Cold-pressed natural oils are becoming increasingly popular in Australia as people look for minimally processed foods, botanical skincare ingredients, natural haircare products and versatile plant-based alternatives for everyday use.

But not all cold-pressed oils are the same.

A vibrant sea buckthorn oil is very different from mild, nutty pine nut oil. Rosehip seed oil is widely known in natural skincare, while milk thistle oil offers the character of a traditional herbal seed oil. Amaranth oil, meanwhile, stands out for its naturally occurring squalene.

So, which cold-pressed oil is best for you?

This complete cold-pressed oils guide for Australia compares five distinctive natural plant oils:

• Sea Buckthorn Oil
• Pine Nut Oil
• Milk Thistle Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• Amaranth Oil

For each oil, we explore its taste, traditional uses, culinary uses, skincare applications, haircare uses and who may enjoy it most.

Whether you're searching for the best cold-pressed oil for cooking, the best natural oil for dry skin, a natural face oil, a botanical hair oil, or simply want to understand the differences between popular unrefined plant oils, this guide will help you choose.

Cold-pressed oil is produced by mechanically pressing seeds, nuts, berries, fruits or other plant materials to extract their naturally occurring oils.

Compared with heavily refined vegetable oils, cold-pressed oils generally undergo less processing. This allows them to retain more of the plant's original colour, aroma and flavour, together with various naturally occurring plant compounds.

Depending on the botanical source, a cold-pressed oil may naturally contain different proportions of:

• monounsaturated fatty acids
• polyunsaturated fatty acids
• tocopherols
• phytosterols
• carotenoids
• phospholipids
• squalene
• other naturally occurring plant compounds

Every botanical source produces a different oil.

That's why sea buckthorn oil can have an intense orange colour, pine nut oil can taste mild and buttery, and milk thistle seed oil can have a noticeably herbal character.

One of the most common questions when choosing natural oils is:

What's the difference between cold-pressed oil and refined oil?

The main difference is how the oil is processed.

Refined oils may undergo several processing stages designed to produce a more neutral flavour, lighter colour and consistent finished product.

Cold pressing is a comparatively simple mechanical extraction method. It is often chosen to retain more of the oil's original sensory characteristics.

For this reason, unrefined cold-pressed oils are popular with people interested in:

• minimally processed foods
• natural ingredients
• botanical skincare
• natural haircare
• speciality cooking oils
• traditional plant foods
• distinctive natural flavours and aromas

However, cold-pressed doesn't automatically mean that one oil is better than every refined oil.

Different oils have different fatty-acid profiles, flavours, textures and suitable uses.

The best choice depends on what you're looking for.

Let's look at each cold-pressed natural oil in more detail.

When searching for the best sea buckthorn oil, it's important to understand that not every sea buckthorn oil is the same.

Oil can be produced from:

• sea buckthorn seeds
• fruit pulp
• whole berries

Sea buckthorn seed oil and sea buckthorn fruit or pulp oil have different fatty-acid profiles.

The fruit and pulp fractions are particularly associated with palmitoleic acid, commonly known as omega-7, while seed oil generally contains higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Siberian Green Sea Buckthorn Oil is produced from wild-harvested whole sea buckthorn berries, rather than being a seed-only oil.

Cold-pressed sea buckthorn oil has a distinctive flavour that may be described as:

fruity + tart + earthy + slightly bitter

It's not a neutral cooking oil.

Its strong botanical character makes it better suited to recipes where a small amount can add a distinctive flavour.

Sea buckthorn berries have a long history as a traditional food ingredient across northern Eurasia.

They have been used in:

• juices
• berry drinks
• syrups
• preserves
• teas
• sauces
• traditional berry preparations

Sea buckthorn oil has also become increasingly popular as an ingredient in natural skincare and botanical cosmetics.

If your sea buckthorn oil is specifically labelled as food-grade and suitable for consumption, it can be used in cold foods or added after cooking.

Try a small amount in:

• smoothies
• natural yoghurt
• porridge
• breakfast bowls
• salad dressings
• berry sauces
• dips
• finished vegetables

Because sea buckthorn oil has a strong colour and flavour, a little can go a long way.

