If you've lived your whole life afraid of using any kind of oil on your face, here's something that might shock you: Face oil doesn't necessarily translate to an oily face. According to cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, all skin types can (and should!) use an oil in their skincare routine, but not all oils work for all skin types. Still following? If you're acne-prone or already have oily skin, you wouldn't want to slather on the heavy stuff, like coconut oil or olive oil. But grapeseed oil (aka vitis vinifera oil), a lightweight emollient, might just be what your skin needs.
Exactly what it sounds like, grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds of tiny grapes and has a thin, silky texture and a light yellowish-green color—but enough about the way it looks. What does this natural plant oil do, and who should be using it? Dr. Green breaks down all the benefits of grapeseed oil for skin, below.
Is grapeseed oil good for your skin?
Grapeseed oil is packed with antioxidants (like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E), omega fatty acids (like linolenic acid, an essential component of the skin’s barrier), and amino acids (the building blocks for building collagen), explains by Dr. Green. So, yeah. Grapeseed oil is ah-mazing for your skin.
What are the benefits of grapeseed oil for skin?
Using grapeseed oil can moisturize to dull, dehydrated skin, even out your skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's because linoleic acid and vitamin E help skin retain moisture while restoring elasticity and protecting it from environmental damage, says Dr. Green. Linoleic acid also contains beta-carotene and vitamins A and D, which stimulate cell turnover (i.e. your skin's natural exfoliation process) to smooth fine lines and rough texture too.
Can you use grapeseed oil for acne?
Yes! Grapeseed oil, which BTW has antimicrobial properties, is not only safe to use on acne-prone skin, but Dr. Green says it might even help clear up acne breakouts.
Psst: If you're breakout-prone, Dr. Green also suggests checking out rosehip oil (which is also high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid acne-prone skin needs, but typically lacks) and jojoba oil (a fast-absorbing oil that has a similar composition to the skin’s sebum). K, now back to grapeseed oil…
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What are the side effects of grapeseed oil?
As great as grapeseed oil is, it obviously wouldn't be so great if you were allergic to it or grapes in general. According to Dr. Green, grapeseed oil is safe for the majority of people and skin types, but you should definitely avoid it in the case of an allergy.
How do I use grapeseed oil on my skin?
You can use grapeseed oil in pure form as a standalone ingredient or as one of many different ingredients in a skincare product. If you're using it in the pure form, Dr. Green says one that's cold-compressed is best (the extraction method allows the oil to retain as potent and nutrient-rich as possible). As far as how you actually apply grapeseed oil, Dr. Green says you're fine to use it in the morning or at night, but like most oils, it's best when applied as the last step in your skincare routine. Just add a couple of drops to your palm, warm it in your hands, and press it onto your skin to seal in all the products underneath it.
The takeaway
Are you allergic to grapes? If that's a no, then grapeseed oil, which is suited for all skin types, is definitely a face oil you'll want to check out to improve the texture, tone, and elasticity of your skin. And if you are allergic to the fruit, try one of the other millions of face oils—might we suggest argan oil instead?
FAQs
Is grapeseed oil good for your skin? Grapeseed oil is packed with antioxidants (like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E), omega fatty acids (like linolenic acid, an essential component of the skin's barrier), and amino acids (the building blocks for building collagen), explains by Dr. Green. So, yeah.
Is grapeseed oil good to put on your skin? ›
Grapeseed oil can help to nourish and moisturize skin, reduce inflammation, and protect against environmental stressors. Furthermore, grapeseed oil has been shown to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that can help keep the skin healthy and looking its best.
What are the disadvantages of grapeseed oil for skin? ›
There are no known side effects of consuming grapeseed oil, but people who are allergic to grapes shouldn't use it. Natural products have the potential to cause allergic reaction when used on the skin. Contact your doctor if you experience redness, itching, rash, or your condition worsens.
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.
Can you leave grapeseed oil on your face overnight? ›
Apply grapeseed oil directly to your skin after a bath or shower and leave to absorb to improve skin look and feel. Grapeseed oil also makes an effective overnight treatment for dry facial skin. Simply apply before bed – and wake up to soft, hydrated skin!
Can grapeseed oil replace moisturizer? ›
Grapeseed oil is a simple, low-risk , and relatively inexpensive treatment to try for your skin. Mixing it with essential oils or using it consistently on your face as an overnight moisturizer will probably give you the best results.
Is grapeseed oil better for skin than olive oil? ›
That said, it's worth noting that olive oil is slightly comedogenic (meaning it can clog pores), while grapeseed oil is believed to be non-comedogenic—so if you have acne-prone skin, you'd be wise to only slather your face with the latter.
Is coconut oil or grapeseed oil better for skin? ›
1 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. Main benefits: Moisturizes, lightens dark circles, fades scars, tightens skin, prevents sun damage.
Can I use grapeseed oil everyday? ›
As most oils, grapeseed oil is high in fat, and therefore should be consumed in moderation. Eating a high fat diet can lead to excess weight gain which increases your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other health problems.
Does grapeseed oil promote collagen? ›
Biochemical research has found grape seed oil to be rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins which remove free radicals and promote the restoration of collagen at the cellular level. This means smooth, firm, youthful skin with minimized signs of damage.
May Help Fight Acne
Because it's not a heavy oil and is appropriate for sensitive skin, it's even safe to use grapeseed oil on oily skin in small amounts. For even stronger acne-fighting effects, it can be combined with other herbal products and essential oils such as tea tree oil, rose water and witch hazel.
Does grapeseed oil cause hair growth? ›
Grapeseed oil may help fight scalp issues by moisturizing the scalp. It may aid hair growth in some people by nourishing the roots and improving blood circulation. It may help by sealing in moisture, reducing frizz, and adding shine to hair.
Can grapeseed oil tighten skin? ›
Grapeseed oil helps tighten and tone the skin by reducing inflammation, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protecting against free radicals. As a popular up-and-coming ingredient in skincare, grapeseed oil contains powerful antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E.
Does grapeseed oil remove dark spots? ›
This underrated oil, which comes from grape seeds, is rich in vital fatty acids and antioxidants that can help you attain a more radiant skin. Using grapeseed oil before and after skin lightening treatments can help visibly reduce dark spots and improve overall complexion.
Does grape seed oil clog your pores? ›
Because noncomedogenic oils don't clog pores, they're appropriate to use on many types of skin, from dry to oily. For example, grapeseed oil may help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on dry skin and can also be used as a spot treatment on pimples.
Can I use grapeseed oil as a body moisturizer? ›
Grapeseed oil is an excellent body moisturizer.
What is grape seed oil best used for? ›
From high-heat sautéing to stir-frying to baking, grapeseed oil is an excellent everyday oil; it's especially useful in pasta sauces, soups, and dressings. And you can use it as a substitute for olive oil in cooking. It should be stored for up to six months in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.
