The Powerful Effects of Grapeseed Oil on Skin

If you're seeking an eco-friendly solution that transforms your skin and supports sustainable practices, look no further!

Grapeseed oil for skin care is a multitasking marvel that offers science-backed benefits for all skin types and concerns – from combating acne to reducing signs of aging. 

This in-depth article is part of our ongoing series about choosing and using a face oil for your skin type and goals. So keep reading to discover why grapeseed oil deserves a spot high on our list of favourites.

Origin and Production of Grape Seed Oil

Grapeseed oil is pressed from the seeds of grapes (Vitis vinifera) and is well-regarded for its nutritional profile. The journey of grapeseed oil begins in vineyards, where grapes are carefully nurtured and grown to produce some of the finest wines.

As a sustainability-focused brand, we love it when we find an upcycled or zero-waste ingredient! Grapeseed oil is cold-pressed and extracted from the leftover grape seeds that remain after the juice or winemaking process.

By incorporating grapeseed or other zero-waste oils into your daily skincare routine, you're not only embarking on a journey towards achieving healthy, radiant skin but also playing an active role in preserving our planet for future generations.

Grapeseed Oil vs Extract

Grapeseed oil and grapeseed extract, both derived from grape seeds, have distinct compositions and applications in skincare due to their unique extraction processes.

Grapeseed oil, obtained through cold pressing or solvent extraction, is rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, providing nourishment, anti-inflammatory benefits, and antioxidant protection when applied topically.

Conversely, grapeseed extract, resulting from grinding and often water or alcohol extraction, is richer in proanthocyanidins and different antioxidants. However, its water-soluble nature makes it an entirely different ingredient than the oil we're talking about here.

Fatty Acid and Phytochemical Composition

Grapeseed oil contains a significant amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, and monounsaturated and saturated fats. The percentage composition can vary slightly based on the extraction process and grape variety, but the typical composition is as follows:

Fatty Acid Composition:

• Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): 70-75%
• Oleic Acid (Omega-9): 15-20%
• Palmitic Acid: 5-7%
• Stearic Acid: -4%
• Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3): Less than 1%

Phytochemical Composition:

Grapeseed oil also contains several important phytochemicals, the most noteworthy being Vitamin E, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), squalene, other phenolic compounds  being the most common like gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin.

Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Skin Care

The fatty acid and phytochemical composition described above is responsible for the skin benefits of grapeseed oil.

Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols, grapeseed oil works diligently to neutralize free radicals and strengthen the skin barrier.

Like sunflower seed oil, grapeseed often gets a bad rap for being a passive, dilution oil - this is far from the truth. While it doesn't possess many outstanding properties like some specialized oils, the fatty acid profile and gentle nature of grape seed oil make it particularly well-suited to irritable, damaged, and stressed skin types. Furthermore, its lightweight texture allows it to be easily absorbed by the skin without leaving any greasy residue – perfect for incorporating into your daily skincare routine.

Using grapeseed oil on your face should reveal the following potential benefits:

• Reinforces the skin's natural protective barrier
• Improves moisture retention
• Potent antioxidant properties that protect and counteract oxidative stress caused by pollutants. This can promote collagen production and improves skin elasticity,
• Soothing, anti-inflammatory effects
• Reduced redness and irritation
• Supports healing processes
• Balanced sebum production and acne control

Will Grapeseed Oil Clog Pores

Grapeseed oil is very low (0-1) on the comedogenic scale, meaning it has a minimal likelihood of clogging pores. 

This low comedogenicity is due to its high linoleic acid content, a fatty acid beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types. 

Linoleic acid soothes inflammation and helps balance sebum production. Therefore, grapeseed oil is generally suitable for acne-prone skin.

However, individual reactions can vary, and it's always recommended to patch-test any new skincare product before full application.

Sustainability And Environmental Impact Of Grapeseed Oil Production

Grapeseed oil is often derived from grape seeds discarded during wine and juice-making processes. Using byproducts of other manufacturing processes in this manner improves the sustainability profile and makes grapeseed oil a zero-waste, upcycled ingredient.

The sustainability of grape farming and wine production varies greatly, influenced by farming methods, geographic location, and scale of operations.

Some vineyards implement sustainable practices like integrated pest management, organic farming, and water-efficient irrigation. Similarly, wineries can promote sustainability by reducing water and energy use, recycling waste, and employing renewable energy sources.

However, challenges like high water use, potential pesticide runoff, soil degradation, and carbon emissions persist. As a result, the wine industry's sustainability movement is growing, with many seeking certification for their efforts.

Conclusion

Grapeseed oil, a byproduct of the winemaking process, has garnered attention for its notable benefits in skincare. Rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, this lightweight oil offers powerful antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from free radical damage. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help soothe acne-prone skin. Its low comedogenicity makes it suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, as it moisturizes without clogging pores. 

Grapeseed is an oil that people can't go wrong trying if they're new to the world of face oils. I have made it onto our lists of both the best face oils for acne as well as the best face oils for sensitive skin. 

If you're shopping, Grapeseed oil is prominently featured in our bare Essential Elevated Face Oil, a skin barrier oil designed for sensitive and irritable skin.

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Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 27;19(1):70. 

Moalla Rekik D, Ben Khedir S, Ksouda Moalla K, Kammoun NG, Rebai T, Sahnoun Z. Evaluation of Wound Healing Properties of Grape Seed, Sesame, and Fenugreek Oils. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:7965689. 

Shawahna R. Effects of grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera L.) loaded dermo-cosmetic nanoemulgel on biophysical parameters of facial skin: A split-face, blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Nov;21(11):5730-5738.