Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Vitis vinifera · INCI Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is pressed from the seeds left behind after winemaking, and it is marked upcycled on our label. It is one of the lightest oils in the range, which is why it belongs in the Oily and Oily Sensitive blends.
One of the lightest oils in the range, high in linoleic acid. The antioxidant research belongs to grape seed extract, a different preparation.
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 a by-product of winemaking, pressed from seeds that would otherwise be waste.
Grape seeds are famous for proanthocyanidins, potent antioxidants, but those largely stay behind with the solids when the oil is pressed. What the oil brings is its fatty acids and vitamin E.
What it does in our formulas
It is light, and it supports 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 supports 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
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 with a star for organic, a caret for cold-pressed and a hash for upcycled. The exact percentage is published on each product page.
Is it suitable for me?
Grape seed oil suits a vegan routine and carries no restrictions under UK or EU cosmetic law. It is light enough for oily skin, which is why it appears in the Oily and Oily Sensitive blends, and it is gentle enough for the sensitive skin types in the range. As with anything new, if your skin reacts easily, patch test before first use.
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. →
- 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. →
- 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. →