Cranberries are well-known for their benefits in the health and beauty industries, but have you heard of cranberry seed oil?
Cranberry seed oil is a carrier oil that is generally used on the skin due to its ability to prevent the signs of premature skin aging. It is rich in vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E, and K, and is suitable for all skin types.
In this article, we’re going to explore all things cranberry seed oil, such as how it’s made, its uses and benefits, what it looks and smells like, plus some information on potential substitutes. We’ll even give you some info on how best to store it and it’s shelf life.
What is cranberry seed oil made from?
So where does cranberry seed oil come from? As you may have guessed, cranberry seed oil comes from cranberries and is essentially a by-product of the production of cranberry fruit.
When cranberry fruit production is carried out, small seeds will be left over that are then cold-pressed to produce cranberry seed oil. This cold-pressing method is used to retain as many of the beneficial vitamins and nutrients the seeds contain as possible.
Uses for cranberry seed oil
There are many different uses for cranberry seed oil due to the many antioxidants and beneficial ingredients that they contain.
Here are some popular uses for cranberry seed oil:
- As a facial/body oil
- As a daily moisturizer
- To reduce the appearance of scarring/stretch marks
- As a body massage oil in conjunction with carrier oils/essential oils
- To treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne (make sure to consult with your dermatologist/medical physician prior to using cranberry seed oil if you suffer from the effects of these conditions)
- As a scalp/hair mask
Benefits of cranberry seed oil
There are so many benefits to cranberry seed oil that it’s impossible for us to explain them all, but here are some key advantages to using cranberry seed oil:
- Highly moisturizing
- Helps to fight cell damage that may lead to signs of aging
- Should help to prevent/fight fine lines and wrinkles
- Softens dry skin
- Gives skin a healthy glow
- Low comedogenic rating of 2
- Can be used alone, with carrier oils, or with essential oils
- Long shelf life of 2+ years
- No major allergens
- Suitable for all skin types
- Absorbs well into the skin
Appearance and scent of cranberry seed oil
Cranberry seed oil is generally gold/yellow in color, however, this may vary depending on the refinement process that has taken place as some manufacturers may bleach carrier oils to provide a clearer color.
It is said to have a fruity, faintly bitter scent. Again, this may vary depending on refinement as deodorizing often takes place during this process.
Substitutes for cranberry seed oil
Here are some popular substitutes for cranberry seed oil if you find yourself looking for an alternative:
- Raspberry seed oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Kiwi oil
- Rosehip oil
- Camelina seed oil
Shelf life and storage of cranberry seed oil
If stored correctly, cranberry seed oil should have a shelf life of over 2 years, which is impressive when compared with other carrier oils.
To ensure your cranberry seed oil lasts as long as possible, make sure to keep it in a sealed container away from direct sunlight, and ideally in a dark, cool space.
FAQ
If you still have questions about cranberry seed oil, check out these frequently asked questions:
Cranberry seed oil is excellent at fighting cell damage that can lead to aging on the skin, due to the presence of vitamins A, C, E, and K which act as antioxidants.
It’s great for all skin types due to a mild comedogenic rating of 2 and helps to moisturize the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
As the name would suggest, cranberry seed oil comes from cranberry seeds via a cold extraction method that helps to retain all of the beneficial vitamins and nutrients within the oil.
Cranberries are native to North America with the top producers of cranberries being Wisconsin and Massachusetts in the USA.
Cranberry seed oil is made by pressing the leftover seeds from cranberry fruit production.
It is usually cold-pressed to ensure vitamins and nutrients are retained, before either being used raw or being sent for refinement.
Cranberry seed oil generally comprises 30%-35% a-linolenic acid, 35%-40% linoleic acid, and 20%-25% oleic acid.
Cranberry seed oil will not generally clog pores as it has a low comedogenic rating of 2.
This means that it has a low chance of clogging pores, however, it may clog pores for some particularly if you have very oily skin.
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