Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Vitis vinifera · INCI Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is pressed from the seeds left behind after winemaking, a genuine use for what would otherwise be waste. It is one of the lightest oils in the range, which is exactly why it belongs in the blends made for oily skin.
We use it for what it plainly is, one of the lightest oils in the range, high in linoleic acid, and we do not lend it the antioxidant claims that belong to grape seed extract.
What it is
Grape seed oil is a light, fast-absorbing oil, high in linoleic acid, the omega-6 the skin relies on to keep its barrier in order. That combination of a light feel and a barrier-friendly fatty acid is what makes it a natural fit for skin that already makes plenty of its own oil and does not want anything heavy on top.
It is worth separating two things that often get run together. Grape seeds are famous for proanthocyanidins, potent antioxidants, but those largely stay behind with the solids when the oil is pressed. The oil is a fatty-acid and vitamin E ingredient, not a proanthocyanidin one, and we describe it as such.
What it does in our formulas
Two things, both plain: it is light, and it feeds the barrier.
It is light and absorbs fast
Grape seed is one of the lightest oils we use. It sinks in quickly and leaves little residue, which is why it suits oily skin, where a heavier oil would feel like too much.
Well characterisedIt feeds the barrier
The oil is high in linoleic acid, the essential omega-6 the skin uses to build its barrier lipids, so it conditions while it softens. A little vitamin E comes with it, lending a modest antioxidant note.
Well characterisedWhat the research does not show
Grape seed is sold hard on its antioxidants, and the science behind those antioxidants is real. The catch is which form was studied.
Marketed as A powerful antioxidant oil
Marketed as A natural sun protection
So we keep our claim honest and small: a light, quick-absorbing oil that feeds the barrier and suits oilier skin. That is the reason it is here.
On the label and in the range
Grape seed appears in the Oily and Oily Sensitive blends, high on the ingredient list since it is one of the main oils. On the label it reads by its INCI name, shown with its common name, and marked as cold-pressed and organic. The exact percentage is published on each product page.
Is it suitable for me?
Grape seed oil is light, well tolerated and suits a vegan routine, with no restrictions under UK or EU cosmetic law. Its lightness is part of why it sits so comfortably on oily and combination skin, and it is gentle enough for the sensitive types in the range.
As with anything new, if your skin reacts easily it is worth patch testing first.
The research behind this page
We review the published literature. We do not conduct the studies below.
- Garavaglia J, Markoski MM, Oliveira A, Marcadenti A. Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health. Nutr Metab Insights 2016;9:59-64. "https://doi.org/10.4137/NMI.S32910", "url"=>"https://doi.org/10.4137/NMI.S32910"}" rel="nofollow">→
- Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci 2018;19(1):70. "https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070", "url"=>"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070"}" rel="nofollow">→
- Martin ME, Grao-Cruces E, Millan-Linares MC, Montserrat-de la Paz S. Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil: A Functional Food from the Winemaking Industry. Foods 2020;9(10):1360. "https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101360", "url"=>"https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101360"}" rel="nofollow">→