Oils in skincare can be confusing. Especially if your skin is already oily or acne-prone, it can seem counterintuitive to put more oil on your face over the course of your skincare routine. But not all oils are bad! While some, like coconut oil, are comedogenic (aka, pore-clogging) and can make acne worse, others have a host of potential benefits. And one of those “good” oils is grapeseed. 

Grapeseed oil in skincare is common, thanks to its potential moisturizing and anti-aging benefits, among others. Curious to learn more? Allow our team of licensed dermatology providers to explain all you need to know about grapeseed oil. 

What is grapeseed oil?

As its name suggests, grapeseed oil comes from the seeds of grapes! This oil may be considered one of the most powerful antioxidants.¹

Grapeseed oil is also rumored to harbor antimicrobial, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties.² Grapeseed oil is used in foods, as well as in many cosmetic and personal care products.³ 

The chemical structure of grapeseed oil includes:⁴ 

• Fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid).

• Vitamin E isomers (tocopherols and tocotrienols).

• Phytosterols (b-sitosterol and stigmasterol).

• Hydrophilic constituents (proanthocyanidin).

Of the fatty acid components of grapeseed oil, linoleic acid is the most abundant. One of the lipophilic components in grapeseed oil are phytosterols, which are said to prevent inflammatory mediators and reduce oxidative stress.⁵ 

Grapeseed oil has a great content of Vitamin E, which is also known to exhibit high antioxidant activities. For this reason, grapeseed oil has been suggested to delay the signs of aging and potentially prevent the onset of some chronic diseases.⁶ 

Sometimes, grapeseed oil and grapeseed extract may be used interchangeably. Though they share commonalities, there is one distinct difference. 

Grapeseed oil is used in many personal care and cosmetic products, whereas grapeseed extract is often used as a nutritional supplement. An important safety consideration to remember if you’re planning on using grape seed extract is to exercise caution if you’re taking blood thinners, such as Coumadin (warfarin) or aspirin, or have a bleeding disorder.⁷ Consult with your medical doctor first if you’re on these medications and are considering using grape seed extract.

Like grapeseed oil, grapeseed extract also contains proanthocyanidins, and they provide a lot of potential health benefits. Some studies report the benefits of grapeseed extract include improving venous insufficiency, reducing cholesterol, and improving blood pressure.⁸ 

Benefits of grapeseed oil

The largest organ in the body is our skin, so we should protect it against the harmful effects of the environment—chemical, ultraviolet damage from the sun, bacteria, among others. 

Our skin encounters numerous external forces daily, causing signs of premature aging. Luckily, with so many scientific advancements, multiple breakthroughs have been discovered regarding our skin's health—particularly in the area of anti-aging treatments.⁹ 

Moisturizer and anti-aging

Grapeseed oil contains beneficial antioxidants, which includes vitamin E and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC). Free radicals are known to cause damage to our skin—antioxidants like OPC have been found to repair collagen damage caused by said free radicals, which may help prevent wrinkles.¹⁰

Vitamin E may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles by providing moisture to the skin and improving elasticity.¹¹ The antioxidant activity of vitamin E from grapeseed oil may also prevent skin irritation¹² which may make a facial moisturizer with grapeseed oil a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Helps with skin discoloration

Glutathione is one of the most abundant thiol antioxidants found in our body’s cells.¹³ The vitamin E in grapeseed oil has been found to increase glutathione, which in turn, may provide a depigmentation effect.¹⁴ Grapeseed extract has also been mentioned as a treatment for melasma and evening skin tone.¹⁵

Antibacterial and wound healing properties

In addition to its antioxidant properties, grapeseed oil has also been found to have antibacterial and wound-healing properties. It’s demonstrated to stop the growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.¹⁶ And it’s also shown to speed up wound healing and diminish scars.¹⁷ Either way, consult with your medical provider if you’re concerned about an infection.

Other potential benefits

In further research, the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook has identified Vitis vinifera, or grapes, as having more than the aforementioned benefits. They state that vitis Vinifera can help protect against sun damage, dark spots, tooth decay, and dandruff, and can act as an anti-fungal agent.¹⁸ 

One study reviewed the effect of adding grapeseed oil to sunscreen to determine the impact on its effectiveness. Their findings showed that adding grapeseed oil could increase the SPF in certain sunscreen formulas—though the impact may be minor.¹⁹ 

Skincare products that contain grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil has been known to appear in various skincare and cosmetic products—such as shampoo and conditioner. Grapeseed oil is said not only to moisturize, but also to prevent dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.²⁰

Finding skincare and cosmetic products that contain grapeseed oil and do not have pore-clogging ingredients has proven to be tricky. A couple of examples are listed below. 

• Burt's Bees Honey and Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream: This hand cream includes grapeseed oil and can improve hand moisturization. The blend of honey and grapeseed oil offers 24-hour skin hydration for all skin types.

