Grapeseed Oil Seems to Be Having a Moment. Why?

If you’re a label reader, you’ve probably noticed that grapeseed oil is in a lot of your skincare products. Ever wonder how one ingredient can crop up in a cleanser, moisturizer, and even a shampoo? In the case of grapeseed oil, it’s because it’s a workhorse. It moisturizes and protects like few other active ingredients. And that’s only scratching the surface.

What’s so special about grapeseed oil, exactly?

Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking. The oil is usually extracted by crushing the seeds of grapes and using solvents, but the premium types are cold-pressed.

It appears in a wide variety of beauty and personal-care products for a couple of reasons. First, it gets along well with the other ingredients that typically feature in those products. Second, it has a lot to offer in its own right.

At the top of that long list is the protection it provides against free-radical damage. Its power as an antioxidant comes from its polyphenols and vitamins A, C, and E. 

Beyond its inherent defensive properties, grapeseed oil has been shown to effectively moisturize dull, dehydrated skin, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All of this is possible because of the vitamin E and linoleic acid that’s contained in grapeseed oil. The super combination helps skin retain moisture while protecting it from environmental irritants and restoring elasticity.

Like I said, grapeseed oil is one of the workhorses of skincare.

Linoleic acid is also an anti-inflammatory. So, while it’s supporting your skin barrier, it’s also diminishing redness.

If you’re thinking, But it’s an oil, so it’s going to clog my pores, not necessarily. Using an oil won’t always lead to greasy skin, especially in the case of grapeseed oil. In the right products, oils won’t clog your pores. Even more, grapeseed oil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, which means it has acne-fighting properties.

Grapeseed oil is also noncomedogenic, so it’s safe to use on all skin types. In fact, the only ones who should avoid it are those who are allergic to grapes.

How should I use grapeseed oil?

There’s really no wrong way to incorporate grapeseed oil into your skincare routine. A good thing, considering it’s so widespread in skincare.

In the end, let your needs guide you. If, for instance, your skin tends to be very dry, look for a moisturizer enriched with grapeseed oil. If you’re on the other end of the spectrum, struggling with oily skin, a serum may be a better option.