There are many popular carrier oils available to consumers on the market, but one that is less known is black currant seed oil. So, what is black currant seed oil and why should we be talking about it?
Black currant seed oil is a carrier oil that can either be applied topically to the skin, or taken orally as a nutritional supplement. It is rich in antioxidants, making it potentially useful for conditions such as eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis, and can also help to moisturize the skin as it’s a great source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey where you’ll learn all about black currant seed oil, from its uses and benefits to its shelf life and potential substitutes.
What is black currant seed oil made from?
Black currant seed oil is harvested from the seeds of the Ribes nigrum (black currant) plant.
This involves grinding the seeds down into a paste, before applying pressure to extract the oil inside.
It’s then refined through a manufacturing process before being sold by companies and retailers. It’s one of many popular carrier oils available on the market, here are some key carrier oils to check out if you want to add a few more to your list!
Uses for black currant seed oil
Black currant seed oil has several popular uses and is primarily used as a topical oil for the skin or taken orally as a nutritional supplement.
If taken as a supplement, black currant seed oil is potentially useful for soothing conditions such as arthritis as it contains omega-6 fatty acids which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. It also contains a high number of vitamins including Vitamin A, B-5, B-6, B-1, and E, all of which are helpful in ensuring the body is healthy and able to fight infection.
Black currant seed oil can also be applied topically, which has been said to help reduce symptoms of conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and even dandruff. This is due to it containing high levels of GLA, and therefore having an intensely moisturizing effect on the skin.
Benefits of black currant seed oil
Here are some key benefits of black currant seed oil that you may see if taking it orally/topically:
- Can help to soothe skin, particularly when suffering the effects of conditions such as psoriasis
- Absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving little residue
- Suitable for all skin types
- May reduce inflammation and swelling
- Highly moisturizing
- High in antioxidants which may help to heal damaged skin
- Comedogenic rating of 0-1, making it very unlikely to clog pores/cause breakouts
Appearance and scent of black currant seed oil
When unrefined, black currant seed oil is typically a dark red/purple color. However, when refined and filtered, black currant oil tends to be greener in color, which is what you’ll find typically sold in health/retail stores.
It typically has a rich, fruity aroma, however, some report that it has a slightly fishy scent which is why it’s often combined with essential oils to combat this scent.
Here’s some information on essential oils if you’d like to know more about this topic!
Substitutes for black currant seed oil
If you’re looking for a good substitute for black currant seed oil, there are a few options available on the market.
Evening primrose oil is a popular alternative as has a similar texture and has a similar make-up of fatty acids. Borage oils may also be good alternatives due to their composition and similar scent.
Shelf life and storage of black currant seed oil
Black currant seed oil should last up to 2 years when stored correctly.
The best way to store black currant seed oil is in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight. This could be in a bathroom cupboard, or even in the fridge if you like to apply your oil when it’s nice and cold!
FAQ
Take a look at the below frequently asked questions to learn more about black currant seed oil.
While they have similar names, black currant seed oil differs from black seed oil.
Black seed oil is derived from black cumin, whereas black currant seed oil comes from black currants. Here’s some great info on black seed oil and its uses/benefits!
Black currant seed oil can be good for the skin for a number of reasons.
It contains high levels of Vitamin E and Vitamin C, which help minimize hyperpigmentation and dark skin spots, particularly for scarring or pigmentation that occurs after blemishes or damage from the sun.
Black currant seed oil can help to improve the appearance of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, as black currants are full of antioxidants and therefore can help to give the skin a plumper complexion.
It can also help to soothe symptoms from conditions such as psoriasis – these results can occur when applying black currant seed oil directly to the skin, or when taken as an oral supplement.
Black currant seed oil is thought to be helpful for those suffering from arthritis, as it is rich in omega-3 and omega-6. These are fatty acids that can help to improve joint inflammation and maintain the cell structure and function of your joints.
Black currant seed oil is thought to naturally balance estrogen and may help those suffering from low estrogen levels. However, if you are lacking in estrogen we strongly recommend discussing this with a medical physician before taking supplements as a primary source of medication.
Leave a Comment