Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Product Description
Product overview
A 100% pure, lightweight grapeseed oil that delivers deep hydration and antioxidant protection without clogging pores. Rich in linoleic acid (55-77%) and vitamin E, this versatile single-ingredient oil absorbs quickly to leave skin silky-smooth and nourished, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Antioxidant Protection
Rich in polyphenols and vitamin E that fight free radicals and protect against premature aging and environmental damage.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntioxidant Protection
Rich in polyphenols and vitamin E that fight free radicals and protect against premature aging and environmental damage.
Barrier Repair
High linoleic acid content (55-77%) strengthens the skin barrier, reduces moisture loss, and helps balance sebum production.
Multi-Purpose Use
Works as a facial moisturizer, body oil, massage oil, hair conditioner, or carrier oil for essential oils and DIY skincare.
Lightweight Hydration
Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, delivering silky moisture suitable for daily use on all skin types.
Safety & compatibility
SAFE100% pure grapeseed oil contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for external use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor first.
Grapeseed oil contains long-chain fatty acids (C12-C24) including linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids that can feed Malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne.
Rated 1 on the comedogenic scale, making it unlikely to clog pores. Suitable for most skin types including oily and acne-prone skin (non-fungal).
Single-ingredient formula with no fragrance, preservatives, dyes, parabens, or synthetic additives. Analytically tested for quality assurance.
Can be safely layered with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide, and other actives. Apply oil as the last step to seal in treatments.
Although generally well-tolerated, apply a small amount to the inner wrist or behind the ear and wait 24-48 hours before full use, especially for very reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSVitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil 100%Proven
A lightweight, polyphenol-rich plant oil extracted from the seeds of grapes. Contains a potent blend of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidant compounds that nourish, protect, and hydrate the skin.
- Linoleic Acid (55-77%): Omega-6 essential fatty acid that repairs the skin barrier, balances sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Acne-prone skin is often deficient in linoleic acid.
- Oleic Acid (12-27%): Omega-9 fatty acid that deeply moisturizes and enhances skin penetration of other ingredients.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherols): Powerful antioxidant that protects against UV damage and environmental stressors while supporting skin repair.
- Polyphenols (Proanthocyanidins): Strong antioxidants with up to 50x more potency than vitamin E, helping combat free radical damage and signs of aging.
- Stearic, Palmitic, Myristic & Lauric Acids: Supporting fatty acids that contribute to the oil's emollient and skin-conditioning properties.
1 ingredient
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply grapeseed oil as the last step before sunscreen (AM) or as the final step (PM). Oils go after water-based products to seal in hydration. Can also be mixed into your moisturizer.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean, slightly damp skin. Complete your toner, serum, and moisturizer steps first.
Dispense 2-3 Drops
Pour 2-3 drops of grapeseed oil into the palm of your hand. A little goes a long way with this concentrated oil.
Warm Between Palms
Rub hands together gently to warm the oil, which helps it absorb more effectively into the skin.
Press Into Skin
Gently press and pat the oil into your face, neck, and décolletage. Avoid rubbing. Can also be applied to body, hair, or cuticles.
Follow with SPF (Morning)
In the morning, allow 1-2 minutes for absorption before applying sunscreen. At night, this can be your final step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a simple, single-ingredient moisturizing oil
- You have sensitive skin and need a fragrance-free option
- You're looking for a lightweight oil that won't feel greasy
- You need an affordable carrier oil for DIY skincare or essential oils
- You want a multi-purpose oil for face, body, hair, and nails
- You have acne-prone skin (non-fungal) and need a high-linoleic acid oil
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe moisturizer
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) — try MCT oil or squalane instead
- You need a heavy, occlusive moisturizer for extremely dry skin
- You prefer USDA Organic certified oils (try NOW Organic version or Sky Organics)
- You want an oil with added active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C
- You need a cold-pressed oil (this version is refined, not cold-pressed)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight and fast-absorbing without adding shine. High linoleic acid content helps regulate sebum production and balance oily skin.
Provides light moisture and barrier support, but very dry skin may need a heavier oil or cream layered on top for lasting hydration.
Balances well across oily and dry zones. Absorbs quickly in oily areas while providing enough moisture for drier patches.
Single-ingredient, fragrance-free, and preservative-free. Extremely gentle with no known irritants. Patch test for very reactive skin.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and high linoleic acid make it suitable for regular acne. Not recommended for fungal acne (Malassezia).
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Immediate Softness & Hydration
Skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and more supple immediately after application. The silky texture provides instant comfort for dry areas.
90% noticedImproved Skin Texture
Rough patches begin to smooth out. Skin appears more balanced with reduced flakiness. Many users report a healthy, natural glow developing.
