Have you been struggling with dry, lifeless skin despite trying countless moisturizers? Are you looking for a natural way to boost your hair's shine and strength without harsh chemicals? If so, grapeseed oil would be great to add to your pantry!

You might need grapeseed oil if you…

• Have dry or sensitive skin
• Want to soften and moisturize your hair
• Are interested in anti-aging skincare
• Prefer natural remedies for acne
• Need more vitamin E

Benefits of Grapeseed Oil

Moisturizing for skin: Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it an excellent moisturizer that absorbs quickly and soothes dry or sensitive skin.

Great for hair: Grapeseed oil can help moisturize and repair, making hair softer and more manageable.

Antioxidants: With its antioxidant properties, grapeseed oil helps combat free radicals and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin E: It contains a significant amount of vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage.

Anti-inflammatory: Grapeseed oil's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help reduce and prevent breakouts without clogging pores.

Common Ways to Use Grapeseed Oil

Cooking and frying: With a high smoke point (421 degrees), grapeseed oil is excellent for frying, sautéing, and roasting without burning or producing harmful compounds.

Salad dressings and drizzles: Its mild flavor makes it a great base for homemade salad dressings and marinades, allowing other ingredients to shine.

Baking: Grapeseed oil can be used as a substitute for other oils or butter in baking recipes, adding a light texture to baked goods.

Skin care: Apply grapeseed oil directly to the skin as a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs quickly and hydrates without leaving a greasy residue. Its light texture makes it a perfect carrier oil for massages, either on its own or blended with essential oils for added therapeutic benefits. Use grapeseed oil to gently remove makeup, including waterproof products, without irritating the skin. Combine grapeseed oil with essential oils like lavender or frankincense to create a nourishing anti-aging serum that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hair care: Create a DIY conditioner by mixing grapeseed oil with other natural ingredients like coconut oil or honey. Apply it to hair and leave it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing for softer, more manageable hair. Massage grapeseed oil into the scalp to help reduce dandruff and promote healthy hair growth.

Growing and Foraging Information

Grapeseed oil is derived from the seeds of grapes (Vitis vinifera). The oil is extracted from the leftover seeds after the grapes have been pressed for juice or wine. Grapeseed oil is cold-pressed or solvent (usually hexane) extracted. Cold-pressed is the healthiest choice, and certainly preferred for cooking or cosmetic uses. Solvent extraction is more common for large-scale production and should require more refining to remove the residues from the solvents. Before purchasing a bottle of grapeseed oil, research how it was processed.

Utilizing grapeseed oil is considered environmentally friendly since it repurposes a byproduct of winemaking that might otherwise be discarded. This contributes to a more sustainable use of grape crops.

Safety Concerns

Outside of the rare allergic reaction, grapeseed oil is considered very safe to use. As a seed oil, it is higher in Omega 6 fatty acid. Omega 6 is essential for us but must be balanced with Omega 3 fatty acid to stay healthy. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like Omega 6 when unbalanced, can lead to inflammation.

Drug Interaction: There is some evidence that grapeseed oil might interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering drugs. If you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription medication, please consult with your health care provider before adding new herbs to your diet.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Select Studies About Grapeseed Oil

Effects of a grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera L.) loaded dermocosmetic nanoemulgel on biophysical parameters of facial skin: A split-face, blinded, placebo-controlled study

This study tested a new grapeseed oil, nanoemulgel, on facial skin and found it improved skin appearance, moisture, and elasticity, while reducing melanin, redness, oiliness, and pore size. The study involved applying the nanoemulgel and a placebo to the cheeks of 15 volunteers over 12 weeks and measuring various skin parameters. Results showed the nanoemulgel was more effective than the placebo, suggesting it could help improve skin imperfections, though further research is needed for its use in skin diseases.

The effects of grape seed extract on glycemic control, serum lipoproteins, inflammation, and body weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, inflammation, and body weight. By analyzing data from 50 trials, the study found that GSE significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein levels. However, GSE did not affect HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, or body measurements.