Siberian cedar oil - properties and uses

The article was updated on 18.04.2026

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Siberian cedar oil is a cold-pressed vegetable oil derived from the nuts of the Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica), used both internally — as a dietary supplement rich in rare pinolenic acid and vitamin E — and externally in skin and hair care. It stands out due to its fatty acid profile, which is uncommon in other popular vegetable oils: linoleic acid (approx. 45–50%) dominates, supplemented by pinolenic acid (15–27%) — a polyunsaturated fatty acid practically absent outside of pine oils. This combination translates into specific cosmetic and nutritional applications, which we discuss in this article.

In the guide below, you will find reliable answers to the questions most frequently asked when choosing this product: how it differs from cedar essential oil, how to use it on various skin and hair types, whether it is suitable for culinary use and in what form, what science has actually confirmed about it — and what it hasn't — and how to choose a good quality product and store it after opening.

This article is intended for both those who are hearing about cedar oil for the first time and those who want to verify popular claims about it.

1. What is Siberian cedar oil and where does it come from?

Siberian cedar oil is pressed from the seeds of Pinus sibirica — a tree which, despite its name, does not belong to the genus cedars (Cedrus), but is a Siberian pine. This is an important botanical distinction, because completely different products are marketed under the name "cedar oil" — essential oils distilled from the wood or leaves of true cedars (Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus deodara). These have a completely different composition and application. Siberian cedar oil is a fatty vegetable oil — edible, used internally and externally — and it is the subject of this article.

Pinus sibirica grows in the vast taiga — from the Urals to the Altai Mountains and the Siberian steppes. The tree reaches a height of up to 35 meters and lives up to 800 years. The cones, from which cedar nuts (also called Siberian pine nuts) are harvested, mature for two years. Harvesting is manual and labor-intensive, which explains the relatively high price of good Siberian cedar oil compared to sunflower or rapeseed oil.

1.1. Cold-pressing — why does it matter?

The quality of Siberian cedar oil largely depends on the production method. Cold-pressing means that the seeds are mechanically squeezed without heating — the process temperature does not exceed 40–50°C. This ensures that the polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols (vitamin E), and phytosterols, which are sensitive to high temperatures and oxidation, remain intact in the oil. Refined or chemically extracted oils have a much poorer composition of biologically active ingredients.

On the label, look for markings such as: "cold-pressed", "unrefined", and "Pinus sibirica" in the ingredients list — these are the three basic distinguishing features of a high-quality product.

1.2. Siberian tradition and modern interest

Cedar nuts have been a staple food for Siberian hunters and gatherers for centuries. The oil was pressed by traditional methods and used both as a culinary fat and as a remedy for skin ailments. In the tradition of Siberian peoples — the Shor, Teleut, and others — the cedar nut symbolized health and longevity, and its oil was treated as a valuable nutritional resource reserved for winter and long expeditions.

Modern interest in Siberian cedar oil stems primarily from the discovery of pinolenic acid — a rare polyunsaturated fatty acid, absent or present in trace amounts in most other vegetable oils. This particular combination gives cedar oil its unique biochemical profile, which we will discuss in the next chapter.

2. Composition of Siberian cedar oil — what's in it?

Siberian cedar oil stands out among popular vegetable oils primarily due to the presence of pinolenic acid — a polyunsaturated fatty acid from the rare delta-5 group, which is practically absent in other commonly available oils. Additionally, linoleic and oleic acids dominate, and the oil is supplemented with tocopherols and phytosterols.

2.1. Fatty acid profile

Fatty acids constitute over 90% of the oil's composition, with unsaturated PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) accounting for approximately 65–70% of the total. The table below presents the approximate composition of Pinus sibirica based on chromatographic analyses.

Scroll right to see the full table (on mobile devices)

Data: chromatographic analyses of Pinus sibirica oil (Xie et al., 2016, Journal of Functional Foods; Szterk et al., 2007, Journal of Applied Spectroscopy).

2.2. Pinolenic acid — what makes it special?

Pinolenic acid (PNLA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid from the rare delta-5 group, practically absent in other popular vegetable oils (olive oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil). In Pinus sibirica oil, its content ranges from 15–27% — one of the highest levels among all known plant sources.

In the body, PNLA can be metabolized into eicosatrienoic acid (ETA), which exhibits properties that modulate inflammatory processes. Pinolenic acid is also being studied for its effect on the secretion of satiety hormones — more on this in the chapter on health benefits.

