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Liz deSousa for BYRDIE
Grapeseed oil has long been hailed for its heart-healthy benefits when taken as a supplement. Now, it's making its way into the skincare aisle. Derived from the seeds of grapes that have been used to make wine, the antioxidant-packed ingredient has a host of benefits for skin and hair—and dermatologists are quick to sing its praises. Keep reading to explore the many benefits of the multi-use oil.
Meet the Expert
- Marisa Plescia is a research scientist and an author with MedCity News.
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a New York-based dermatologist and director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the clinical instructor of dermatology at Cornell University.
Grapeseed Oil V. Coconut Oil
Like our other favorite natural beauty staple, coconut oil, grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid and plenty of antioxidants that do the face and body good. Unlike coconut oil, however, grapeseed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores—so even the most sensitive of skin types can use this oil with abandon.
Grapeseed Oil
Type of ingredient: Oil
Main benefits: Moisturizes, lightens dark circles, fades scars, tightens skin, prevents sun damage.
Who should use it: All skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.
How often can you use it?: Once daily.
Works well with: Other natural oils like avocado, almond, and jojoba.
Don't use with: Anything harsh or drying that could counteract the oil's emollient qualities (retinol, salicylic acid, etc.).
What is Grapeseed Oil?
"Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, or grapeseed oil, is a lightweight oil that is extracted from the seeds of grapes and penetrates the skin quickly, leaving skin soft, supple, and moisturized," says research scientist Marisa Plescia. In short, it's a jack-of-all-trades ingredient that's light in texture and easily absorbs into the skin.
Largely known for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, grapeseed oil also contains high amounts of omega fatty acids and vitamin E —which makes it popular when it comes to formulating skincare. But grapeseed oil's real strength lies in its molecular structure.
"Polyphenol compounds in grapeseed oil, such as proanthocyanidins, are especially powerful antioxidants. Studies found that the antioxidant power of grapeseed proanthocyanidins is 20 times greater than that of vitamin E and 50 times greater than that of vitamin C," says Plescia. "The strong antioxidant capacities of grapeseed can help reduce the signs of aging, such as sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles."
Benefits of Grapeseed Oil
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• Combats breakouts: "Grapeseed oil is excellent for treating oily or acne-prone skin," says Plescia. "It’s high in linoleic acid, also known as omega-6 fatty acid, which in addition to fortifying the skin’s barrier and helping to reduce water loss from the skin, may help with acne." However, it's always best for those with acne-prone skin to use oils cautiously.
• Lessens redness: "Some studies have also shown linoleic acid to be anti-inflammatory, which is great for inflamed and red skin often associated with breakouts," says Plescia.
• Lightens scars: Grapeseed oil contains powerful antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids that work together to fade dark spots and lighten scars. Studies have shown that it can help speed up the healing process and decrease the formation of keloid scars.
• Hydrates and firms: Being that grapeseed oil contains vitamin E—an ingredient commonly found in expensive eye creams that reduces inflammation—as well as moisturizing fatty acids, it may help skin appear tighter and more youthful.
• Boosts collagen: Studies have shown that grapeseed oil can protect against sun damage and promote collagen repair. In fact, it may reduce the appearance of fine lines and stretch marks.
• Anti-microbial: Plescia says that grapeseed oil's anti-microbial properties mean that it deeply cleanses the skin. "Grapeseed oil is mildly astringent and purifying with some antimicrobial properties, often attributed to the level of polyphenolic compounds called catechins," she notes.
• Prevents free-radical damage: Grapeseed oil is rich in many other advantageous compounds, including beta-carotene, vitamins D, C, E, and polyphenols. "These compounds have excellent antioxidant abilities making grapeseed oil a strong source of antioxidant benefits, including free radical scavenging and protection from environmental aggressors such as UV radiation or pollution," notes Plescia.
• Lessens hyperpigmentation: As mentioned above, it's a jack-of-all-trades. So in addition to fighting breakouts, it helps with sun damage and hyperpigmentation. "Grapeseed oil is often used as an ingredient in products designed for oily or acne-prone skin as well as dry skin and hyperpigmentation," says Zeichner.
• Evens skin tone: As it contains the antioxidant proanthocyanidin, grapeseed oil "may help to even out skin tone when used consistently," says King.
[Ed. Note: In most of the studies that showed grapeseed oil could protect against free-radical damage, the ingredient was ingested orally rather than applied topically].
Side Effects of Grapeseed Oil
So far, science hasn't pointed to any negative side effects of grapeseed oil, when used topically. But more research should be done–on both side effects and its purported benefits. "Grapeseed oil is non-comedogenic and some believe that the antimicrobial properties may make it helpful for treating acne, but more data is needed to establish this benefit," says King.
How to Use Grapeseed Oil
When used on the skin, grapeseed oil is most commonly used as a moisturizer and applied after cleansing. The non-comedogenic, non-greasy ingredient works well for daytime. When used on the hair, the ingredient can be mixed into shampoo or conditioner for an extra boost of moisture.
