Can milk thistle oil be applied externally, to the skin? — Milk thistle oil, cold pressed, 100 ml - Original Altay

External use is possible: cold-pressed milk thistle oil is often added to homemade skincare blends. It is a vegetable oil with a characteristic lipid composition, which can be used as a base in combination with other oils or on its own.

Common ways of using it externally:

• Homemade masks – the oil is added to skin masks;
• Care for the skin of the face, neck and décolleté – a small amount is applied to the skin;
• Additive to ready-made cosmetic products – a few drops in a cream or lotion.

Keep in mind that the oil is fairly dense, so on the face it is best used in small amounts and preferably at night so that it has time to absorb. People with oily or breakout-prone skin should start with a trial application on a small area.

This is an edible oil, not a cosmetic product, so it should be used on the skin with caution. If you are prone to allergic reactions, do a patch test on the inside of the elbow before full use.