2.3. Vitamin E in cedar oil

Siberian cedar oil contains approximately 47–50 mg of tocopherols per 100 g, with a predominance of α- and γ-tocopherol fractions. Vitamin E plays a dual role in the oil: it is a natural antioxidant that extends the oil's shelf life after opening, and when consumed or applied externally, it contributes to protecting cells from oxidative stress.

Additionally, the oil contains phytosterols (mainly β-sitosterol), which are being studied for their effect on cholesterol metabolism.

3. Health benefits of cedar oil — what does science say?

Siberian cedar oil is a food product and a dietary supplement, not a medicine. Below, we discuss properties that are supported by scientific research — with clear indications of where the evidence is preliminary or limited, and where it stems from an approved ingredient profile.

3.1. Protection of cells from oxidative stress

The vitamin E (tocopherols) contained in cedar oil contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress — this is a health claim approved by EFSA and included in EU Regulation No 432/2012. Oxidative stress, resulting from excessive free radical activity, is linked to accelerated cellular aging processes and the development of many chronic diseases.

A daily serving of 1–2 teaspoons of oil provides approximately 5–10 mg of tocopherols, which constitutes about 40–80% of the daily requirement for vitamin E (RDA: 12 mg/day according to EFSA).

3.2. Effect on the cardiovascular system

Linoleic acid (omega-6) contained in cedar oil contributes to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels — this is another health claim approved by EFSA (ID 489). Oleic acid (omega-9), on the other hand, is a component of the Mediterranean diet, associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Phytosterols, present in the oil in smaller amounts, are being studied for their role in reducing the absorption of LDL cholesterol from the digestive tract — although the effective dose of phytosterols (1.5–2.4 g/day according to EFSA) is significantly higher than what a serving of cedar oil provides, so this action cannot be attributed to it in practical quantities.

Siberian Cedar Oil 100 ml - Pro Aktiv

3.3. Pinolenic acid and satiety — research results

The most characteristic and most widely studied component of Siberian cedar oil is pinolenic acid (PNLA). Research published in Lipids in Health and Disease (2008) showed that free fatty acids from Korean pine nuts (with a similar profile to Pinus sibirica) stimulate the secretion of satiety hormones — cholecystokinin (CCK) and GLP-1 — in a randomized, controlled study of 18 postmenopausal women. The effect was statistically significant (p<0.0001) and lasted for 4 hours.

Another study (also Lipids in Health and Disease, 2008) showed that the free fatty acid fraction from pine oil resulted in an approximately 9% reduction in food intake at an ad-libitum meal (unrestricted meal) given 30 minutes after supplementation, compared to placebo (olive oil).

3.4. Anti-inflammatory properties — the role of pinolenic acid and PUFAs

Pinolenic acid is metabolized in the body into eicosatrienoic acid (ETA), which in in vitro and animal studies exhibits properties that modulate inflammatory pathways — it can inhibit the production of certain pro-inflammatory mediators. Analogously, linoleic acid (omega-6) is a precursor to arachidonic acid, but its actual effect on inflammation depends on the ratio with omega-3 in the overall diet.

It is important to emphasize: Siberian cedar oil is an oil rich in omega-6, not omega-3. In the context of the Western diet, where the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is often imbalanced, its use should be part of a consciously composed diet — not an alternative to omega-3 supplementation.

3.5. Skin care properties — external use

The high content of linoleic acid (approx. 45–50%) makes cedar oil particularly valuable cosmetically. Linoleic acid is a key component of skin ceramides, and its deficiency is associated with a weakened epidermal barrier, dryness, and susceptibility to irritation. Oils rich in linoleic acid (unlike oils rich in oleic acid) are generally better tolerated by combination and acne-prone skin.

Vitamin E, applied externally, contributes to protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and supports regeneration processes — this is well-documented in dermatology. Siberian cedar oil is a natural, unprocessed source of tocopherols in cosmetic applications. We discuss cosmetic applications in detail in Chapter 4.

4. Siberian cedar oil in cosmetics — how to use it on skin and hair?

Siberian cedar oil is one of the few vegetable oils that combines a high content of linoleic acid (approx. 45–50%) with the presence of rare pinolenic acid. This combination makes it well-suited for caring for various skin types — even combination skin and skin prone to clogged pores.

