Grapeseed Oil for Skin: Benefits, Uses & Why It's a Skincare Essential

Grapes, whether fresh, juiced, or dried, are often celebrated as superfoods, keeping our insides healthy. But, did you know that the grape seeds that we often throw away are also superfoods for our outsides, namely our skin?

That’s right. The oil extracted from grape seeds can promote skin health, and is a dermatologist-approved, gentle alternative to harsher ingredients. Grapeseed oil is a great plant-based skincare choice, especially if you have sensitive, inflammation-prone skin or suffer from chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. That's why you’ll find this dermatologist-approved ingredient in a lot of skincare products (including our own).

Let’s lift the lid on the benefits of grapeseed oil for skin.

What’s Grapeseed Oil? Why Is It Used in Skincare?

As the name suggests, grapeseed oil is oil that’s extracted from the seeds of grapes. It typically begins its journey with the grape seeds that are discarded during the wine-making process. The seeds are then cold pressed to squeeze out the oil from them. What you get is a light yellowish-green oil that’s silky-smooth to the touch. Since this process doesn’t use any heat, it helps preserve the oil’s naturally occurring antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it a nutrient-rich choice for topical skin care.

Grapeseed oil is a non-greasy and lightweight facial oil, meaning it won’t sit heavy on your skin and will absorb very easily. It’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. It’s known for its anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe your skin. 

But what exactly does cold-pressed grapeseed oil contain that makes it so attractive as a skincare product? It contains linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, vitamin E, and phenolic compounds, all of which are beneficial for skin health, making it a popular choice of natural oil for skin. 

Here’s a detailed look at what each of these compounds does.

Key Nutrients of Grapeseed Oil and Their Role in Skin Health

• Vitamin E: The vitamin E in grapeseed oil helps support your skin’s natural defenses against environmental damage, particularly from the sun’s UV rays. (Note that vitamin E only absorbs UVB light and not UVA light, so it won’t work as a sunscreen swap.) It also gives your moisturizers a boost by helping your skin lock in hydration, keeping your skin feeling moisturized and healthy. 

• Omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid: This compound helps maintain your skin barrier, which is what prevents damaging substances (such as bacteria and pollutants) from getting through and causing inflammation, redness, or infections. It also helps soothe irritated skin by reducing inflammation, may boost wound healing, and helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 

• Polyphenols: Not only do polyphenols help protect our skin from oxidative stress (which is one of the biggest causes of skin cell damage), they also reduce skin inflammation, support skin renewal, act as anti-microbials, and have anti-allergy effects. 

Is Grapeseed Oil Good for Your Skin? Yes, According to Science

Yes, cold-pressed grapeseed oil is good for your skin. Lindsay Iftody, Phoilex’s chemist, says that it’s a standout ingredient in steroid-free, plant-based skincare products because “it offers a therapeutic benefit while remaining non-comedogenic and lightweight.” It also has a stable chemical formation that makes it easy to use, either on its own or as a carrier oil to dilute other active botanical oils, she says. 

Here are the most common benefits of grapeseed oil for skin.

Moisturizes your skin, reducing dryness

The Vitamin E and linoleic acid found in grapeseed oil help protect your skin barrier from outside troublemakers and prevent moisture from escaping your skin by creating an invisible shield over it. This helps lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated and soft, combating dry, flaky skin. So, grapeseed oil for dry skin is a big yes.

Its anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe your skin by reducing irritation, itchiness, burning, or redness, making grapeseed oil for sensitive skin an ideal choice.

Helps with acne outbreaks

While more research is needed, grapeseed oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce acne flare-ups. It’s generally thought that this plant-based oil’s anti-microbial properties fight the clusters of bacteria that clog your pores, causing pimples. 

Studies have also found that people with acne often have naturally occurring lower levels of linoleic acid on their skin’s sebum when compared to those with clear skin. This deficiency is thought to contribute to acne, so introducing it through grapeseed oil could reduce outbreaks.

Its lightweight texture doesn’t clog the pores or make your skin feel greasy, making grapeseed oil ideal for oily skin folks, too. The skin-brightening properties of linoleic acid also help in fading the scars and dark spots that acne leaves behind. 

Protects your skin against sun damage

While our body needs sunlight to make vitamin D, overexposing your skin to the harmful rays of the sun can have a lot of less-than-desirable effects on your skin health. These include sunburn, premature aging (known as photoaging), a loss of skin elasticity, and even skin cancer. And while your skin can repair itself, it needs a little help when it comes to the damage caused by UV radiation. Aging also makes skin repair slower.

