10 Reasons To Incorporate Grapeseed Oil Into Your Skincare Routine

Let's be honest: Every now and then, the internet and social media become flooded with a new miracle ingredient that is supposed to get rid of all your skincare woes. Most of the time, it's just a fad that's not backed up by any science, and those who jump on the bandwagon end up regretting it. If you've heard of the benefits of grapeseed oil and rolled your eyes, we don't blame you. However, this nifty, natural oil has proven itself in various studies. From being able to calm acne breakouts to protecting the skin from sun damage and cancer, grapeseed oil has incredible science-backed benefits.

On top of being a great addition to anyone's skincare routine, grapeseed oil also helps reduce waste. It's made from the seeds of grapes that are pressed to make wine. Cosmetic chemist Vince Spinnato told Allure that the process of extracting oil from grape seeds is usually done by using a combination of crushing and solvents. However, cold-pressed oils remain superior, thanks to the fact that they maintain most of their healthy properties.

Grapeseed oil can be identified by its yellowish-green color and smooth texture (via Cosmopolitan) and can be used on the skin or taken as a supplement, per Livestrong. If you've been looking for a new skincare bestie, this might very well be it. Here are 10 reasons to incorporate grapeseed oil into your skincare routine. You can thank us later.

Raise your hand if you're looking for a miracle skincare ingredient that will kick acne to the curb. Most of us would give anything for clearer skin and fewer breakouts, and grapeseed oil might just be the miraculous ingredient we've all been dreaming of.

A 2016 study published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights found that grapeseed oil has the potential to get rid of the bacteria that are responsible for causing acne. According to Healthline, grapeseed oil is pretty good at treating the skin on a cellular level. While this means that it won't make a dent in whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts, it can work wonders to get rid of pustules and papules (those pesky red zits that make you want to hide your face under a paper bag). A big plus is that it also nips existing inflammation and the redness that accompanies it in the butt.

Adding grapeseed oil to your skincare routine can also help prevent future acne breakouts, especially if you have combination skin that doesn't produce oil equally across your face. Grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid, which, surprisingly, mimics sebum. This means it will moisturize the dryer patches of skin, giving you an even and healthy glow without the added breakouts. A 1990 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology discovered that low levels of linoleic acid might be directly related to acne inflammation. Since grapeseed oil can replenish sebum levels, it has the potential to keep acne flare-ups from happening in the first place.

Inflammatory skin disorders like eczema and rosacea can be tricky to treat, but — you guessed it — grapeseed oil is about to come to your rescue. Debra Jaliman, M.D., told Prevention that studies have found that grapeseed oil can act as an anti-inflammatory, thanks to the fact that it contains linoleic acid. This compound treats the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin, meaning that the outer and middle layers reap the most benefits.

Grapeseed oil can also strengthen your skin's reserve against inflammation, preventing it from completely freaking out, thanks to the phytosterols found in its seeds. This molecule is an inflammation buster, according to a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The study also found that phytosterols help to repair the skin barrier. Taking care of the skin barrier is vital when it comes to treating rosacea and eczema, according to a 2016 study published in the Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. The linoleic acid in grapeseed oil also forms a significant part of the skin barrier (via Cosmopolitan), making it a great all-rounder for these inflammatory skin conditions.

If you're looking for a natural remedy to treat fine lines and wrinkles, grapeseed oil is your best bet.

Grapeseed oil can give collagen production a boost, thanks to its amino acid content. Since it also contains a combination of linoleic acid and vitamin E, grapeseed oil will help your skin reclaim its former elasticity by locking in moisture, dermatologist Michele Green, M.D., told Cosmpolitan. Grapeseed oil also protects the skin from environmental factors that typically cause fine lines and wrinkles. Linoleic acid is made up of Vitamins A and D as well as beta-carotene, and these compounds work together to increase your skin's cell turnover. This helps reduce fine lines while smoothing the skin. Cosmetic dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum told Bustle that linoleic acid (we're noticing a pattern here) also works to strengthen the skin's cell membranes, which helps minimize the signs of aging.

A 2010 study published in Pharmacognosy Magazine established that grapeseed oil improves the skin's ability to bounce back, while another 2011 study published in the same journal found that grapeseed oil helps preserve the skin by improving its vitamin C and E content.

