Sesame oil is an edible oil derived from sesame seeds. It is most popular in Asia and the Asian cuisine has been using the product for centuries. Another important use of sesame oil is in medicine, especially Ayurveda, where the product is used in massage therapy and aromatherapy, as well as a base oil for various skin care products.
Sesame oil has multiple benefits, including:
- It regulates your blood pressure and glucose levels
- It helps to prevent multiple sclerosis and atherosclerosis
- It works great as a skin moisturizer and detoxifier
- It works as a natural sunscreen
- It promotes your hair and mouth health
Sesame oil is useful in cooking as well as skin and hair care. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
There is a wide variety of sesame oils to choose from, which is why we tried to help you by selecting 10 best products currently on the market.
Kevala Sesame Oil
- Organic
- Unrefined
- USDA certified
One thing to know when it comes to oils is that extra virgin oils are premium quality products. Kevala sesame oil is extra virgin and it is perfect for multiple uses. The light sesame taste makes it a great companion for cooking, while it is also used in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) because it is extremely nourishing.
Ottogi Sesame Oil
- Roasted sesame
- Made in South Korea
- Iron container
You might have already heard of Ottogi, considering that it is the biggest food products manufacturer in South Korea. Their sesame oil is of premium quality and it has a distinctive aroma (it’s made from roasted sesame). The oil comes in a very convenient iron container, which is easy to open and use.
La Tourangelle Sesame Oil
- Rich nutty flavor
- Perfect for cooking
You can use it for massages, but the primary use of La Tourangelle sesame oil is for cooking. You can stir-fry or grill your meals and add them a rich nutty flavor. The oil is made from the toasted sesame seeds harvested in Africa and South Africa and the expeller-pressed method is used during the manufacturing process.
Kadoya Brand Sesame Oil
- 100% pure
- Made in Japan
If you are looking for an oil to prepare a meal from the Asian cuisine, then your oil should also come from Asia. The Japanese brand Kadoya is one of the most reputable manufacturers on that continent. The oil is perfect for stir-frying and frying fish. It has a distinctive scent, but that is what people usually love about sesame oil.
Banyan Botanicals Sesame Oil
- Unrefined
- Organic
- USDA certified
This sesame oil product is used in medicine, more precisely in Ayurveda. The oil is nourishing and warming and it is used for multiple purposes, including massages and cleansing face wash. It will rejuvenate your skin and it also has soothing effects. You can also use it for your hair, lips and teeth and gums.
Spectrum Sesame Oil
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- USDA certified
The oil made by Spectrum is also kosher certified. It is a completely natural, unrefined product that has no trans fats or artificial ingredients. It’s perfect to be used with cold applications, such as salad dressings. Its rich sesame flavor is also a perfect addition to chicken, beef, vegetables, and tofu meals. The product is made from sesame seeds harvested in the USA and Mexico.
Life-Flo Sesame Oil
- Organic
- Pure
- Used in Ayurveda
Another perfect oil for aromatherapy and massage therapy. Life-Flo did its job and made sure to make the oil from raw sesame seeds in order to keep the nutritive value and freshness. It is a food grade oil, so you can use it in cooking, but you should also use the nourishing ingredients for skin care.
Shirakiku Sesame Oil
- 100% pure
- Premium quality
- Made in Japan
Shirakiku is the perfect oil for all Asian recipes. You can use it to make noodles or different kinds of soups. It is also great for barbecuing and stir-frying, as well as drizzling over your salad and adding flavor to any meal. It is made in Japan and it has that rich and intense sesame flavor.
Trader Joe’s Sesame Oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Cooking oil
The item has multiple purposes in your kitchen. It is great as a salad dressing (you can also mix it with red or white vinegar) and it is also great for cooking fish and chicken.
Ty Ling Sesame Oil
- 100% pure
- No trans fats
- Made in China
You can just feel the genuine aroma of sesame oil while cooking with the product by Ty Ling. One of the biggest advantages of the item is its price. Regardless, the quality of the product is not affected by it as you will get excellent sesame oil with no trans fats.
Sesame Oil – Select, Buy, and Store
- Sesame oil can be bought in online stores, such as Amazon or Alibaba, or you can simply head to your local supermarket or grocery store.
- The thing to make sure is to purchase from a reliable brand. You should always check the label to see if the product has all the required certifications. Another recommendation is to check the reviews, such as the ones we’ve made on this page, and see if a particular oil can fulfill your expectations.
- Sesame oil can go bad, so it is important to properly store it. The “best by” date is usually located on the label (if it isn’t, you shouldn’t buy or use the oil), but that is only an estimate.
- Sesame oil can last for about two years as long as it is unopened. Once you open the bottle, its peak quality will be the next 4 to 6 months, so it is recommended to use it within that period of time. That is why it is a good idea to purchase small bottles of sesame oil unless you use it often.
- The best way to store your sesame oil after opening is to put it in the fridge and make sure that the bottle is tightly shut.