This is where antioxidants come in. The vitamin E in grapeseed oil has been shown to absorb some of the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, preventing you from facing the full brunt of it, and helping to protect your skin against premature aging. It’s also a pro at reducing skin roughness, fine lines, and wrinkles, making grapeseed oil one of our favorite anti-aging oils for skin.

Evens out your skin tone 

The polyphenols (particularly something called proanthocyanidin) and linoleic acid present in grapeseed oil are known to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten your skin. Melanin is the compound that gives our skin its color. A darker skin tone signals a higher amount of melanin. When melanin is produced in excess, it can show up as dark spots on your skin. Polyphenols and linoleic acid hinder this excess melanin production, evening out your skin tone. 

A study found that grapeseed extract was successful in reducing melasma (dark spots on the skin) among a group of women after a few months of consistent consumption.

Improves elasticity

Collagen is the protein in our skin that gives it the ability to bounce back, i.e., its elasticity. It erodes away as we age and even gets destroyed when our skin experiences constant inflammation. Flavonoids, which are a particular type of polyphenol found in grapeseed oil, boost collagen production in your skin. 

They do this in two ways: 

a) By dampening the effects of the compounds that break down collagen, and

b) By cross-linking collagen fibers, making them stronger

Who Should Use Grapeseed Oil? 

While anybody can use grapeseed oil regardless of skin type (oily, dry, or sensitive), you’ll find it particularly beneficial if your skin is dry, prone to acne, inflamed, aging, or sensitive. It’s also a very effective (and gentle) plant-based ingredient in helping with chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Who should not use grapeseed oil, though? People who are allergic to grapes. As a general rule of thumb, before you use a moisturizer with grapeseed oil for the first time, conduct a patch test first to see if it’s compatible with your skin, says Lindsay. This is especially important if you’re already dealing with flare-ups, she says, as it helps identify any potential unwanted reactions. 

She further advises people to look for formulations that combine grapeseed oil with other barrier-supportive and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as the Phoilex Phyto-Active Blend™, as they’ll be gentle enough for daily use. 

Finally, when would a grapeseed oil skincare routine benefit you the most? You can use it every day to moisturize your skin, or save it for those pesky months of seasonal winter dryness. Since it doesn’t block your pores, you can use grapeseed oil for acne, too. 

Additionally, you might benefit from using grapeseed oil for eczema and psoriasis flare-ups (anti-inflammatory properties, remember?) and to soothe your post-treatment skin. It can also be a good idea to add this ingredient to your skincare routine if you’re looking to get rid of dark spots or acne scars. 

How Grapeseed Oil Supports Skin Conditions Like Eczema and Psoriasis

If your attempts to treat your eczema or psoriasis flare-ups have been less-than-satisfactory so far, using a gentle, plant-based moisturizer with grapeseed oil (such as Phoilex’s Active ReLeaf Spot Gel) might be where your search ends. And this is all thanks to grapeseed oil’s hydration, skin barrier rejuvenation, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Chronic Skin Conditions

Lindsay says that the skin’s protective barrier is something that’s often compromised in people with eczema and psoriasis. This compromised border makes it easy for irritants to get under your skin and cause irritation and itching. It also makes it easy for moisture to escape from your skin, turning it dry and flaky. All of these worsen your eczema and psoriasis flare-ups, feeding the loop. 

According to Lindsay, though, the linoleic acid that grapeseed oil is rich in helps repair and maintain the skin barrier and keeps moisture locked in, helping prevent eczema and psoriasis triggers. And the antioxidants found in grapeseed oil (such as vitamin E and polyphenols) help defend your skin against oxidative stress and environmental triggers that may make your flare-ups worse, she says. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of grapeseed oil have also been shown to soothe irritated skin during a flare-up. The proanthocyanidins found in this oil are particularly found to be great for people with psoriasis (an autoimmune, inflammatory skin condition). Proanthocyanidins regulate T cells and inflammatory proteins, which are the primary triggers of psoriasis flare-ups. 

Soothe your flare-ups with Phoilex’s Active ReLeaf Spot Gel, powered by grapeseed oil. 

Grapeseed Oil As a Safer Alternative for Steroids

Steroids are often the first line of treatment prescribed to treat eczema and psoriasis. But they can have a lot of unwanted side effects, especially with prolonged use. The solution? Using creams and moisturizers that contain natural soothing ingredients, like grapeseed oil. 