Rather than treating it as an everyday frying oil, think of it as a distinctive cold-pressed finishing oil.

Sea buckthorn oil for skin has become a popular topic within natural and botanical skincare.

Its naturally occurring plant lipids make it an interesting ingredient for skincare routines designed to leave dry-feeling skin feeling softer and more conditioned.

A small amount can be mixed with:

• facial moisturiser
• body lotion
• hand cream
• body oil
• another carrier oil

Strongly coloured sea buckthorn berry oil may temporarily tint very pale skin or fabrics, so start with a small amount.

Sea buckthorn oil can also be incorporated into natural haircare routines.

Try using a small amount in:

• pre-shampoo oil treatments
• dry-end treatments
• botanical scalp oil blends
• homemade hair masks

Take extra care when using intensely coloured sea buckthorn oil on blonde, bleached or very light hair.

Sea buckthorn oil may appeal to you if you:

• enjoy unusual botanical ingredients
• prefer berry-based natural products
• want a distinctive cold-pressed oil
• enjoy richer natural skincare oils
• are interested in naturally occurring omega-7
• appreciate traditional Siberian ingredients

Best for: people looking for a bold and distinctive botanical berry oil.

Pine nut oil is considerably milder than sea buckthorn oil and is one of the easiest speciality oils to introduce into everyday meals.

Sometimes called cedar nut oil in Siberian and Eastern European traditions, pine nut oil is pressed from edible pine kernels.

Siberian pine nuts have traditionally been gathered as a forest food. Cold pressing transforms the kernels into a smooth golden oil with a delicate nutty character.

High-quality cold-pressed pine nut oil generally tastes:

mild + buttery + nutty + slightly sweet

Its flavour is distinctive without being overpowering, making it particularly versatile for everyday food.

Pine nuts have been gathered and eaten across northern Eurasia for generations.

In Siberian traditions, the nuts sometimes called cedar nuts have been valued as a traditional forest food.

Cold-pressed pine nut oil has been consumed as food and has also found a place in traditional personal-care routines.

Food-grade cold-pressed pine nut oil is one of the most versatile culinary oils in this comparison.

Try it with:

• salads
• roasted vegetables
• potatoes
• pasta
• buckwheat
• quinoa
• rice
• soups
• hummus
• vegetable dips
• pesto-style sauces
• fresh bread

Drizzle it over cooked vegetables, grains or soups immediately before serving.

Its mild nutty flavour works particularly well when you want something more distinctive than a neutral vegetable oil without overpowering your food.

Combine:

2 tablespoons pine nut oil + 1 tablespoon lemon juice + a little mustard + sea salt + black pepper

Use it with salads, roasted vegetables or grain bowls.

Pine nut oil can also be incorporated into botanical body care.

Like other plant oils, it contains natural lipids that can help skin feel softer, smoother and more comfortable.

Try applying a few drops to slightly damp skin after showering or mixing a small amount into your usual body moisturiser.

Pine nut oil can work particularly well as a simple pre-shampoo hair oil.

Apply a small amount to:

• dry ends
• hair lengths
• dry-feeling areas of the scalp, if appropriate for your skin type

Leave it on before shampooing and then wash your hair as usual.

Pine nut oil may be a good choice if you:

• are trying cold-pressed oils for the first time
• want a versatile edible speciality oil
• enjoy mild nutty flavours
• want a natural finishing oil
• prefer subtle flavours to strongly herbal oils
• are interested in traditional Siberian foods

Best for: people looking for a versatile cold-pressed oil for everyday culinary use.

Milk thistle seed oil generally has a more herbal character than pine nut oil.

Its flavour can be described as:

mild + herbal + earthy + slightly nutty

It may particularly appeal to people who already enjoy characteristic seed oils such as flaxseed or pumpkin seed oil.

Milk thistle has been part of European herbal traditions for centuries.

Different parts of the plant have historically been incorporated into food and traditional botanical preparations.

Today, cold-pressed seed oil provides another way to explore this traditional plant as a food and personal-care ingredient.

Food-grade milk thistle oil works particularly well in cold dishes or as a finishing oil.

