Cotton Wash Oil, also known as cottonseed wash oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant, scientifically known as Gossypium hirsutum. It is a versatile and commonly used edible oil with various industrial applications. The process of production includes softening and flaking of cottonseed, oil extraction during which cottonseed oilcake and crude cottonseed oil is produced. Finally, the crude cottonseed oil is refined as it has high gossypol content which is not safe for consumption. The final product thus produced is called Cotton Wash Oil.

The primary use of cotton wash oil is for cooking. This vegetable oil is frequently used for frying and baking. It is said to be ideal for frying. Because of its neutral taste, cottonseed oil is said to enhance the natural taste of food, unlike other oils. It is also used in a variety of ways such as salad dressing and deep-frying of numerous food items.

India is a significant producer as well as consumer of Cottonseed Oil having a share of approximately 28%. Most of the oil produced in India is consumed domestically.