Grapeseed Oil for Skin: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It

Lightweight, easily absorbed and highly versatile, Grapeseed Oil has become a popular ingredient in skincare products, including creams, lotions, serums and body butters. 

But what are the benefits of Grapeseed Oil for skin that make it such a popular choice? From helping to moisturise and support the skin barrier to providing naturally occurring fatty acids and antioxidants, there are plenty of reasons to take a closer look. In this blog, we explore Grapeseed Oil benefits, how it works with different skincare needs and the best ways to incorporate it into your daily routine. 

Grapeseed Oil is a plant-based oil produced from the seeds of grapes (Vitis vinifera), which are left behind as a by-product of the winemaking process. Once the oil has been extracted from the seeds, it may also be refined to produce a lightweight, mild oil that is well suited to cosmetic and skincare applications. 

Grapeseed Oil is particularly rich in unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic acid (omega-6) making up the largest proportion and oleic acid also naturally present. It also contains vitamin E compounds and plant sterols known as phytosterols. This combination, together with its light texture and emollient properties, has helped make Grapeseed Oil a popular carrier oil for moisturisers, massage oils and other skin and hair care formulations. 

There’s a lot to like about Grapeseed Oil when it comes to skincare. Lightweight yet nourishing, it offers several benefits without the heavy feel associated with some richer carrier oils. 

Lightweight moisturisation: One of the main benefits of Grapeseed Oil for skin is its ability to moisturise without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. Its light consistency allows it to spread easily across the skin and absorb relatively quickly, leaving behind a soft, satin-like finish. 

Supports the skin barrier: Grapeseed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid that plays an important role in supporting the skin’s natural barrier and helping the skin retain moisture. 

Antioxidant and emollient properties: Its naturally occurring vitamin E and other antioxidant compounds may help protect the skin from oxidative stress, while its emollient properties help soften and condition the skin. 

Together, these Grapeseed Oil advantages have made it a popular ingredient in moisturisers, serums, body oils and other skincare formulations. 

Much of Grapeseed Oil’s potential comes from its naturally occurring fatty acids and antioxidants, particularly linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid that plays an important role in maintaining the skin’s natural barrier and helping to reduce moisture loss. 

Research has also explored Grapeseed Oil in skincare formulations. In one 12-week placebo-controlled study, a formulation containing Grapeseed Oil was associated with improved skin moisture and elasticity, as well as reductions in sebum, redness and the appearance of pores. Other laboratory research has identified antioxidant and antibacterial activity associated with Grapeseed Oil and its naturally occurring compounds. 

While research into the direct effects of Grapeseed Oil on human skin is still developing, these findings help explain its growing popularity as a skincare ingredient. 

With so many carrier oils to choose from, finding the right one often comes down to your skin type, how you plan to use it and the texture you prefer. 

For those wanting a light, versatile carrier oil that can be used alone or blended into skincare products, Grapeseed Oil is an easy addition to your routine. 

One of the great things about Grapeseed Oil is just how versatile it is. The use of Grapeseed Oil can be as simple as applying a few drops directly to the skin, or you can incorporate it into your existing skincare and aromatherapy routine.  

Here are some of our favourite ways to use Grapeseed Oil to achieve hydrated, glowing skin. 

Facial Oil: Warm a few drops of Grapeseed Oil between your hands and gently apply to clean skin. Use on its own or add a small amount to your favourite moisturiser for an extra boost of hydration. 

Moisturising Mask: Apply a slightly more generous amount to clean skin before bed and leave overnight for a simple, nourishing treatment. 

Massage: Its lightweight texture and good spreadability make the use of Grapeseed Oil highly popular for massage. Warm the oil between your hands, massage into the body or scalp, and relax. 

Dilution: Grapeseed Oil can be used as a base for diluting essential oils such as Frankincense or Lavender before topical application. Always follow the recommended dilution guidelines for the essential oil you are using.

Is Grapeseed Oil safe to use on skin? 

There is little risk associated with using Grapeseed Oil on your skin. However, we recommend performing a patch test first to check for a reaction. 

Can you use Grapeseed Oil on your face? 

Yes. Many people use Grapeseed Oil as a lightweight facial oil. Its high linoleic acid content and moisturising properties make it particularly popular in facial skincare, while its light texture means it can be applied alone or incorporated into your usual moisturiser or skincare routine. 

Can I use Grapeseed Oil on my skin every day? 

Grapeseed Oil can be incorporated into a daily skincare routine if it suits your skin. Start with a few drops on clean skin and adjust how often you use it according to how your skin responds. As with any new skincare product, stop using it if you experience irritation. 

Is Grapeseed Oil good for you? 

When it comes to skincare, Grapeseed Oil offers several advantages, including moisturising and emollient properties and naturally occurring linoleic acid and antioxidants. However, AWO Grapeseed Oil is intended for cosmetic, therapeutic and aromatherapy purposes only and is not food grade, so it should not be ingested or used for cooking.