Buying guide for best grapeseed oil
Wine might hog much of the grape family spotlight with its intoxicating ways, but a byproduct of winemaking is enjoying a star turn of its own in the health and beauty market. Grape seeds, once relegated to the garbage heap, are making it big as the basic raw material of grapeseed oil.
Grapeseed oil, it turns out, is a natural moisturizer. It’s a significant additive in commercial skincare products, massage oils and shampoos as well as a key ingredient in do-it-yourself beauty treatments. Unlike some oils that can clog pores, grapeseed oil has a lightweight feel with intense hydration that is suitable for all skin types.
High in vitamin E, grapeseed oil is touted as a folk remedy for skin irritation, acne, and saggy skin, although scientific evidence is inconclusive. What’s not in dispute is that grapeseed oil contains high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are said to lower bad cholesterol and boost good cholesterol. This makes it a healthy cooking oil as well.
Key considerations
Extraction method
Grapeseed oil is drawn from grape seeds by two basic methods: cold-pressed and solvent-based extraction.
Cold-pressed extraction: Using this method, oil is extracted from grape seeds with a steel press. No heat or chemical additives are used in order to preserve natural nutritional benefits, scent, and taste. Cold-pressed, solvent-free oil is generally considered superior.
Solvent extraction: During solvent extraction, chemical solvents such as hexane are introduced followed by high heat to draw out the oil. But overheating grapeseed oil can change its mild taste. Some believe this type of processing depletes the potency of grapeseed oil’s natural antioxidants and beneficial fatty oils.
Uses of grapeseed oil
When used topically, grapeseed oil is said to heal and soften skin while reducing the look of scarring. However, there are some other useful cosmetic purposes for it.
- Facial moisturizer: It can be used on its own as a face moisturizer — simply rub a dime-sized amount into your palms, patting your face gently so that it absorbs. Its lightweight nature allows it to easily mix with an existing cream or serum. While other oils can feel heavy on the skin and cause pore congestion, grapeseed oil feels silky and is easily absorbed.
- Hair moisturizer: Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. However, the real miracle work is in its ability to lower DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, which is said to be a common catalyst for hair loss in men and women. It is lighter than both coconut and olive oils, allowing your hair to be moisturized and conditioned without the greasiness.
- Massage oil: Due to the light consistency of grapeseed oil, it is ideal for use in massage. When absorbed into the body, it can reduce the look of stretch marks while healing irritation due to sunburn and easing muscle pain.
- Medicinal use: Although added into many beauty routines, grapeseed oil is said to speed up the healing of minor surface wounds such as burns, scratches, or cuts.
Grapeseed oil components and potential benefits
Touted as an essential oil with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, grapeseed oil is a popular folk remedy brimming with fatty acids. Here are some of the substances that make up grapeseed oil and their purported benefits.
- Vitamin E is said to cleanse pores, repair scarring, and boost circulation.
- Proanthocyanidin is an antioxidant that protects against premature aging and inflammation.
- Stearic acid preserves grapeseed oil’s potency and has powerful cleansing properties.
- Linoleic acid is an anti-inflammatory acid that aids in moisture retention and facilitates healing.
- Palmitic acid softens hair and skin without greasy residue.
- Palmitoleic acid is said to delay signs of aging, promote healthy hair and nails, and increase skin elasticity.
- Oleic acid purportedly keeps skin supple, stimulates hair growth, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
- Beta-carotene is well known for its antioxidant properties and reportedly tightens skin.
Did you know?
Animal studies show that grapeseed oil may improve kidney function by reducing inflammation.
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Features
Scent: The natural scent of grapeseed oil is mild but nutty and slightly sweet. This may be altered if grapeseed oil is mixed with other ingredients or essential oils.
Bottle size: Grapeseed oils are available in plastic or glass bottles in sizes that range from 2 ounces to a gallon.
Dispenser type: Grapeseed oil is available in a dropper bottle, a pump-top dispenser, or a bottle with capped screw-on lid. Since most grapeseed oils are pure and are meant to be mixed with other ingredients to create custom lotions or shampoos, a dropper bottle is often desirable. Grapeseed oil is also available in capsule form to be taken as a dietary supplement.
Consistency: Grapeseed oil has an oily but light consistency that absorbs easily into the skin. Moisturizing applications generally shouldn’t exceed a few drops per usage. Grapeseed oil typically has a light yellow-green tint.
Did you know?
There is evidence that grapeseed extract may help with some types of poor circulation and high cholesterol.
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Grapeseed oil prices
Inexpensive: Bargain-priced grapeseed oils cost $5 to $10. These typically come in plain packaging with simple screw-on lids and are available in smaller sizes. Oils in this price range, generally don’t contain artificial ingredients or fillers, but they may be mixed with other natural oils, such as avocado.
Mid-range: Grapeseed oils in the $10 to $15 price range usually offer cold-pressed extraction and USDA organic options. You will also find refined grapeseed oils here, which some say are less oily than unrefined offerings.
Expensive: High-end grapeseed oils cost $15 to $20. These offerings are more likely to include precise applicator/dispensers. Grapeseed oils in this price range can be a blend of less common oils. Alternatively, oils at this higher price point can be larger quantities of high-quality oils. The price can also be higher due to the complexity of the extraction process and how many nutrients are preserved.
Did you know?
Grapeseed oil reduces swelling caused by minor injuries when used as a liniment oil.
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Tips
Go natural for natural beauty. When using grapeseed for DIY beauty applications, avoid oils processed with chemical solvents such as hexane, which is a known neurotoxin.
Don’t be a flake. Ditch your dandruff shampoo and massage some grapeseed oil mixed with two drops of lime essential oil into your scalp. This can help reduce both dandruff and frizz.
Turn around, bright eyes. Some users swear by grapeseed oil as a home remedy to reduce the look of dark circles. Simply dab one or two drops of grapeseed under your eyes daily.
Use grapeseed oil for cooking, too. With a high smoke point of 425°F, grapeseed oil is great for sauteing and stir-frying. Because it’s heart-healthy and virtually flavorless, it substitutes nicely as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil. It can also substitute for olive oil in recipes where you want a more understated healthy oil.
Other products we considered
Beyond our surefire favorite grapeseed oils, there are countless other worthy choices on the market. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose blend, we like this Organic Lavender Moisturizer grapeseed oil from Ancient Greek Remedy. It’s blended with olive, lavender, and almond oils as well as vitamin E. It’s touted for use against skin disorders such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, with a more pleasant aroma than the usually odorless pure grapeseed oil.
We also like the Premium Nature Five Oil Variety Pack of oils: grapeseed, coconut, avocado, sweet almond, and castor. It’s a DIY lotion starter kit that lets you experiment with different hair care and skincare treatments.
FAQ
Q. Who shouldn’t use grapeseed oil?
A. People with grape allergies shouldn’t use grapeseed oil. Also, because scientific grapeseed oil studies are few and far between, the precise benefits and potential drawbacks of grapeseed are largely undocumented. As a precaution, people blood taking blood thinners or those about to have surgery should avoid grapeseed oil treatments.
Q. Is grapeseed oil suitable for sensitive skin?
A. Grapeseed oil won’t clog pores, which is what skincare aficionados refer to as “noncomedogenic.” As a result, grapeseed oil is suitable for all skin types.
Q. Is grapeseed oil safe to use if I suffer from eczema or dermatitis?
A. Grapeseed oil may help heal wounds thanks to the presence of linoleic acid, which is also said to ameliorate eczema and dermatitis.