Try it in:

• salad dressings
• vegetable dips
• hummus
• grain bowls
• cooked potatoes
• steamed vegetables
• cottage cheese
• savoury yoghurt sauces
• bread dips

Its slightly herbal flavour pairs well with lemon, mustard, garlic, fresh herbs and vegetables.

Milk thistle seed oil can also be incorporated into a simple natural skincare routine.

Plant oils contain natural lipids that can help skin feel softer and reduce the sensation of dryness.

Try adding a few drops to your body moisturiser or applying a small amount to slightly damp skin.

Milk thistle oil can be used in:

• pre-shampoo treatments
• botanical hair oil blends
• scalp oil blends
• dry-end treatments
• homemade hair masks

If your hair is fine, begin with just a few drops.

Milk thistle oil may appeal to you if you:

• enjoy traditional herbal ingredients
• prefer seed oils
• like earthy and herbal flavours
• want an alternative to mainstream culinary oils
• enjoy multipurpose botanical products

Best for: people interested in traditional herbal seed oils.

Of the five oils in this guide, rosehip seed oil is probably one of the most familiar to Australian natural skincare enthusiasts.

Rosehip oil is produced from rose fruits and seeds, including species such as Rosa canina.

Cold-pressed rosehip seed oil naturally contains substantial proportions of unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, together with smaller quantities of other naturally occurring plant compounds.

This composition has helped make rosehip oil for skin a popular ingredient in:

• facial oils
• moisturisers
• serums
• body oils
• botanical skincare formulations

Food-grade rosehip seed oil can have a subtle flavour described as:

mild + earthy + slightly fruity + seed-like

However, it's important to distinguish between food-grade and cosmetic rosehip oils.

Not every rosehip oil sold for skincare is intended for consumption.

If you plan to use rosehip seed oil in food, choose a product specifically labelled as food-grade or edible.

Rosehips have a long history as a traditional food ingredient.

They have been used to prepare:

• rosehip tea
• syrups
• jams
• jellies
• soups
• preserves
• fruit powders

Rosehip seed oil, meanwhile, has become particularly familiar through natural skincare and cosmetic products.

If your rosehip seed oil is specifically produced for culinary use, try adding a small amount to:

• yoghurt
• smoothies
• porridge
• berry bowls
• salad dressings
• cold sauces

Its delicate natural flavour is generally best appreciated without intensive heating.

Rosehip seed oil can also be applied sparingly to:

• dry hair ends
• flyaways
• dry-feeling lengths
• pre-shampoo treatments

Its relatively light texture may appeal to people who find heavier botanical oils difficult to use.

Rosehip seed oil may be right for you if you:

• prioritise natural skincare
• want a botanical face oil
• prefer lighter-feeling oils
• enjoy minimalist beauty routines
• want an oil primarily for cosmetic use

Best for: people looking for a lightweight botanical facial oil.

Amaranth oil is one of the lesser-known natural oils in this comparison.

Amaranth is technically a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal grain. It has been cultivated as a food crop for thousands of years, particularly in the Americas.

Its tiny seeds contain a valuable natural oil fraction.

One characteristic that makes cold-pressed amaranth oil particularly interesting is its naturally occurring squalene.

Amaranth oil can contain notable levels of squalene, although the precise concentration varies depending on the plant variety, growing conditions and extraction method.

Squalene is a naturally occurring lipid that is also present in human sebum and is widely used in modern cosmetic formulations.

Cold-pressed amaranth oil typically has a:

nutty + earthy + slightly grain-like flavour

It is more distinctive than a neutral vegetable oil but generally lacks the fruity intensity of sea buckthorn oil.

Amaranth has a remarkable culinary history.

It was an important crop in ancient Mesoamerican cultures and continues to be valued for its edible seeds and leaves.

Today, amaranth is popular among people interested in ancient grains, gluten-free foods and alternative plant ingredients.

Cold-pressed amaranth oil provides another way to explore this traditional plant.

Food-grade amaranth oil can be used as a speciality finishing oil.

