10 Best Sesame Oils 2024 in the US

Sesame seeds are almost 50% oil—and a very nutritious oil, for that matter. Sesame oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids that lower blood cholesterol levels. It also has important minerals, such as copper, zinc, and calcium, which are important for healthy skin and bones. It has lineolic acid, which is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory—for this reason, it is used in skin care products as well. Because of the anti-oxidants it contains (such as sesamol), it can also cleanse your skin and rejuvenate it, and can even be used as a natural sunscreen. Here is a guide to some of the best sesame oils on the market. 

• Organic Sesame Oil: This is extracted from sesame plants that have been grown without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The Flora Certified Organic Sesame Oil is cold-pressed, organic and unrefined, as is the Kevala Organic Sesame Oil.

• Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil: This is oil extracted from sesame seeds using an expeller press, but under low-temperature conditions, trying to minimize the friction created when pressing the sesame seeds. (The heat from friction breaks down the beneficial anti-oxidants in the sesame oil.)

• Light Sesame Oil: This is oil extracted from raw sesame seeds. The result is a pale, clear, lightly-tinged yellow oil. But there are white, brown and black sesame seeds—undergoing cold pressing, the resulting oil may appear different, but is similar in nutritional value and flavor.

• Dark Sesame Oil: Here the sesame seeds are roasted first before being pressed. The resulting oil has the appearance of dark coffee. Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil is made from toasted sesame seeds.

• Hot Sesame Oil: This is oil seasoned with red hot chili essence. Kadoya markets a hot sesame oil.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Buying a large container: Clearly, buying a larger container of sesame oil will save money. If you're concerned about the oil becoming rancid, because there are antioxidants naturally in sesame oil, it is less prone to going bad. Just make sure you reseal the original container properly. (There is a problem in getting the oil out of a large container, since it will be more difficult to pour.)

• Not to use too much in a dish: Sesame oil from toasted sesame seeds is used in Oriental cooking, for its distinct flavor. But it's recommended not to use too much toasted sesame oil, since it has a tendency to dominate the other flavors of the food.

• As a hair conditioner: Some suggest applying sesame oil to the hair 15 minutes before taking a shower. Then rinse out the oil with a shampoo. It should make your hair more glossy.

• Lowering blood pressure: Some customers say that using sesame oil regularly has helped lower their blood pressure. It does tend to lower blood cholesterol levels.

• Different oils for different uses: Cold-press oil retains more of the sesame flavor—so you should use it in recipes that call for that distinctive taste. You'll find natural, cold press sesame oil is recommended for use in salad dressing and stir frying of vegetables, meat and fish. On the other hand, refined sesame oil has a higher smoke point. That makes it good for high-temperature uses, such as deep frying. It is also more stable, so it finds its use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. There is also pharmaceutical-grade sesame oil, which is recommended for massaging into the skin, or lending the skin a softer, healthier appearance.

• Oil pulling: Although it was a traditional Indian folk remedy, oil pulling is a technique that has been recommended for removing dental plaque. It consists of gargling and swirling oil in the mouth for an extended amount of time—around 20 minutes. Sesame seed oil has been found to be somewhat effective. Although doctors are unsure of the mechanism, it may have its benefits. The pharmaceutical-grade oil would be suggested for that use.

La Tourangelle—are manufacturers of oils for culinary and cosmetic purposes. They were founded in 2002, and are based in Berkeley, California. They prepare oil from walnut, hazelnut, almond, sesame, grapeseed, pistachio, avocado, and more.

Kadoya—was founded in 1858 in Shodoshima-Island, Japan, preparing sesame oil for cooking purposes. They presently have their main office in Tokyo. Their sesame products—pure sesame oil, hot sesame oil with chili flavoring, and roasted sesame seeds-- are for both domestic and commercial uses.

Kevala—are makers of herbs and spices, oils, spreads and sweeteners. Their office is located in Dallas, Texas.

Flora—are retailers of natural dietary supplements. They sell iron tablets and syrups, organic oils and teas, as well as bee products.