While we all know that we should include a regular amount of fruit in our diets, we don’t think much about the oils that come from the fruit we eat. Today we’re talking about blueberry seed oil, but what is it and why is it worth a conversation?
Blueberry seed oil is a carrier oil that is high in antioxidants and Omega-3. It’s popular when used in cosmetics for anti-ageing purposes, as a moisturizer, and also in hair-care products.
In this article, we’ll guide you through this underrated carrier oil, from how it’s made, to why it’s useful, and some potential benefits you could gain from using blueberry seed oil.
What is blueberry seed oil made from?
Blueberry seed oil is made from cold-pressed blueberries, that are typically grown on plants in America, Asia, and Northern Europe.
Cold-pressing is important when it comes to making blueberry seed oil, as this extraction process ensures the benefits the blueberries contain are retained to make sure the oil is as pure as possible.
Uses for blueberry seed oil
With over 800,000 tons of blueberry seed oil being made each year, it’s clear that there must be some important uses for this carrier oil.
Here are some popular ways that blueberry seed oil is used:
- Skin Moisturizer – Blueberry seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, making it great for strengthening the skin and keeping it moisturized.
- Hair growth – Many people like to use blueberry seed oil because it can activate hair growth properties, as well as helping to aid a dry, itchy scalp.
- Aromatherapy – Blueberry seed oil can be used alone or with essential oils to create a beautifully scented massage, that may also offer anti-aging benefits. Here are some essential oils that you could use alongside blueberry seed oil to create the perfect massage.
- Cuticle/Nail treatments – Due to its moisturizing benefits, blueberry seed oil is often used to heal sore cuticles and within nail treatment applications.
Other carrier oils have similar moisturizing benefits; take a look at this guide to different carrier oils for more info!
Benefits of blueberry seed oil
Take a look at the below list to find out some key benefits of blueberry seed oil:
- Highly moisturizing
- Low comedogenic rating of between 0-1 which means it shouldn’t lead to clogged pores/acne
- Suitable for dry, normal, and oily skin types
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- High in antioxidants which may improve skin regeneration and elasticity in the skin
- Can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to the presence of omega-3 and antioxidants
Appearance and scent of blueberry seed oil
Blueberry seed oil has a sweet, tangy aroma, which some believe smells like unripened blueberries.
Unrefined blueberry oil is typically blue/purple in color, however, if refined it can be seen in clear and yellow varieties too.
Substitutes for blueberry seed oil
We’ve included below some substitutes for blueberry seed oil that you can try if you’re looking for an alternative:
- Baobab seed oil
- Red raspberry seed oil
- Abyssinian seed oil
- Argan oil
- Black currant seed oil
Shelf life and storage of blueberry seed oil
If stored correctly, blueberry seed oil should last between 9-12 months.
It should be stored in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight.
FAQ
Here are a few frequently asked questions to give you more of an understanding of the uses of blueberry seed oil, as well as its potential benefits.
Blueberry seed oil is good for adding moisture to the skin, being rich in omega-3, phytonutrients, and vitamins A, B, C, and E.
It is thought to improve the elasticity of the skin, thereby improving its appearance and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
You can also gain the benefits of blueberries from consuming them – check out this recipe for homemade slushies made with real fruit for some blueberry inspiration!
Blueberry seed oil is thought to protect the skin from blue light exposure. Blue light may damage the skin and cause uneven texture, however, blueberry seed oil is rich in oleic fatty acids and may help to absorb high-energy blue light and reduce its negative effects.
Blueberry seed oil may promote hair growth due to it being high in linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is thought to help activate growth factors in the hair and promote healthier hair in general.
It is also highly beneficial for the scalp as it can ease itching and help to add moisture, preventing conditions such as dandruff.
Blueberry seed oil introduces high levels of omega-3, several vitamins, and phytonutrients to the skin, all of which help to keep the skin moisturized and well hydrated.
It may also help to protect the skin from blue light, thereby reducing the chance of skin damage and uneven skin tone.
Blueberry seed oil (and consumption of blueberries in general) may help to improve eyesight due to the presence of anthocyanins promoting retinal cell reproduction.
We’ll leave the details up to the professionals, but there is some data from studies to suggest that blueberry seed oil may also help your eyes as well as your skin, hair, and nails.
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