Published Mar 3, 2025

The Plant-Based Oil for Every Beauty Goal, According to a Dermatologist

Published Mar 3, 2025

In Partnership With

NOW® Solutions

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Photo: Stocksy/mahalo studio

Published Mar 3, 2025

In Partnership With

NOW® Solutions

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Everyone has a beauty goal. Maybe you’re looking to keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated, reduce the appearance of fine lines, or give your hair a little extra shine. Maybe you’re just aiming for five minutes of self-care every day. Maybe you’re feeling pretty good and want to maintain the status quo.

Wherever you find yourself, you’ve probably noticed that there are about a million products that claim to be the solution—which makes it easy to end up with an overflowing cabinet and a routine that feels more overwhelming than effective.

Instead of layering on more, the secret to achieving your beauty goals might actually be in paring down. Enter: plant-based carrier oils. These multi-tasking wonders can hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin and hair—all without a complicated, 14-step regimen. According to board-certified dermatologist Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, the right plant-based oils can be powerhouse additions to any beauty routine, helping to support healthy-looking skin and hair while keeping things refreshingly simple.

“Plant oils have many potential benefits for skin,” Dr. Mudgil says. “First, they are generally sustainable and biodegradable, which is an advantage over many synthetic alternatives. For skincare, many plant-based oils are moisturizing and rejuvenating.”

And while oils can sometimes get a bad rap for being greasy or pore-clogging, Dr. Mudgil explains that’s largely a misconception. Many plant-based oils are non-comedogenic and packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that help nourish both your skin and hair.

In the spirit of simplifying things, NOW^® Solutions has all kinds of high-quality, cruelty-free, and comprehensively tested oils that naturally cater to a variety of goals, no major investment included (and you can get 20 percent off through April 30). From skin hydration to scalp health, you can up the effectiveness and efficiency of your beauty routine with one simple (and budget-friendly) swap. So check out Dr. Mudgil’s recommendations, and find the plant-based oil for your beauty goal.

For boosted scalp health: castor oil

Think of castor oil as your scalp’s version of a deep-tissue massage: rich, nourishing, and exactly what it needs to feel rejuvenated. While it’s long been hyped as a hair-growth miracle, Dr. Mudgil says the real magic lies in its ability to help moisturize the scalp and reduce dryness, creating the ideal environment for healthy hair to thrive. A little goes a long way, so massage a few drops into your roots for that extra dose of self-care.

Castor Oil, 16 fl. oz — $16

To help reduce the appearance of fine lines: apricot kernel oil

Looking for that just-left-a-facial glow—on the daily? “Apricot kernel oil is a terrific emollient, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines,” Dr. Mudgil says. It’s also packed with antioxidants, helping to protect the skin from environmental pollutants that can prematurely age the skin. Plus, it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, which means you don’t have to worry about waiting around for the oil to sink in (um, who has time?). Dab a little onto clean skin before moisturizing and let this little golden drop do its thing.

Apricot Oil, 16 fl. oz. — $15

For skin hydration: sweet almond oil

If your skin could text you, it would probably send a “TYSM” after a swipe of sweet almond oil. Full of skin-friendly vitamins and fatty acids, Dr. Mudgil recommends this ultra-nourishing oil to help lock in moisture and leave skin feeling soft and supple. Whether you’re fresh out of the shower or looking for some mid-day hydration, consider this your skin’s daily dose of TLC.

Sweet Almond Oil, 16 fl. oz. — $15

For nourished hair: coconut oil

Sun, salt, styling—your hair goes through a lot. Think of coconut oil as an unplug-and-unwind getaway in a bottle, delivering deep moisture to your thirsty strands. Packed with natural fatty acids, it helps hair feel soft and smooth (that’s why you’ll often find it in leave-in conditioners and overnight masks). Dr. Mudgil’s pro tip? Be sure to keep it on the mid-lengths and ends, because it can clog your pores when it’s applied directly to the scalp. Smooth a little onto your ends before bed and wake up with hair that looks like it actually drank its eight glasses of water.

Coconut Oil, 7 fl. oz. — $8

To protect against harsh weather: shea nut oil

Cold, dry air? Wind that feels personally offensive? Shea nut oil is here to wrap your skin up in a cozy barrier of hydration. “Shea nut oil is very hydrating and can therefore protect our skin against extreme cold, wind, and excessive dryness,” Dr. Mudgil says. If you’re facing unpleasant forecasts these days, keep a bottle in your winter survival kit for an extra layer of skin-loving comfort.

Shea Nut Oil, 16 fl. oz. — $17

For double cleansing: vegetable glycerin

If you love a good oil-based cleanser but hate the post-wash residue, vegetable glycerin is your skin’s new best friend. Made to be the second step in a double-cleanse routine, it helps remove lingering impurities while leaving skin feeling hydrated, Dr. Mudgil says. Think of it as the final rinse cycle for your face, prepping you for the rest of your pared-down, carrier-oil-based beauty routine.

Vegetable Glycerin, 16 fl. oz. — $11

Want to score NOW® Solutions carrier oils at a discount? They're on sale for 20 percent off through April 30!