Try it with:

• cooked amaranth
• quinoa
• buckwheat
• rice
• grain bowls
• salads
• roasted vegetables
• soups
• hummus
• vegetable purées

Its earthy and slightly nutty flavour pairs naturally with grains, seeds and roasted vegetables.

Because amaranth oil contains naturally occurring squalene and other plant lipids, it has attracted interest as an ingredient in botanical skincare.

It can be incorporated into routines for skin that feels dry or tight.

Try using it as:

• a body oil
• part of a facial oil blend
• a few drops mixed into moisturiser
• a hand and cuticle oil

Patch testing a new facial oil before regular use is sensible.

Amaranth oil can also be incorporated into richer natural haircare routines.

Use a small amount on:

• dry ends
• dry-feeling hair lengths
• pre-shampoo treatments
• botanical scalp oil blends

Use sparingly if your hair is fine or easily weighed down.

Amaranth oil may appeal to you if you:

• enjoy discovering unusual botanical oils
• are interested in naturally occurring plant squalene
• like earthy and nutty flavours
• enjoy ancient grains and traditional foods
• want a lesser-known multipurpose plant oil

Best for: botanical oil enthusiasts interested in naturally occurring squalene.

Sea buckthorn oil and pine nut oil are two very different natural oils.

• a berry-derived botanical oil
• an intense natural colour
• a distinctive fruity and earthy flavour
• an oil popular in natural skincare
• a botanical oil associated with naturally occurring omega-7

• a mild nutty flavour
• an easy everyday finishing oil
• greater culinary versatility
• a speciality oil that works with many different foods

For someone discovering Siberian cold-pressed oils for the first time, pine nut oil may be easier to incorporate into everyday cooking.

For someone looking for a more distinctive botanical ingredient, sea buckthorn oil offers a completely different experience.

Both are popular natural oils for skin, but they have very different characteristics.

Rosehip seed oil generally has a lighter texture and is particularly popular as a facial oil.

Sea buckthorn oil can be considerably stronger in colour and more distinctive, particularly when produced from the fruit or whole berry.

You don't necessarily need to choose between them.

Rosehip seed oil can work as a straightforward botanical facial oil, while strongly coloured sea buckthorn oil may be blended into another carrier oil or moisturiser.

The most noticeable difference between these two oils is their flavour.

Pine nut oil is mild, buttery and nutty.

Milk thistle oil tends to have a more herbal and seed-like flavour.

For drizzling over potatoes, vegetables, bread or grains, pine nut oil provides a relatively familiar gourmet flavour.

If you already enjoy herbal seed oils and want something more distinctive, milk thistle oil may be more appealing.

If facial skincare is your main priority, rosehip seed oil is the more familiar beauty oil.

Amaranth oil offers something different because its natural lipid fraction contains squalene.

People starting a natural face oil routine may prefer rosehip seed oil, while botanical oil enthusiasts may be interested in exploring amaranth oil.

There isn't one universal best cold-pressed oil for cooking.

The right choice depends largely on the flavour you want and how you plan to use the oil.

Try pine nut oil with salads, potatoes, grains, vegetables, pasta and fresh bread.

Use small quantities in smoothies, yoghurt, dressings and berry-based dishes.

Try milk thistle oil with salads, dips, vegetables and savoury grain bowls.

Pair amaranth oil with grains, roasted vegetables, soups and salads.

Rosehip seed oil is particularly well known for skincare. If you want to consume it, always choose a product specifically labelled as food-grade.

The best natural oil for skin depends on your skin type, preferred texture and how you plan to use the product.

Consider Rosehip Seed Oil.

Consider Sea Buckthorn Oil.

Consider Pine Nut Oil.

Explore Milk Thistle Oil.

Consider Amaranth Oil.

Natural doesn't automatically mean suitable for every skin type. Patch test any unfamiliar topical oil before applying it extensively.

Cold-pressed botanical oils are commonly incorporated into routines for dry-feeling hair and can help create a smoother, shinier appearance.

A versatile option for hair lengths, dry ends and pre-shampoo treatments.

An interesting choice when you prefer a relatively light oil texture.

