Oils are an essential part of daily life – from the food we cook to the products we use on our skin and hair. But with so many oils out there, it can be hard to know which is which! Here’s a complete list of different types of oils, categorized by usage, along with their benefits and common uses.

🥄 1. Edible Cooking Oils
These oils are commonly used in cooking, frying, baking, and food preparation:
a. Mustard Oil
Local Name: Sarson ka tel (Hindi), Aava Nune (Telugu)
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, good for digestion
Best For: Indian cooking, pickles
b. Groundnut Oil
Local Name: Moongphali ka tel (Hindi), Verusenaga Nune (Telugu)
Benefits: Rich in healthy fats, Vitamin E
Best For: Deep frying, Indian dishes
c. Coconut Oil
Local Name: Nariyal tel (Hindi), Kobbari Nune (Telugu)
Benefits: Boosts immunity, aids in digestion
Best For: South Indian cooking, sautéing
d. Sunflower Oil
Benefits: High in Vitamin E, heart-healthy
Best For: General cooking and baking
e. Rice Bran Oil
Benefits: Lowers cholesterol, antioxidant-rich
Best For: Stir frying, deep frying
f. Soybean Oil
Benefits: Contains Omega-3s
Best For: Salad dressings, sautéing
g. Olive Oil
Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats, good for heart
Types: Extra Virgin, Virgin, Refined
Best For: Salads, pasta, light sautéing
h. Sesame Oil
Local Name: Til ka tel (Hindi), Nuvvula Nune (Telugu)
Benefits: Boosts bone health, rich in antioxidants
Best For: Pickles, Asian dishes
i. Canola Oil
Benefits: Low in saturated fat
Best For: Grilling, roasting
j. Palm Oil
Benefits: Vitamin A & E
Best For: Commercial cooking, bakery
k. Avocado Oil
Benefits: High smoke point, heart-healthy
Best For: Grilling, frying
l. Flaxseed Oil
Benefits: Omega-3 rich, supports heart and brain
Best For: Salad dressings (not for heating)
💇♀️ 2. Hair Oils
These oils promote scalp health and nourish hair:
a. Amla Oil
Strengthens hair follicles, prevents greying
b. Bhringraj Oil
Reduces dandruff, promotes hair growth
c. Castor Oil
Thickens hair, prevents split ends
d. Argan Oil
Adds shine, controls frizz
e. Neem Oil
Antifungal, treats scalp infections
f. Onion Oil
Reduces hair fall, improves circulation
🧴 3. Skincare Oils
These are used in natural skincare routines and cosmetics:
a. Almond Oil
Moisturizes skin, reduces dark circles
b. Jojoba Oil
Balances oily skin, treats acne
c. Rosehip Oil
Fights wrinkles, brightens skin
d. Tea Tree Oil
Antibacterial, treats acne
e. Vitamin E Oil
Heals scars, moisturizes skin
f. Coconut Oil
Multi-purpose, suits all skin types
🏭 4. Industrial and Essential Oils
These are used for machinery, aromatherapy, massage, or essential oil applications:
a. Mineral Oil
Used in lubricants and cosmetics
b. Eucalyptus Oil
Used for congestion relief, massage oils
c. Lavender Oil
Calming effects, used in sleep therapy
d. Clove Oil
Antiseptic, used for toothache and muscle pain
e. Peppermint Oil
Refreshing, used for headache relief
🌿 5. Cold-Pressed Oils
Cold-pressed oils are extracted without heat and retain more nutrients:
Cold-pressed Coconut Oil
Cold-pressed Sesame Oil
Cold-pressed Mustard Oil
Cold-pressed Groundnut Oil
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, unrefined, pure, and chemical-free
🛒 Bonus: Where to Buy Oils Online in India?
You can find quality edible and herbal oils from trusted online stores like:
MeenakshiRecipe.com – Traditional cold-pressed and herbal oils
Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket – Branded cooking and skincare oils
Organic Stores & Ayurveda Websites – For therapeutic oils like neem, amla, and castor
🧠 Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the oil in your cooking pot or the one nourishing your hair, understanding which oil does what can help you make healthier, more informed choices.
📝 Quick Summary:
Type | Example Oils | Best For |
---|---|---|
Cooking Oils | Mustard, Groundnut, Olive, Coconut | Cooking, Frying, Dressing |
Hair Oils | Amla, Bhringraj, Castor | Hair fall control, Nourishment |
Skincare Oils | Almond, Rosehip, Tea Tree | Acne, Glow, Moisturizing |
Essential Oils | Lavender, Peppermint, Clove | Aromatherapy, Pain relief |
Industrial Oils | Mineral Oil | Lubricants, Mechanical use |