Can Vegetable Oils Speed Up Skin Cell Regeneration? New Study Evaluates

A new study was published on July 24, 2025 in Nature entitled, "Influence of vegetable oils and their constituents on in vitro human keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation and migration," which aimed to find out whether or not various vegetable oils can speed up skin cell regeneration. The study results found that the fatty acid composition of vegetable oils plays a critical role in how they influence skin cell growth and wound healing. It offers fresh insights for dermatology and cosmetic science.

Researchers tested various vegetable oils, key fatty acids, and unsaponifiable compounds on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts — the two cell types essential for skin repair — and found that oils rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid significantly promoted cell proliferation. In contrast, pomegranate seed oil and its main fatty acid, punicic acid, strongly inhibited cell growth.

Essential Fatty Acids Show Regenerative Potential

Oils such as poppy seed (high in linoleic acid), linden seed, marigold, and linseed demonstrated the most significant enhancing effects on keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation in vitro. These essential fatty acids, particularly omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, are vital for maintaining the skin barrier and supporting tissue renewal.

Coconut oil and olive oil, dominated by saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids respectively, showed little to no effect on cell growth.

When Oils Hurt Instead of Help

Not all plant oils were beneficial. Pomegranate seed oil — composed of roughly 80% punicic acid — consistently suppressed cell proliferation across all concentrations and time points, aligning with previous research showing its cytotoxic effects.

The study also found that oleic acid (the primary component of olive oil) and sterculic acid could inhibit wound-gap closure in keratinocytes, suggesting they may slow cell migration during skin repair in certain contexts.

Complex Chemistry Behind Skin Benefits

Interestingly, the study showed that the effects of unsaponifiable compounds — the minor fraction of oils containing phytosterols, squalene, and vitamins — were far less predictable. While some mildly promoted keratinocyte growth, others had no significant impact, underscoring the complexity of oil chemistry.

Can Vegetable Oils Speed Up Skin Cell Regeneration? Implications for Skincare and Dermatology

These findings offer evidence-based guidance for cosmetic and therapeutic formulations aimed at wound healing and skin repair. Oils high in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid may be particularly effective for supporting skin regeneration, while pomegranate seed oil and certain monounsaturated fatty acids warrant cautious use in products targeting healing or barrier restoration.

The research provides a rare in vitro look at how specific oils and their constituents interact with human skin cells and highlights the importance of fatty acid profiles in creating effective, science-backed skincare.