4.1. For what skin type is cedar oil suitable?

Oils rich in linoleic acid are generally lighter and less comedogenic than oils predominantly containing oleic acid (e.g., olive oil, almond oil). Linoleic acid is a key component of skin ceramides — its deficiency is associated with a weakened epidermal barrier, dryness, and susceptibility to irritation. For this reason, Siberian cedar oil is well tolerated by:

• Dry and dehydrated skin — moisturizes, rebuilds the epidermal barrier, reduces feelings of tightness
• Combination skin — light consistency, absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy residue
• Mature skin — Vitamin E supports protection against oxidative stress, the oil improves elasticity
• Sensitive and irritated skin — soothing properties, no aggressive synthetic ingredients

For very oily and acne-prone skin, it should be used in moderation – despite its relatively low comedogenicity, an excess of any oil can disrupt sebum production. It is recommended to start with a few drops applied topically or a very thin layer on the entire face.

4.2. Face and body care

Siberian cedar oil can be used as a standalone product or as an ingredient in homemade skincare blends. Unlike heavier oils (coconut, sunflower), it absorbs relatively quickly and does not leave a noticeable greasy residue.

Night serum: after cleansing and toning, apply 3–5 drops of oil to your face and neck, gently massaging with fingertips in upward motions. Skin regenerates more intensively in the evening, making nighttime a good time to apply richer oils.

Cream booster: add 2–3 drops of cedar oil to a portion of your daily moisturizer directly before application — a quick way to enrich a ready-made product without changing your routine.

Body care: after a bath or shower, apply the oil to slightly damp skin instead of synthetic lotions. Damp skin better retains the active ingredients of the oil.

4.3. Hair and scalp care

Siberian cedar oil is excellent for oiling hair ends – it moisturizes, reduces split ends, and adds shine. It is also suitable for dry, flaky scalps. Due to its lightness – unlike coconut or castor oil – it doesn't weigh down fine and delicate hair.

Pre-wash mask: apply oil to dry or slightly damp hair from mid-lengths to ends, wrap in a towel or shower cap, and leave for 30–60 minutes (or overnight). Wash with shampoo as usual – one or two washes should be enough to remove excess oil.

Daily hair ends: 1–2 drops rubbed between hands, applied to dry ends after styling – as a substitute for protective serum.

4.4. Cedar oil in DIY cosmetics

The oil blends well with other vegetable oils, creating mixtures tailored to specific needs. Here are a few proven combinations:

• For face care: cedar oil (50%) + rosehip oil (30%) + squalane (20%) — a regenerating combination for dry skin and skin with discolouration
• For massage: cedar oil (70%) + a few drops of lavender oil — a relaxing back and shoulder massage
• DIY lip balm: cedar oil + beeswax + a touch of shea butter — simple, preservative-free

In our range of natural cosmetics, you will also find ready-made products with vegetable oils, if you prefer proven formulas over mixing them yourself.

5. Siberian Cedar Oil in the Kitchen – Is it Edible?

Yes – Siberian cedar oil is a fully edible product. It is one of the traditional edible oils of Siberia and Russian regional cuisine, extracted from the seeds of the same pine from which the cosmetic product comes. Key application: cold use only.

5.1. Why is cedar oil not suitable for frying?

Siberian cedar oil has a low smoke point — this is due to its very high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are thermally unstable. Heating the oil above its smoke point causes:

• breakdown of fatty acids and loss of nutritional value
• formation of free radicals and potentially harmful compounds
• an unpleasant, bitter taste

For frying, stewing, and baking, use oils with a high smoke point — e.g., coconut oil, ghee, or refined rapeseed oil. Cedar oil is a finishing oil, not for heat treatment.

5.2. How to use cedar oil in cooking?

The delicate, nutty flavor of cedar oil makes it a good complement to dishes where we want to bring out the natural aroma of ingredients without overpowering them with aggressive fat. Here are a few practical uses:

• Salad dressing — on its own or mixed with lemon juice and Dijon mustard; particularly good with salads featuring nuts, goat cheese, and rocket
• Finishing soups and groats — a teaspoon of oil poured into a bowl of cream soup or buckwheat groats just before serving
• Pesto and cold sauces — instead of olive oil, as a base for a sauce with basil, Parmesan, and garlic
• Sandwich spread — mixed with cottage cheese, salt, and herbs as a healthy spread for bread
• Cocktails and smoothies — a teaspoon of oil added to a fruit smoothie enriches it with healthy fats and improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

5.3. How much cedar oil per day?

In the context of diet — as an addition to meals or oral supplementation — 1–2 teaspoons per day (approx. 5–10 ml) is commonly recommended. This amount provides approx. 45–90 kcal and approx. 5–10 mg of tocopherols. There is no established official supplementary dose, so manufacturers usually provide a range of 1–3 teaspoons.