• Wake Up Call Overnight Facial Treatment: Loaded with rejuvenating ingredients, such as CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, retinol, and grapeseed oil, this overnight face mask can help treat skin. 

For a list of pore-clogging ingredients, check out Curology's expansive list to help you along the way. 

Grapeseed oil in skincare: is it safe?

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has determined that grapeseed oil is safe to be used in cosmetics. Grapeseed oil may be an oil, but it is a light, non-greasy formula that promotes additional moisture in the skin. Its high amounts of antioxidants are known to be skin-friendly and may help keep the skin safe from external environmental stressors. 

Since grapeseed oil and extract can sometimes be used interchangeably, one important factor to remember is that the extract shouldn’t be consumed by individuals who take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. 

Find effective ingredients for your skin

Here at Curology, it’s our goal to provide you with a personalized skincare routine that is easily accessible. 

You will be asked to answer a few questions about your health history, as well as to take a few photos. Once these have occurred, a licensed dermatology provider will review them and determine a plan for your skin. Our products are formulated using clinically researched ingredients to help treat your skin concerns.

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P.S. We did the research, so you don't have to: 

1. Argon, Z.U., et al. Cold pressed grape (Vitis vinifera) seed oil. Green Technology, Bioactive Compounds, Functionality, and Applications. Science Direct. (2020, n.d.). 

2. Garavaglia, J., et al. Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights. (2016, Aug 16). 

3. Argon, Z.U., et al. Cold pressed grape (Vitis vinifera) seed oil. Green Technology, Bioactive Compounds, Functionality, and Applications. Science Direct. Ibid.

4. Martin, M.E., et al. Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil: A Functional Food from the Winemaking Industry. Foods. (2020, Sept 25). 

5. Martin, M.E., et al. Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil: A Functional Food from the Winemaking Industry. Foods. Ibid.

6. Garavaglia, J., et al. Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights. Ibid. 

7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Grape Seed Extract. (August 2020). 

8. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Grape Seed Extract. Ibid.

9. Lubis, S. and Leisyah, B.M. THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT OF GRAPESEED OIL AS SKIN ANTI-AGING IN NANOEMULSION AND EMULSION PREPARATIONS. Rasayan Journal of Chemistry. (January 2019). 

10. Lubis, S. and Leisyah, B.M. THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT OF GRAPESEED OIL AS SKIN ANTI-AGING IN NANOEMULSION AND EMULSION PREPARATIONS. Rasayan Journal of Chemistry. Ibid.

11. Lubis, S. and Leisyah, B.M. THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT OF GRAPESEED OIL AS SKIN ANTI-AGING IN NANOEMULSION AND EMULSION PREPARATIONS. Rasayan Journal of Chemistry. Ibid.

12. Lubis, S. and Leisyah, B.M. THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT OF GRAPESEED OIL AS SKIN ANTI-AGING IN NANOEMULSION AND EMULSION PREPARATIONS. Rasayan Journal of Chemistry. Ibid.

13. Lu, Y., et al. Modulating skin colour: role of the thioredoxin and glutathione systems in regulating melanogenesis. Bioscience Reports. (May 2021).

14. Lubis, S. and Leisyah, B.M. THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT OF GRAPESEED OIL AS SKIN ANTI-AGING IN NANOEMULSION AND EMULSION PREPARATIONS. Rasayan Journal of Chemistry. Ibid.

15. Sarkar, R., et al. Melasma update. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. (October-December 2014). 

16. Garavaglia, J. et al. Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights. Ibid.

17. Sotiropoulou, E., et al. GRAPE SEED OIL: FROM A WINERY WASTE TO A VALUE ADDED COSMETIC PRODUCT-A REVIEW. International Conference Industrial Waste & Wastewater Treatment & Valorisation. (May 2015). 

18. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. (2012, February 17). 

19. Sundari, I., et al. Determination Sunscreen Potential of Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera) in Cream Preparation with Combination of Oxybenzone and Octyl Methoxycinammate by in Vitro Method. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences. (2019, December 12).

20. Gite Shital, S., et al. A Review on Oils used in Herbal Cosmetics. Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences. (July-December 2013). 

21. Sotiropoulou, E., et al. GRAPE SEED OIL: FROM A WINERY WASTE TO A VALUE ADDED COSMETIC PRODUCT-A REVIEW. International Conference Industrial Waste & Wastewater Treatment & Valorisation. Ibid.

Melissa Hunter is a board certified family nurse practitioner at Curology. She received her MSN from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

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We’re here to tell you what we know. That’s why our information is evidence-based and fact-checked by medical experts. Still, everyone’s skin is unique—the best way to get advice is to talk to your healthcare provider.

Empowering you with knowledge is our top priority. Our reviews of other brands’ products in this post are not paid endorsements—but they do meet our medically fact-checked standards for ingredients (at the time of publication).

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Melissa Hunter, NP-C