75% noticedBarrier Strengthening
Skin barrier feels noticeably stronger. Reduced sensitivity and irritation. Skin retains moisture better throughout the day, requiring less frequent reapplication.
65% noticedVisible Skin Improvement
More even skin tone with reduced appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Fine lines appear less pronounced. Acne-prone users may notice fewer breakouts due to balanced sebum.
55% noticedRatings by platform
30K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely lightweight and absorbs quickly without greasy residue
- 100% pure single ingredient — nothing to worry about on the label
- Incredibly affordable for the amount of product you get
- Versatile use: face, body, hair, nails, massage, and as a carrier oil
- Fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive or reactive skin
- Doesn't clog pores — many acne-prone users report fewer breakouts
- GMP certified quality with analytical testing for purity
- Food-grade quality oil
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe — can worsen Malassezia folliculitis
- May be too lightweight as a standalone moisturizer for very dry skin
- Plastic bottle (though made from 100% recycled plastic)
- Not cold-pressed or organic (standard version; organic version available separately)
- Cloudiness or sediment may occasionally appear in the bottle
- No dropper or pump — open pour cap can lead to dispensing too much
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
USDA Organic certified and cold-pressed for higher potency. Same single-ingredient formula but with organic certification. Slightly smaller size (4oz) for a similar price point.
USDA Organic, cold-pressed, B-Corp certified. 8oz bottle. Premium organic quality with stronger environmental credentials, but at a higher price per ounce.
Different oil type but similar lightweight, non-comedogenic profile. Squalane is fungal acne safe (unlike grapeseed oil), making it a better choice for Malassezia-prone skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check the Best By date printed on the bottle for unopened shelf life.
Store in a cool, dry place after opening. Avoid direct sunlight and heat. Clear bottle contains UV light protectant.
Clear plastic bottle with flip-top cap, made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin. Slight color variations in the bottle are normal.
4oz size is TSA-compliant (under 100ml/3.4oz limit). Larger 8oz and 16oz sizes need to go in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, NOW Solutions Grapeseed Oil is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is a 100% pure plant oil with no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy. It is free from preservatives, fragrances, and synthetic additives. As always, consult your healthcare provider before adding new products to your routine during pregnancy.
No, grapeseed oil is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains long-chain fatty acids (C12-C24) including linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, which can serve as a food source for Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne. If you have Malassezia folliculitis, consider MCT oil (C8/C10 only) or squalane as safer alternatives.
Yes, grapeseed oil is compatible with all common active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). Apply your water-based actives first, allow them to absorb, then apply the grapeseed oil as a final sealing step. The oil can actually help buffer the drying effects of retinol and acids while locking in hydration.
Grapeseed oil works well for most skin types, but it is especially excellent for oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, and its high linoleic acid content (55-77%) helps regulate sebum production. Dry skin types can use it but may need a heavier moisturizer on top. It is rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale, making it suitable for acne-prone skin (non-fungal).
You will feel softer, smoother skin immediately after the first application. Improved skin texture and a natural glow typically become noticeable within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Barrier strengthening and reduced sensitivity develop over 3-4 weeks. More significant improvements like reduced hyperpigmentation and fewer breakouts may take 2-3 months of daily use.
Face oils go near the end of your routine, after water-based products and before sunscreen. The correct order is: Cleanser, Toner, Serum/Treatments, Moisturizer, Face Oil (this product), then Sunscreen (AM only). You can also mix 2-3 drops into your moisturizer for an added hydration boost, or use it as an overnight treatment.
Grapeseed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, which means it has a very low likelihood of clogging pores. It is classified as non-comedogenic and is actually known to help prevent clogged pores due to its high linoleic acid content and mild astringent properties. Many users with oily and acne-prone skin report that it does not cause breakouts. However, individual results may vary, so a patch test is always recommended.
Once opened, NOW Solutions Grapeseed Oil should be used within 12 months for optimal freshness and effectiveness. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. The clear bottle includes UV light protectant to help preserve the oil. If the oil develops an unusual smell or changes color significantly, it may have gone rancid and should be discarded.
Verdict: NOW Solutions Grapeseed Oil is an outstanding value for a pure, single-ingredient carrier oil. At under $1 per ounce for the 16oz bottle, it delivers exceptional quality with GMP certification and analytical testing. The lightweight, odorless formula excels for sensitive and oily skin types, providing genuine antioxidant and barrier-repair benefits through its rich linoleic acid and polyphenol content. Its versatility as a face, body, hair, and carrier oil makes it a pantry staple. The only notable drawbacks are that it is not fungal acne safe and the standard version is not organic or cold-pressed. For those seeking maximum purity at the best price, this is one of the most trusted and well-reviewed grapeseed oils on the market.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|