Ingredient Check: Grapeseed Oil
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Every once in awhile, a particular ingredient (edible or otherwise) gets a ton of press and starts appearing in everything from drinks to lotions. Why? Is it all hype, or are there any real benefits? If there are benefits, what’s the best way for you to incorporate this new ingredient into your already-crowded life? We do the research so you don’t have to, because we’re good at reading between the lines. Welcome to Ingredient Check!
WHY ARE PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT IT?
Grapeseed oil has become a popular addition to the face oil crowd due to its multitude of skin friendly properties. It is one of the foundational ingredients in the cult beauty favorite and “face oil to end all face oils,” Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Jillian Wright’s new Transcendence Oil, and more (see our suggested product list at the end of this article).
Grapeseed oil is a go-to ingredient because it’s light, easily absorbed, gentle on the skin and packs a serious antioxidant punch. It’s rich in fatty acids which is great for acne and rosacea prone skin. Esthetician Jillian Wright chose grapeseed oil as the base of her oil because, she explains: “It is rich in antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and it will not clog pores. From a professional’s perspective, it massages beautifully into the skin. It’s not too thick or too thin. It’s absorbent so it doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or over saturated with ‘slickness.’ It doesn’t have that ‘sitting in the surface of the skin’ feel to it either, like other oils. It is the perfect consistency for face and body. You can use it alone or mix it with your serum. It’s extremely versatile.”
WHAT IS IT?
Grapeseed oil is derived from seeds of the grape fruit belonging to the Vitis vinifera species, which hails from the Mediterranean, central Europe, and southwestern Asia. The oil consists mostly of essential fats such as linoleic acid, vitamin E, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes or OPCs, which are nutrients known for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
While grapeseed oil can be extracted from both red and white grapes, the darker varieties may yield oil that is more beneficial for the skin as they contain anthocyanins, polyphenols that lend the berries not only their rich color, but also a higher dose of antioxidants.
Since red grapes are fermented with grape skins longer, they also contain more resveratrol, another polyphenol that is said to slow the signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation.
DO YOU NEED IT? WHY?
If you are acne prone, grape oil based products are a great addition to your skincare routine. Grape oil moisturizes while balancing oil production. It also boosts collagen, fights wrinkles, prevents acne, and brightens your complexion with regular use.
HOW TO GET IT
You can find grapeseed oil at your local health food store, like Aura Natural Grapeseed Oil, $11. Obviously, if you’re using it topically in your beauty routine, we recommend buying 100%, certified-organic, cold-pressed grapeseed oil. However, pure bottled grapeseed oil like Aura or Maple Holistics, $11 is going to be a thicker formula and extremely difficult to use for the daytime. Blended oils like Vintner’s Daughter, $185, Jillian Wright’s Transcendence Oil, $65, and Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Elixir, $99, are great balancing and highly nourishing face oils that can be used day or night. Kosas Weightless Lipsticks, $24, use grapeseed oils as a nourishing antioxidant (we love Kosas – here’s why). And if your looking for body nourishment, Caudalie’s Divine Oil, $49, or Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil, $95 are good bets.
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Read the next article in this series: what is Blue Majik anyway and why is it showing up in your juices?
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