubs and massage blends where a stable, mildly scented base oil is needed.

What it blends with

Sesame oil pairs nicely with softer, floral essential oils. It blends particularly well with chamomile, lavender and ylang ylang. For a simple calming massage oil, add a few drops of lavender to 30 ml of sesame oil and shake gently before use. It is also soluble in alcohol and most fixed oils, so it slots easily into layered blends.

How to use it safely

This oil is meant for external use. A few sensible precautions:

Patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Keep it away from eyes. If it gets in, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Do not apply and sit in strong sun immediately; avoid direct sunlight exposure right after application.
Keep out of reach of children.
Dilute essential oils — never apply them neat. Sesame oil is the carrier that makes them skin-safe.

If you have a known seed or nut allergy, check with a professional before using sesame products on the skin.

Buying and storage tips

Look for cold-pressed oil, as the gentler pressing helps retain its natural compounds. Good sesame oil is light yellow and clear with a mild, characteristic aroma; a harsh, rancid or overly sharp smell suggests age or poor storage.

Store in a cool, dark place in a tightly closed bottle, away from heat and sunlight.
Shelf life is around two years unopened; use opened bottles within a few months for the freshest quality.
Pick a pack size to match your use. The 100 gm bottle is ideal for trying it out or for occasional skincare, while the 5 kg to 25 kg options suit soap makers and small businesses.
Keep it sealed after every use to slow oxidation and preserve the aroma.

FAQ

Is gingelly oil the same as sesame oil?

Yes. Gingelly oil and til oil are simply other names for sesame oil, pressed from the seeds of Sesamum indicum. The Azlok oil listed here is cold-pressed sesame oil.

Can I use sesame oil directly on my skin?

Yes, as a carrier oil it can be applied on its own for massage or moisturising. Do a patch test first, and if you are adding essential oils, always dilute them in the sesame oil rather than applying them neat.

Does sesame oil suit hair care?

Many people use it for regular scalp and hair oiling. Warm a small amount, massage into the scalp, leave it for 30–60 minutes or overnight, then shampoo out.

How should I store it to keep it fresh?

Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark spot away from sunlight and heat. Stored well, it stays good for about two years unopened.

Which essential oils blend best with it?

Chamomile, lavender and ylang ylang are all good matches, giving you a calming, floral massage or skincare blend on a mild sesame base.