Food · Culinary oils
Sesame Oil
ごま油 (Goma abura)
Also known as: Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
At a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil (for cosmetic use) |
| Japanese labeling name | ゴマ油 |
| Common Japanese notations | ごま油, 胡麻油, ゴマアブラ |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Sesamum indicum seeds) |
| Typical functions | Culinary fat, Cosmetic emollient |
| Common product categories | Japanese and Chinese-style cooking, Traditional cosmetic oils, Ayurveda-adjacent personal care |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Food regulated under Food Sanitation Act. Cosmetic use permitted under JSCI dictionary. |
Sesame oil has a long presence in Japanese cooking, where both light-colored unroasted sesame oil and dark roasted sesame oil are pantry staples. The cosmetic-grade oil is used in face and body products, often in formulations referencing heritage botanical oils.
What it is
Sesame oil is produced by pressing Sesamum indicum seeds. Unroasted sesame oil is light-colored and mild; roasted sesame oil is produced by roasting the seeds before pressing, yielding a dark amber oil with strong aroma.
For cosmetic use, unrefined or refined unroasted sesame oil is standard; the roasted version is rarely used in cosmetics due to its intense aroma.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In cooking, roasted sesame oil is used as a finishing oil for flavor; unroasted sesame oil is used for tempura and general cooking.
In cosmetics, sesame oil is used as an emollient in face oils, massage oils, and body products.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Food and cosmetic use permitted under the relevant frameworks.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Food and cosmetic uses permitted. Sesame is a listed allergen for food labeling purposes. |
|---|---|
| USA | Food and cosmetic uses permitted. Sesame is a listed allergen under FALCPA 2021. |
| China | Permitted. |
| Korea | Widely used in Korean cuisine as well. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification.
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References
- JSCI labeling name directory — ゴマ油
- EU CosIng entry: Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.