Debra Jaliman, M.D., told Prevention that the polyphenols in grapeseed oil also work to prevent the skin from aging prematurely. "Polyphenols have been known to not just slow the aging process, but reverse signs of aging, like sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles," Jaliman explained.

Most of us have incorporated sunscreen into our skincare routine by now, but if you want some extra help to keep your skin safe from those damaging UV rays, grapeseed oil can be a great addition.

A 2011 study review published in Pharmacognosy Review found that grapeseed oil show signs of being able to prevent the skin from absorbing UV rays, which means it almost acts like a sunscreen. In the meantime, a 2017 conference paper that studied the effect of grapeseed oil extract when it's added to SPF found promising results: Adding the oil extract to SPF increased the value and efficacy of the formulation and increased antioxidant activity. The researchers concluded that grapeseed oil can serve as a potential booster for SPF formulations.

This does not mean you can swap your trusty SPF for grapeseed oil; more research needs to be conducted to confirm these findings. Rather, apply grapeseed oil in addition to sunscreen to give your skin some extra protection against the sun. Try mixing a few drops with your sunscreen for easy application.

If you struggle with dry skin, grapeseed oil could help revive it and give you back that sought-after glow. All oils fit for skin care are moisturizing, but grapeseed oil is extra special. The reason? It's great for any skin type, even if you're prone to breakouts and oily skin. This is because grapeseed oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores or leave your skin looking like a grease ball, Vince Spinnato, a cosmetic chemist, told Allure.

Speaking to Bustle, Marnie Nussbaum, a cosmetic dermatologist, said that the linoleic acid in grapeseed oil is responsible for its moisturizing properties. "Part of what makes grapeseed oil so beneficial for the skin is that it contains linoleic acid, which is a polyunsaturated fat that forms a protective layer on the skin maintaining a moisturizing barrier," she said. The vitamin E in grapeseed oil also plays a vital role, dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D., told Prevention. 

Vitamin E works to regenerate your skin's natural lipids (fats), which helps keep your skin barrier intact. Even though it seems counterintuitive, this process also helps the skin to produce less oil. Shainhouse says that the skin usually produces too much oil because it thinks it's dry. Replenishing your skin's natural lipids gives it a moisture boost, and, in turn, oil production slows. Amanda Hume, a green beauty expert, told Bustle that you can utilize grapeseed oil as a moisturizer or cleanser to reap the abovementioned benefits.

Grapeseed oil is truly a miracle worker. Not only will it help you fight breakouts and sun damage, but it can also help you get the smooth, even skin you've been dreaming of. Bye-bye, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone!

Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, told Byrdie that proanthocyanidin, an antioxidant found in grapeseed oil, can help treat uneven skin. The catch? You need to use it consistently to see results.

If you struggle with hyperpigmentation, grapeseed oil can help with that as well. A 2004 study published in Phytotherapy Research concluded that grapeseed oil has the ability to treat melasma, also known as chloasma, which is a type of hyperpigmentation usually associated with pregnancy. In this case, however, participants took the grapeseed oil orally instead of applying it directly to their skin.

A 1998 study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research also found proof of grapeseed oil's ability to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration caused by sunspots and acne scars.

Dealing with scars from skin conditions like acne can be daunting, and if you've tried every product on the market without results, grapeseed oil might be just what you need.

A 2015 study published in the Global Journal of Health Science found that grapeseed oil significantly speeds up wound healing. Study participants who applied the oil to wounds were healed within eight days. Those who were using a placebo took 14 days to heal. Researchers credit the proanthocyanidins present in grapeseed oil for wound recovery, saying that it helps wounds to contract and close faster. They also found that grapeseed oil improves the cellular structure in the wound. Thanks to its ability to speed up recovery, grapeseed oil can prevent keloid scars and the dark spots that usually accompany them.

Debra Jaliman, M.D., told Prevention that the vitamin E in grapeseed oil can work well to reduce the appearance of acne scars on the skin. A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that grapeseed oil can also be effective at treating burns. Another interesting 2016 study published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that grapeseed oil healed wounds faster than a traditional pharmaceutical cream, but since this was an animal study, more research needs to be conducted.

