What Is Grapeseed Oil and How Is It Used in Skincare?

May 02 2023 - 5 min read

Using the right kind of oil for your skin type can deliver undeniable results and leave your skin feeling nourished and hydrated like no other product can. From a seemingly endless list of oils, who should choose grapeseed oil, and how exactly is it used in skincare?

Grapeseed oil may not be as well known as its slightly heavier cousins in the kitchen, olive and coconut oil, but this lightweight and versatile oil has an array of beneficial properties that may be just what your skin needs.

What Is Grapeseed Oil?

Grapeseed oil is actually a byproduct of wine making. After grapes are pressed to make wine, tiny grape seeds are left behind as a waste product. Grapeseed oil is made by cold pressing these seeds, a process that helps ensure that the active ingredients and oil itself is not chemically altered as the oil is extracted. The result is a thin, silky oil that is virtually odorless, and pale green in color.

Just like a fine glass of wine, grapeseed oil is bursting with antioxidants and polyphenols. Bursting with high amounts of omega fatty acids and vitamin E, grapeseed oil also contains phytochemicals such as proanthocyanidins which helps defend skin against UV rays and has been shown in studies to help prevent skin cancer.

How Is Grapeseed Oil Used in Skincare?

Grapeseed oil can be used in numerous skincare products, including cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.

Pure grapeseed oil can be used as a cleansing oil to remove makeup and dirt, and is also used frequently as a massage oil due to its light texture. One of our favorite products that features grapeseed oil is our Lala Vie Brightening Gel Cream, a deeply hydrating gel cream that addresses dullness caused by lack of moisture in the skin. Grapeseed oil helps impart deep hydration to create a refined, translucent texture that suffuses skin with skin-quenched radiance. Grapeseed oil also helps to form a veil on the skin surface after applying that seals in hydration for long lasting benefits.

Will Grapeseed Oil Clog Pores?

Grapeseed oil is significantly lighter than coconut or olive oil, and is usually recommended for those who wish to avoid heavier oil types. Those with acne prone skin may sometimes try to avoid facial oils, but this can actually increase the skin's sebum production, resulting in an increase in breakouts.

Grapeseed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. This makes it a perfect choice for those with oily skin, or those prone to breakouts.

Can Grapeseed Oil Be Used for Acne?

One of grapeseed oil's top benefits is that it is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. Studies have shown that acne-prone skin is often deficient in linoleic acid, so adding some back to your skin via grapeseed oil can help reduce the occurrence of breakouts. Grapeseed oil also has antimicrobial properties to help keep skin clear of harmful bacteria that may lead to more breakouts.

Is Grapeseed Oil Good for Under Eyes?

Grapeseed oil’s powerful antioxidant properties are a potent tool in caring for your under eye area. Antioxidants can help reduce wrinkles, as well as soothe inflammation and puffiness, and may even help minimize the look of dark circles.

Grapeseed Oil and Collagen

Grapeseed oil has a high vitamin E content, which aids in the production of collagen. When collagen is restored more quickly in the skin, skin looks firmer and more youthful. This is one of the many reasons that grapeseed oil is known for its anti-aging properties.

Grapeseed Oil Is Anti-Aging

In addition to aiding in collagen production, grapeseed oil contains high amounts of fatty acids, specifically linoleic acid, which are proven ingredients for restoring elasticity. Alongside plentiful amounts of vitamin E, fatty acids help to moisturize dull and dehydrated skin, evening skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E and linoleic acid also help to lighten skin discolorations such as acne scars, or sun spots.

Other Top Benefits of Grapeseed Oil In Skincare

Some of grapeseed oils most notable benefits include:

Anti-aging: Antioxidants help to prevent signs of aging by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Grapeseed oil can also improve the elasticity and firmness of skin.
Prevent breakouts: With a low comedogenic rating, grapeseed oil can help hydrate and moisturize acne prone skin without clogging pores, while helping to regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Moisturizing: Grapeseed oil is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it a perfect moisturizer.
Anti-inflammatory: Linoleic acid found in grapeseed oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Protect skin: Antioxidants such as vitamin E and proanthocyanidins help to neutralize free radicals and protect skin from environmental stressors.

How Long Does It Take to See Results From Grape Seed Oil?

Depending on your purpose in using grapeseed oil, some studies have shown that you may see results from using grapeseed oil in as little as two weeks, if you apply the oil twice a day. You can also use grapeseed oil to help reduce the appearance of acne scarring, as grapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E, which has been shown to help with scars.

If using pure grapeseed oil, you can use the oil for numerous purposes, including:

Cleansing: Use grapeseed oil to remove makeup by applying a small amount of oil to dry skin and rinsing off with warm water.
Serum: Use a few drops of grapeseed oil on your face before moisturizing to reduce signs of aging.
Massage: Use grapeseed oil the next time you get a massage, as it is lightweight and easily absorbed.
Moisturizer: Use grapeseed oil as a moisturizer especially if you have oily or combination skin that needs a lighter weight moisturizer.

Of course, everyone's skin is different, and it may take more or less time for your skin to see the results from using grapeseed oil. As one of the most versatile and lightweight oils available, grapeseed oil makes the perfect choice for those just looking to try a new ingredient out in their skincare routine.