Siberian cedar oil is caloric — like any vegetable fat, it provides approx. 900 kcal/100 g. When incorporating it into your diet, it is worth considering this in your overall energy balance, especially when on a reduction diet.

6. How to choose and store good Siberian cedar oil?

The market offers products of very different quality — from cold-pressed oil from Pinus sibirica, through mixtures with cheaper oils, to refined products with similar names. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying.

6.1. What to look for when buying?

Scroll right to see the full table (on mobile devices)

6.2. How to store cedar oil after opening?

Siberian cedar oil is exceptionally rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are prone to oxidation — they become rancid faster than saturated or monounsaturated acids. Therefore, proper storage is particularly important here.

• Before opening: cool, dark place (cupboard, pantry), away from the oven and direct sunlight
• After opening: refrigerator or cool cupboard; tightly sealed bottle; use within 3–6 months of opening
• Sign of spoilage: sharp, bitter or soapy smell — rancid oil is not suitable for consumption or use on skin
• Do not expose to heat: leaving an open bottle near the stove or in a warm place significantly accelerates oxidation

In our store, you can find unrefined cold-pressed Siberian cedar oil from the Pro Aktiv brand, in a dark glass bottle, without additives or preservatives — ready for both internal use and skin and hair care.

Siberian cedar oil 100 ml - Pro Aktiv

6.3. Other Siberian oils – what to know?

Siberian cedar oil belongs to a group of unique oils obtained from taiga plants. If you are interested in this category, it is worth knowing two other products from the same Siberian line:

• Siberian sea buckthorn oil — obtained from sea buckthorn fruits (Hippophae rhamnoides), intensely orange, rich in carotenoids and vitamin C; mainly used externally as a strongly regenerating oil for skin requiring intensive care
• Siberian fir needle oil — an essential distillate from the branches of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica), used only externally or in aromatherapy after dilution in a carrier oil

Siberian sea buckthorn oil 100 ml - Pro Aktiv

Siberian Fir Needle Oil 50 ml - Pro Aktiv (dietary supplement)

7. Contraindications and Precautions

Siberian cedar oil is a safe product for most adults, used both internally and externally. However, there are a few situations where caution should be exercised or a specialist should be consulted.

Allergy to pine nuts and other tree nuts. Siberian pine nuts are classified by the FDA as tree nuts and must be declared as an allergen on labels. If you have a confirmed allergy to other tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews) or peanuts – due to possible cross-reactivity – consult an allergist before the first use of cedar oil, both internally and externally. In case of cross-reactivity, symptoms may include hives, swelling, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is insufficient clinical research on the safety of cedar oil supplementation during pregnancy. External use in skin care is generally considered safe, but before regular consumption as a dietary supplement during pregnancy or lactation, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Children. Pine nuts and oil pressed from them are not recommended for children under 3 years of age due to the risk of allergies and the inappropriate consistency of the product for the youngest. Older children can consume cedar oil as part of their diet in small amounts, but before including it as a regular supplement – consult a pediatrician.

Medications affecting blood clotting. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in large quantities can theoretically intensify the effect of anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin). When undergoing pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular diseases, consult your doctor before regular supplementation with oils rich in PUFAs.

Rancid oil. Do not use oil with a sharp, bitter, or soapy smell. Oxidized fatty acids in rancid oil have a pro-oxidative effect – the result is the opposite of what is desired. Always check the smell before use, especially if the oil has been stored for more than a few months after opening.

Application undiluted to sensitive skin. Individuals with highly reactive skin should perform a patch test on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours before the first cosmetic use. Cedar oil used in skincare is generally well-tolerated, but individual reactivity is always possible.

8. Frequently Asked Questions about Siberian Cedar Oil

What is the difference between cedar oil and cedar essential oil?

These are two completely different products. Siberian cedar oil (Pinus sibirica Seed Oil) is a fatty vegetable oil mechanically pressed from pine nuts – edible, used internally and in skin care as a standalone product.