Since studies are very promising, you can add some grapeseed oil to your skincare routine if you struggle with stubborn scarring like that caused by acne. And remember, consistency is key.

We've already established that grapeseed oil can help protect your skin against the sun, so it comes as no surprise that it can also act as a shield against free radical damage. Grapeseed oil contains vitamins A, C, and E, along with polyphenols, which give it powerful antioxidant properties, board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., told Allure.

A 2008 animal study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that grapeseed oil has the potential to prevent tumor growth and can reduce the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays on the skin when ingested. This is because grapeseed oil contains proanthocyanidins. Researchers also discovered that grapeseed oil might come in handy to reduce the severity of skin cancer.

Upon further investigation, the study found that the proanthocyanidins present in grapeseed oil have naturally protective properties, which alter the body's cytokine activity (small proteins that help the immune system fight off infection and inflammation), per the American Cancer Society. This results in less oxidative stress and immunosuppression, which means the immune system can effectively defend the body against inflammation and infection. Since this study was conducted on mice, more human studies are needed to confirm these findings.

In the meantime, adding this oil to your skincare routine might do a whole lot of good to protect it from the sun as well as other environmental factors (like air pollution) that put you at risk for skin cancer, esthetician Taylor Worden told Shape.

It might be safe to say that you can literally add grapeseed oil to every step of your skincare routine. Not only does it serve as a great anti-inflammatory product and acne buster, but it also makes for a great cleanser.

If you're looking for something that can give your skin that extra deep cleanse, grapeseed oil is perfect, thanks to the fact that it contains phenolic compounds, according to a 2020 study published in Foods. "Grapeseed oil is mildly astringent and purifying with some antimicrobial properties, often attributed to the level of polyphenolic compounds called catechins," research scientist Marisa Plescia told Byrdie, adding that these properties make for a great cleanser.

Another reason to consider using grapeseed oil as a cleanser is that you can use it no matter what your skin type. "Unlike coconut oil, grapeseed oil is non-comedogenic, so even the most sensitive of skin types can use this oil," cosmetic chemist Vince Spinnato told Allure.

Grapeseed oil can also help soothe sensitive skin. A study published by the Oregon State University found that grapeseed oil has the potential to soothe the itching, burning, and redness people with sensitive skin often experience. To top it off, Spinnato says that grapeseed oil also doesn't have any known negative side effects, which means it's likely one of the safest ways to cleanse and moisturize your face, except if you are allergic to grapes, then it would be best to give this oil a wide berth.

It turns out that, in addition to its ability to protect the skin from cancer, grapeseed oil can also shield and heal the skin from the effects of harmful bacteria, thanks to its anti-microbial properties.

A 2016 study published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights found that grapeseed oil has the ability to kill some forms of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is responsible for skin infections like abscesses or boils as well as cellulitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another 2019 study review published in Reviews in Medical Microbiology found that grapeseed extract, which is similar to grapeseed oil but more potent, can help fight off various fungi, bacteria, and viruses. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Clinical Trials confirmed this, concluding that grapeseed extract could be utilized as an effective antibacterial compound.

These anti-microbial properties are also what make grapeseed oil very effective at fighting inflammatory skin conditions like breakouts and blemishes, according to Well + Good. Using it as a carrier oil for other acne-fighting oils like tea tree oil can help you kick acne and inflammation to the curb even faster.

Now that you're fully educated on the benefits of adding grapeseed oil to your skincare routine, you're probably curious about how to do it the right way.

First thing's first: Cold-compressed grapeseed oil is best when you plan on applying it to your skin in its purest form, Michele Green, M.D., told Cosmopolitan. Cold-compressed oil retains most of its nutrients, making it more effective. Greatist suggests applying it like a serum to dry spots on your face. You can also mix a few drops with your moisturizer if you prefer. As mentioned before, grapeseed oil is a great cleanser as well, and you can add it to your cleansing routine for a double cleanse at night. The possibilities truly are endless, so you can decide what works best for you.

If you'd like to apply the oil directly to your face, Green suggests you make it the last step in your skincare routine since it'll work great to seal in all the products underneath. She also says that you can use grapeseed oil in the morning or evening; it's completely up to you.

Of course, you should always test the oil on a small part of your skin first before applying it to your face. Healthline suggests you test the oil on your inner forearm and keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.