Safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
The body needs these fats to function. Experts generally considerTrusted Source unsaturated fatty acids to be more healthful than saturated fats.
Fats in the diet, such as those found in safflower oil, are essential for hormone regulation and memory. They are vital in allowing the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Eating some fat with meals may also help a person to feel fuller.
Safflower oil is lowerTrusted Source in saturated fats, which are often considered “bad” fats, than olive oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil.
A diet high in “good” fats and low in “bad” fats has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
There are two types of safflower oil: high-oleic and high-linoleic. Both contain unsaturated fatty acids.

A systematic review of studies from 2016 Trusted Source suggests that eating a diet high in unsaturated fats can improve a person’s blood glucose control.
The study found that replacing some sources of carbohydrate or saturated fats with unsaturated fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fats, had a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, as well as insulin resistance and insulin secretion.
A 2011 study suggested that consuming 8 grams (g) of safflower oil daily for 4 months may reduce inflammation while improving blood sugar in some people with type 2 diabetes.
It is important to note that the participants in this study were women with type 2 diabetes who also had obesity and were past the stage of menopause.
The researchers suggest that people might use quality dietary fats alongside diabetes treatments to reduce complications associated with the condition.

The same 2011 study also reports that participants’ blood cholesterol levels improved following 4 months safflower oil use.

These findings support the American Heart Association’s suggestionTrusted Source that unsaturated fats may lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad,” cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.

Safflower oil may contribute to heart health in other ways too.

The unsaturated fats in safflower oil can thin the blood and make platelets less sticky. This might help prevent blood clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Safflower oil might also affect blood vessels by relaxing them and reducing blood pressure.

Safflower oil may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
According to a study in Clinical Nutrition, Safflower oil and the unsaturated fatty acids in safflower oil improved markers of inflammation. This may help with several conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.

Applying safflower oil topically to dry or inflamed skin may help soothe it and give the skin a soft and smooth appearance. Although most of the research on safflower oil for the skin is anecdotal, it is a common ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products.
Safflower oil contains vitamin E, which may be responsible for some of its skin benefits. Vitamin E has been an important ingredient in dermatological products for decades.
Some researchTrusted Source suggests that vitamin E protects the skin from the effects of sunlight and from free radicals, which are harmful molecules that damage cells in the body and contribute to disease.
Before using safflower oil on the skin, perform a patch test. Rub a drop of the oil into the arm and wait for 24 hours. If no reaction develops, it is probably safe to use.