Cedar essential oil is a concentrated essential oil distilled from the wood or leaves of trees from the genus Cedrus or Juniperus – it is not suitable for consumption, and is used only externally after dilution in a carrier oil or in aromatherapy.

Confusing these two products is one of the most common mistakes when purchasing.

Cedar essential oil 10 ml - Etja

How long do you need to use cedar oil to see effects?

With regular external use (skin care), the first effects — better hydration, less tightness, smoother texture — are usually noticeable after 2–4 weeks of daily use. When consumed internally as part of a diet, it is difficult to isolate the effects of the oil itself from other dietary and lifestyle factors.

Cedar oil is not a supplement with a fast, dramatic effect — it is a product for regular, long-term use as a complement to a healthy diet.

Is Siberian cedar oil suitable for children?

Siberian pine nuts and the oil pressed from them are not recommended for children under 3 years of age. Older children can consume cedar oil as an addition to meals (e.g., in salads, groats), but in quantities adjusted to their age and body weight — not exceeding half a teaspoon per day.

Before regular use in a child with a food allergy or chronic illness, it is always advisable to consult a pediatrician.

Can you fry with cedar oil?

No. Siberian cedar oil has a low smoke point — due to its very high content of thermally unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids, it breaks down at relatively low temperatures. Heating destroys valuable active ingredients and can lead to the formation of undesirable oxidation products.

Cedar oil is an oil for finishing cold dishes — for salads, spreads, smoothies — not for cooking or frying.

What determines the price of Siberian cedar oil and why is it higher than other oils?

The high price of good cedar oil is due to several factors: Siberian pine nuts ripen for two years and are harvested by hand in hard-to-reach areas of the taiga; cold-pressing efficiency is lower than chemical extraction; the raw material comes from geographically limited areas of Siberia and Altai.

Oils significantly cheaper than the market average can be mixtures with cheaper vegetable oils or refined products with a much poorer composition of biologically active ingredients.

9. Summary

Siberian cedar oil is a product that deserves more attention than it usually receives. Its uniqueness primarily stems from the presence of pinolenic acid—a rare polyunsaturated fatty acid virtually absent in other vegetable oils—and a high content of linoleic acid and natural tocopherols. This translates into specific, well-justified applications: external use in skin and hair care, and internal use as a valuable dietary supplement.

However, it is important to be objective in evaluating this product. Some properties attributed to cedar oil in popular sources—especially concerning disease treatment or broad clinical effects—lack sufficient research confirmation.

What science actually confirms is its beneficial fatty acid profile, the antioxidant effect of vitamin E, and promising—though preliminary—results from research on pinolenic acid in the context of appetite regulation. This alone is enough to consider Siberian cedar oil a valuable, multifunctional natural product—provided it is purchased in appropriate quality and used according to its actual properties.

Check out other Siberian oils available in our store—Siberian sea buckthorn oil and Siberian fir oil, which, along with cedar oil, form a complete set of products from the Siberian taiga.

10. Sources

1. Xie D.X. et al. (2016). A review of the potential health benefits of pine nut oil and its characteristic fatty acid pinolenic acid. Journal of Functional Foods, 23, 464–473. sciencedirect.com
2. Šterk P. et al. (2007). NMR analysis of oils from pine nuts (Pinus sibirica) and seeds of common pine (Pinus silvestris L.). Journal of Applied Spectroscopy, 74(4), 584–589. link.springer.com
3. Pasman W.J. et al. (2008). The effect of Korean pine nut oil on in vitro CCK release, on appetite sensations and on gut hormones in post-menopausal overweight women. Lipids in Health and Disease, 7:10. PMC2322999
4. Hughes G.M. et al. (2008). The effect of Korean pine nut oil (PinnoThin™) on food intake, feeding behaviour and appetite: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Lipids in Health and Disease, 7:6. link.springer.com
5. Yılmaz N. et al. (2022). Physicochemical Characterization and Bioactive Compounds of Pine Nut Oils. Preprint. preprint PDF
6. Wolff R.L. et al. (1996). Fatty acid composition of some pine seed oils. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 73(3), 765–771. link.springer.com
7. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). Pine Tree Allergy. acaai.org
8. Komisja Europejska (2012). Rozporządzenie UE nr 432/2012 ustanawiające wykaz dopuszczonych oświadczeń zdrowotnych dotyczących żywności. eur-lex.europa.eu