Can be incorporated into richer hair masks and botanical oil blends. Take care when using strongly coloured oil on blonde or bleached hair.

Can be used in botanical scalp oil blends and pre-shampoo treatments.

Worth exploring for dry-feeling lengths, ends and richer botanical oil treatments.

Whichever natural hair oil you choose, start with a small amount.

Using botanical oils doesn't require a complicated wellness or beauty routine.

The simplest uses are often the most practical.

Add an appropriate food-grade oil to:

• porridge
• yoghurt
• smoothies
• breakfast bowls

Use it in:

• homemade salad dressing
• hummus
• grain bowls
• vegetable dishes

Drizzle a flavourful cold-pressed oil over a finished dish rather than automatically treating every speciality oil as a high-temperature frying oil.

Apply a small amount of an oil suitable for topical use to slightly damp skin or mix a few drops into your regular moisturiser.

Apply a few drops to dry ends or use the oil as part of a pre-shampoo treatment.

When shopping for cold-pressed oils in Australia, don't rely on the words "natural oil" alone.

Look at exactly what you're buying.

The label should clearly identify the plant from which the oil is produced.

This can make an important difference.

For example, sea buckthorn seed oil, pulp oil and whole-berry oil do not have identical compositions.

Depending on the product, look for descriptions such as:

• cold-pressed
• mechanically pressed
• unrefined

Never assume a cosmetic oil is edible.

If you plan to consume an oil, choose one specifically manufactured and labelled for food use.

A pure single-ingredient botanical oil should have a straightforward ingredient list.

Light, oxygen and heat can gradually affect plant oils, so appropriate packaging and storage matter.

Proper storage can help maintain the natural flavour, aroma and quality of speciality plant oils.

As a general guide:

• keep bottles tightly closed
• protect oils from direct sunlight
• avoid excessive heat
• use clean utensils
• follow the manufacturer's storage directions
• refrigerate after opening when recommended on the product label

Some minimally processed botanical oils may naturally vary slightly in colour, aroma or appearance from batch to batch.

Sometimes, but not automatically.

A pure food-grade cold-pressed oil may sometimes be suitable for several purposes, depending on the individual product and manufacturer's directions.

However, a cosmetic oil should not be consumed unless it is specifically manufactured and labelled as suitable for food use.

Always check the individual product label.

You don't necessarily need all five oils.

Start with the one that best matches your main priority.

For everyday culinary use: start with Pine Nut Oil.

For natural facial skincare: consider Rosehip Seed Oil.

For a distinctive berry-derived botanical oil: explore Sea Buckthorn Oil.

For a traditional herbal seed oil: consider Milk Thistle Oil.

For a less common botanical oil naturally containing squalene: explore Amaranth Oil.

Different natural oils naturally find different roles in the kitchen, bathroom and beauty routine.

That's what makes cold-pressed oils so interesting.

They aren't interchangeable.

Each one has its own botanical origin, flavour, colour, texture and traditional story.

The world of natural cold-pressed oils extends far beyond everyday vegetable oil.

Different berries, seeds and nuts produce oils with very different flavours, colours, textures and naturally occurring plant compounds.

Sea Buckthorn Oil is bold, colourful and closely connected with northern berry traditions.

Pine Nut Oil is smooth, nutty and particularly easy to incorporate into everyday food.

Milk Thistle Oil combines the character of a traditional herbal seed with culinary and personal-care possibilities.

Rosehip Seed Oil is a well-known natural skincare favourite with a relatively lightweight texture.

Amaranth Oil is an unusual botanical oil notable for its naturally occurring squalene.

Instead of simply asking:

"Which natural oil is best?"

A more useful question may be:

"Which cold-pressed oil is best for the way I want to use it?"

Whether you're exploring cold-pressed oils for cooking, natural oils for skin, botanical face oils, natural hair oils, unrefined plant oils or traditional botanical ingredients, each oil offers something different.

Explore cold-pressed natural oils, botanical oils, traditional Siberian ingredients and speciality plant oils from Siberian Green.

Discover distinctive oils produced from berries, nuts, seeds and traditional plants, and find a natural oil that fits naturally into your cooking, skincare or haircare routine.