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Food

Published Feb 20, 2025

The Making of an Internet-Famous Fruit: How Sumo Citrus Has Captured Hearts, Tastebuds, and a Devoted Following

Published Feb 20, 2025

In Partnership With

Sumo Citrus

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Photo: Sumo Citrus® & W+G Creative

Published Feb 20, 2025

In Partnership With

Sumo Citrus

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Confession time: I love citrus—zesty limes squeezed on my tacos, fresh-squeezed orange juice on slow Sunday mornings, and the invigorating scent of grapefruit candles when I need to unwind. But when it comes to eating whole citrus fruits? Historically, not my thing. The mess of peeling, the sticky fingers, the rogue juice dribbling down my wrists—for me, most citrus has never been worth the (literal) squeeze.

Then, one day, my roommate came home from the store with an oversized citrus I didn’t recognize. She told me I had to try a piece, while effortlessly peeling it in one smooth motion—no mess, no struggle. I skeptically accepted a slice, wondering what the big deal was.

To my surprise, the experience was completely sticky-fingers-free. And the taste? Unlike any citrus I’d had before—enormously sweet, impossibly juicy, and balanced with just a hint of tang. That was my first bite of Sumo Citrus^®—and now, I understand why The Office actress Jenna Fischer planted a Sumo Citrus tree in her yard, John Mayer peeled it on TikTok, and it has its very own merch (kind of eyeing that beanie, TBH).

So, what’s earned Sumo Citrus this devoted following? Sumo is taking the sweetness on the road for you to experience it yourself with the Tastemonial Tour—and it’s making a special stop at House of Good during our Ultimate Citrus Experience pop-up from February 21 to 23. Stop by for the hype if you're in Los Angeles, and read on to find out how this one-of-a-kind fruit became a seasonal fruit fixation.

Find Sumo Citrus Near You

Sumo Citrus wasn’t just plucked from a tree one day and marketed as the next big thing—it’s the result of decades of careful cultivation, according to Sunnia Gull, AC Food’s vice president of marketing. First developed in Japan in the 1970s, it was naturally bred to combine the best traits of different citrus varieties—including the sweetness of mandarins, the juiciness of navel oranges, and the easy-to-peel skin of a satsuma.

Despite its popularity, growing Sumo Citrus is no easy feat. It takes years of expertise to perfect, and California’s Central Valley is the only place in the United States where it’s grown. Even then, farmers face unpredictable weather challenges, which means every piece of fruit that makes it to the store is a result of careful tending and patience.

The first thing you notice about Sumo Citrus is its size—it’s the largest variety of mandarins. The second? Its signature Top Knot^®, a bump on top of the fruit that serves as an easier way to peel it. The skin practically lifts off, revealing plump, seedless segments that don’t leave your hands coated in juice and stubborn pith.

Every Sumo Citrus is guaranteed to be incredibly sweet, thanks to each being measured on the “brix meter,” to ensure it meets sky-high sweetness standards before hitting shelves, Gull says. For those who prefer their fruit without surprise sour bites, it’s a game-changer.

Beyond its chef’s-kiss flavor and finally-I-don’t-need-a-wet-wipe convenience, Sumo Citrus packs a *serious* nutritional punch. Each fruit contains 163 percent of your daily vitamin C, along with fiber, potassium, and a flavonoid called hesperidin, which has antioxidant benefits. Whether you’re looking for immunity support, a gut-friendly snack, or a natural energy source, it fits the bill. Bonus: It’s the kind of snack I can toss in my bag and eat in two minutes flat—way better than the sad granola bar that’s been in my purse for the past three months.

And while Sumo Citrus is made to eat straight out of the peel, fans have gotten creative with how they use it. The fruit’s sweetness and juiciness make it an ideal addition to everything from bright citrus salads to zesty cocktails and refreshing desserts. Its bold flavor also complements savory dishes—think citrus-glazed salmon or a tangy dressing for roasted vegetables.

All of that creativity may be a result of the fact that Sumo Citrus is here for a good time, but not a long time. Unlike standard grocery store oranges that are available year-round, Sumo Citrus has a limited growing season, running only from January to April. This short window has created an almost cult-like following, with fans stocking up as soon as they see the signature purple sticker in stores.

I get it—now that I’ve experienced Sumo, I fully understand the impulse to grab them while they last. The anticipation is almost part of the appeal: Like cherry blossom season or holiday peppermint mochas, Sumo’s fleeting availability makes it even more special. And when the season ends? People (me) are already counting down the days until its return. Conclusion: Do yourself a favor and grab a few before they disappear for the year. Because once you’ve had a taste of this juicy citrus, there’s no going back.

Psst: Want a taste ASAP? The Sumo Tastemonial Tour is rolling into Belmont Park in San Diego from February 28 to March 1, Boreal Ski Resort in Tahoe from March 7 to 8, Craig Ranch Regional Park in Las Vegas from March 10 to 11, and La Encantada in Tuscon from March 14 to 15—or stop by House of Good in Venice Beach for the Ultimate Citrus Experience from February 21 to 23.