A great thing about grapeseed oil is that it gets along very well with other antioxidants, such as milk thistle and turmeric, giving you a gentle, anti-inflammatory boost. So, using a moisturizer made with a blend of these ingredients (such as the Active ReLeaf Spot Gel) can promote balanced skin by reducing irritation and inflammation.

Lindsay says that, in her experience, people with eczema and psoriasis who use grapeseed oil as part of their skincare often report reduced irritation and faster recovery of compromised skin barriers. “Over time, I’ve seen it visibly calm redness, smooth flaky patches, and support healing without the side effects associated with steroids or synthetic ingredients.”

How Phoilex Products Enhance Grapeseed Oil Benefits

At Phoilex, we believe in harnessing the rejuvenating power of nature for skin health. We use a signature Phyto-Active Blend™, a carefully crafted, science-backed blend of herbal ingredients such as grapeseed oil, turmeric, and milk thistle, to help heal your skin from within. No steroids or harmful synthetic chemicals needed. 

Phoilex’s Active ReLeaf Spot Gel soothes topical skin irritation, calms inflammation, and reduces eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. Our Liverty Dynamic Drops heal your skin from within by protecting your liver, which is a key organ in skin health. 

Support both topical and internal healing for your skin with Phoilex’s ReLeaf and Recover Set.

How to Use Grapeseed Oil in Your Skincare Routine

You can apply grapeseed oil directly to your skin, use a moisturizer with grapeseed oil as one of its active ingredients, or use a sheet mask infused with it. Since it's a great carrier oil, you can also blend it with other essential oils before you apply. 

Here's a sample grapeseed oil skincare routine that you can replicate: 

1. Cleanse your face using a gentle, plant-based cleanser to remove dirt and dead cells. 

2. Pat yourself dry with a cotton cloth. 

3. Take a dollop of Phoilex’s Active ReLeaf Spot Gel and massage it over your face till it’s completely absorbed. You'll get the double benefits of hydrating your skin and keeping the moisture locked in. You should also feel instant relief from any itching or irritation.

4. Repeat the same at night. 

For best results, repeat this routine consistently every day (and night) for at least three months. 

Grapeseed Oil vs. Other Natural Oils

Both grapeseed and jojoba oil are light oils. Grapeseed oil is better for oily skin, as it absorbs more easily. While all three oils are great moisturizers, using products with coconut oil may provide longer-lasting hydration for dehydrated skin; however, they may trigger sensitivity due to the oil’s heavy texture. 

Bottom line: Grapeseed oil is the best for oily, acne-prone skin and for sensitive skin with chronic skin conditions. 

FAQs

Q: Is grapeseed oil suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin?
A: Yes, grapeseed oil is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. It's a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that won't clog pores, and its linoleic acid content helps balance sebum production. The oil's anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties also make it beneficial for managing breakouts and reducing skin inflammation.

Q: What makes grapeseed oil different from other facial oils?
A: Grapeseed oil stands out because it's exceptionally lightweight and non-greasy, absorbing quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy residue. Unlike heavier oils, it's cold-pressed to preserve its naturally occurring antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E. Its non-comedogenic nature makes it a gentler alternative to harsher skincare ingredients, particularly for sensitive or inflammation-prone skin.

Q: Can grapeseed oil help with eczema and psoriasis?
A: Yes, grapeseed oil can be beneficial for chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin, while its gentle, plant-based formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin conditions. The oil's essential fatty acids and antioxidants support skin barrier function and help reduce inflammation associated with these conditions.

Q: What are the key nutrients in grapeseed oil that benefit skin health?
A: Grapeseed oil contains three primary beneficial compounds: linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), vitamin E, and phenolic compounds. Vitamin E helps protect skin from environmental damage, particularly UV rays, while linoleic acid supports skin barrier function and moisture retention. These nutrients work together to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective benefits.

Q: How is grapeseed oil extracted and why does the extraction method matter?
A: Grapeseed oil is extracted through a cold-pressing process, typically using grape seeds discarded during wine-making. The cold-pressing method is crucial because it doesn't use heat, which helps preserve the oil's naturally occurring antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This extraction process results in a light yellowish-green, silky-smooth oil that retains maximum nutritional benefits for skincare.

Q: Will grapeseed oil make my skin feel greasy or heavy?
A: No, grapeseed oil won't make your skin feel greasy or heavy. It's specifically known for being a lightweight, non-greasy facial oil that absorbs very easily into the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for daily skincare routines, even for those who typically avoid oils due to concerns about a heavy or oily feeling.