Grapeseed Oil

Latin Binomial: Vitis vinifera
Plant Part: Seed
Extraction: Cold Pressed
Growing Practice: Ethical
Country of Origin: USA

Grapeseed Oil, also called Grape Seed Oil or Grape Oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of grapes (Vinus vinifera which are an abundant byproduct of wine making.. As a massage oil it is suited to most skin types. Grape seed oil contains high levels of linoleic acid and a small quantity of vitamin E. Many therapists use a 85-90% mixture of grape seed oil and 10-15% avocado oil for aromatherapy massage. Grape seed oil keeps well and is slow to go rancid, however, its green color can discolor sheets and towels during a massage.

Refractive Index: 1.473 - 1.476 @ 20° C.
Specific Gravity: 0.9150 - 0.9240 @ 20° C.
Appearance: greenish clear liquid
BioChemicals: 62-75% Linoleic acid, 15-25% Oleic acid, vitamins, minerals, cholesterol-free

Saturated Fatty Acids (typically 11%): myristic (<0.3%), palmitic (5-10%), stearic (3-6%), arachidic (<1%), behenic (<0.3%)

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (typically 20%): palmitoleic (<1%), oleic (12-20%)

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (typically 89%): linoleic (58-81%), α-linolenic (<1%)
CAS No: 8024-22-4

Grapeseed Oil is pressed from the seed of various varieties of grapes (Vinus vitifera) of Family Vitaceae, a deciduous climbing vine that grows to a length as high as 70-100 feet. The cultivated vine has hermaphrodite flowers, while the wild varieties are dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants and pollination required for fruit development. Grapes are native to the Mediterranean region, but are now grown on all continents except Antarctica.

Grapes evolved as as long as 130 to 200 million years ago, with human used (for medicinal and culinary purposes) dating to the Late Stone Age. The history of grapes is intertwined closely with the history of wine.

Grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds left over from wine production.The seeds are washed, dried, ground and pressed with the aid of heat, with a yield of only 13% oil. Price says that it is not available cold pressed, but there are many sources available on the Internet. The oil may be refined to improve flavor and clarity. According to the FAO, solvent extraction is now the principle means of production; the seeds are crushed in roller mills, heated to 100C for 20 minutes, then the oil is extracted by a solvent. This method produces yields of 65-75%. The crude oil is neutralized, bleached, and deodorized under vacuum.

Therapeutic properties for external use

• leaves the skin smooth and satiny and non-greasy
• claimed to reduces stretch marks
• overall skin moisturizer
• lubricant for face shaving
• claimed value as foot oil to reduce itching, scaly flaking, and odor

Cosmetic Uses

• emolient and film-forming
• massage lubricant
• Moisturizer
• body oil
• facial cleanser
• bar soap

Grapes evolved as as long as 130 to 200 million years ago, with human used (for medicinal and culinary purposes) dating to the Late Stone Age. The history of grapes is intertwined closely with the history of wine.

Grapeseed Oil was not produced or used on a large scale until the 20th century. Not surprisingly, the major production comes from the countries highest in grape and wine production: Italy, France, Spain, Argentina and in the US, California.

Grapeseed oil is considered generally to be of low hazard for external use.

The information provided on these pages is not a substitute for necessary medical care, nor intended as medical advice. Always keep carriers and bases tightly closed and in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children. If redness or irritation occurs when applied to the skin, stop using immediately and contact your health provider if necessary.