Grapeseed oil is a popular topical treatment for skin. There are many different formats, such as extracts and liquids. But, it may be unsafe for some people. Further research is still needed to fully understand its benefits.

Grapeseed oil comes from the pressed seeds of grapes. The oil is a by-product of the process of making wine. It’s known for its

These properties, along with the high amounts of omega chain fatty acids and vitamin E contained in grapeseed oil, have made it a popular topical treatment for skin.

Grapeseed oil treats acne outbreaks

Because of the proven antimicrobial properties of grapeseed oil, some people use it to treat acne outbreaks. Though research into how this works is lacking, it makes sense that by attacking bacteria that can get deep into your pores and cause breakouts, grapeseed oil can make your skin clearer.

Grapeseed oil makes skin softer and more elastic

Grapeseed oil was tested, along with a number of other herbal ingredients that claim to improve your skin’s elasticity and softness. Research has shown that the herbal ingredient did improve:

  • skin’s moisture
  • softness
  • ability to bounce back

Grapeseed oil helps the vitamin E and vitamin C in your skin to be more efficient and effective at preserving your skin.

Grapeseed oil evens out skin tone

Grapeseed oil contains a powerful antioxidant ingredient called proanthocyanidin. This antioxidant may even out skin tone when it’s used on your skin consistently.

Taking grapeseed oil extract orally has been shown to improve the symptoms of melasma (also called chloasma and the “mask of pregnancy”), a hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Grapeseed oil can protect your skin from sun damage

The powerful antioxidants in grapeseed oil have another benefit. One review describes grapeseed oil as helping to protect your skin from absorbing the full damage of UV rays.

Using grapeseed oil for your skin can be as simple or as labor-intensive as you’d like.

You can purchase pure grapeseed oil and use it in its pure form as a serum on your face, applying it before bed. Mixing a drop of grapeseed oil in your favorite moisturizing face and body creams helps to seal the moisture into your skin.

If you’d prefer, you can heat grapeseed oil slightly by putting some in your palms and rubbing your hands together. Apply a generous amount to your skin as a moisturizing mask.

Mixing grapeseed oil with essential oils, like frankincense or lavender, might make your skin extra soft. Put a few drops of juniper, frankincense, and lavender together in an ounce of grapeseed oil for a mask and leave it on for 10 minutes for a relaxing, spa-like treatment.

You can also purchase grapeseed oil extract in a liquid or capsule form. Taking grapeseed oil orally may improve your skin’s appearance if you take it consistently for a period of several weeks.

Unless you’re allergic to grapeseed oil, there’s little risk to trying it out for your skin.

Do a spot test on a part of your skin that’s less visible, like your wrist or ankle, before applying grapeseed oil to your face. Wait 24 hours after the spot test to make sure you have no reaction to the oil and that your skin can tolerate it.

Grapeseed oil can be used in cooking.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health points out that grapeseed oil may be unsafe for:

  • people with blood conditions
  • those who are about to have surgery
  • people who take blood-thinning medications, such warfarin or aspirin

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.

Grapeseed oil needs to be studied more before we fully understand the benefits it can have for skin. But the research currently available indicates that it’s a powerful, promising ingredient that can improve your skin’s appearance and reduce some signs of aging with little risk of side effects.