
When pet skin feels “easily bothered” (redness, dryness, frequent scratching, seasonal flare-ups), the best answer is rarely “stronger.” It’s usually smarter barrier support—the kind that fits gentle daily skin care for pets, especially for sensitive skin dogs and cats.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) has a long history of use as a nourishing oil. Modern research points to why it’s so skin-friendly: a balance of linoleic acid–rich lipids, plus sesame’s signature lignans like sesamin and sesamol—compounds widely studied for antioxidant and skin-support potential.
In topical care, “sesame” usually refers to sesame seed oil (often cold-pressed) or standardized extracts that contain sesame lignans.
Key components often discussed:
· Linoleic acid (omega-6): a key fatty acid tied to barrier lipids and water-loss control in skin science.
· Sesamin: a sesame lignan researched for antioxidant and inflammation-related pathways in skin models.
· Sesamol: another lignan, studied for antioxidant activity and for wound-environment support in research settings.
1) Barrier comfort comes first
A healthy skin barrier helps lock in moisture and reduce “trigger sensitivity.” Reviews on botanical oils discuss how certain plant oils can support barrier function and calm inflammatory signaling in skin—one reason sesame oil is often considered a classic “comfort oil.”
2) Lipid support aligns with a long-term routine
Linoleic acid is frequently discussed as an important fatty acid for skin lipid structure and barrier integrity, and sesame is one of the botanical oils that can contain meaningful amounts of it.
That’s why sesame fits a botanical pet skin care mindset: steady, consistent, non-stripping support rather than over-correction.
3) Antioxidant “background support”
Sesamin has been studied in UVB-related skin inflammation/photodamage models (in vitro and in vivo), showing antioxidant and inflammation-modulating signals—useful context when we think about environmental stress on skin.
(For pets, the practical takeaway isn’t “UV treatment”—it’s that sesame lignans are widely researched antioxidants.)
If you’re building science backed herbal pet care, sesame works best as a supporting ingredient—part of a balanced formula and routine.
Best-fit scenarios (everyday language):
· Coat feels dry or “rough,” especially after bathing or seasonal changes
· Skin looks easily reactive (but you still need a gentle, daily routine)
· You want a comfort-first approach that supports immune balanced pet care habits long term
Routine pairing ideas:
· Use a gentle cleanser + quick dry + calming leave-on (spray/serum/foam)
· Keep friction low (soft brushing, breathable collars, clean bedding)
Sesame is a known allergen in humans, and individual pets can also be sensitive. If your pet is allergy-prone:
· Patch test first (small area, 24–48h observation)
· Avoid heavy oils on pets that lick excessively (especially cats)
· If redness, bumps, or increased itching appears, stop and consult a veterinarian
Also: choose pet-appropriate formulations—some essential oils or added fragrances don’t belong on pet skin.

Sesame is “nurturing” because it supports skin comfort through lipid + antioxidant logic: linoleic-acid–rich oils for barrier feel, and sesame lignans like sesamin/sesamol that are widely researched in skin science. In gentle daily skin care for pets, it’s a steady helper—especially for sensitive skin dogs and cats.
References
1. Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci (2018).
2. Camera E, et al. The Enigma of Bioactivity and Toxicity of Botanical Oils for Skin Care. Front Pharmacol (2020).
3. Wang X, Jia Y, He H. The Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin and Hair Health: A Review. Int J Mol Sci (2024).
4. Lin T-Y, et al. Protective Effects of Sesamin against UVB-Induced Skin Inflammation and Photodamage In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomolecules (2019).
5. Dzidek A, et al. Impact of Raspberry Seed Oil, Sesame Oil, and Coconut Oil on Skin in Young Women. Cosmetics (2023).