A triglyceride rich in linoleic acid
LaboratoryLinoleic acid makes up 53.6 to 69.6% of the fatty acids, ahead of oleic (16.2 to 31.2%), palmitic (6.9 to 12.9%) and stearic (1.44 to 4.69%). The oil content of the seeds varies from 7.3 to 22.4%1.
Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is the fixed oil pressed from the seeds of Vitis vinifera, a by-product of winemaking95. It is a triglyceride dominated by linoleic acid, from 53.6 to 69.6% across 21 varieties analyzed1. CosIng classifies it as an emollient and skin conditioning agent9. No clinical trial specific to the oil was retained.
Grapeseed oil at a glance
Entry from our cosmetic ingredient glossary. Regulatory data from the European Commission's CosIng database9. Copy the identifiers in one click for your files.
- INCI name
- VITIS VINIFERA SEED OIL
- Other names
- Grapeseed oilGrape seed oil; grapeseed oil
- CAS number
- 85594-37-2 / 84929-27-1 / 8024-22-4Three CAS numbers for the same CosIng entry9
- EC number
- 287-896-9 / 284-511-6Two EC numbers for the same CosIng entry9
- Botanical origin
- Grapevine (Vitaceae)Fixed oil obtained by pressing the seeds of Vitis vinifera L.9
- Composition
- Triglycerides, mostly linoleic acidLinoleic 53.6 to 69.6%, oleic 16.2 to 31.2%, palmitic 6.9 to 12.9%, stearic 1.44 to 4.69% (21 varieties)1
- Tocopherols
- α-tocopherol predominantβ, γ and δ-tocopherols are also detected; levels vary between varieties1
- CosIng functions
- Emollient, skin conditioning"Skin conditioning - emollient" and "skin conditioning"9
- EU status
- No restriction specific to the ingredientNo annex indicated in CosIng9; the name Vitis does not appear in Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 consolidated as of May 1, 2025
- Allergen to declare
- NoNot in the list of fragrance allergens of Regulation (EU) 2023/1545
- Safety (CIR)
- Report on 244 vegetable oilsCosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) report on 244 vegetable oils: judged safe under cosmetic conditions of use. We could not check here whether this INCI is on the list of 244 oils; to be verified in the report8
What the research says
Each result shows the protocol and the level of evidence. The higher the level, the better the result carries over to a finished formula.
Clinical trialReview or consensusLaboratory
Composition and materialChemistry
One sample: 74.7% linoleic acid
LaboratoryIn the sample analyzed, linoleic acid reaches 74.7%, oleic 14.3% and saturated fatty acids 10.4%. α-Linolenic acid stays at 0.15%2.
Minor constituents, studied mostly in the lab
ReviewThe reviews cite tocopherol, resveratrol, quercetin, procyanidins, carotenoids and phytosterols. The effects described come mostly from in vitro studies3. Results are expressed in different units across studies, which makes them hard to compare4.
Skin and bodySkincare, bodycare
The linoleic/oleic ratio, a benchmark for the barrier
ReviewAccording to this review, oils with a high linoleic acid to oleic acid ratio have better potential to repair the skin barrier, whereas a high content of oleic acid, an irritant, can harm it7. Grapeseed oil is dominated by linoleic acid1, but this review did not retain it among the oils studied7.
Linoleic acid and skin: mostly models
ReviewThe authors report, in animal or cell models, effects of linoleic acid applied to the skin, including barrier repair. They call for more clinical research6.
What reviews and experts saySafety, uses
An oil presented as a functional food
ReviewThe review describes an oil rich in lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds, with outlets beyond winemaking, including cosmetics. Its focus is mostly on food5.
Safety: a report on 244 vegetable oils
ReviewThe expert panel concludes that the 244 vegetable oils assessed are safe under cosmetic conditions of use. The review focused mostly on skin effects, as the general toxicity of these edible oils is low8.
This page summarizes published literature on a cosmetic ingredient. It does not describe the effect of a finished product, which depends on its formula, and it is not medical advice. Several of the studies cited were run or funded by industry; this is indicated in the sources.
Which products use grapeseed oil?
Our white label catalog includes 14 formulas with grapeseed oil, always as a supporting ingredient. Every category can be customized (formula, fragrance, packaging).
4Body
Supporting oil in massage oils and dry oils with argan, beard care and intimate mists.
9Hair
Supporting oil in styling waxes and gels, conditioners and hair serums.
Grapeseed, sunflower, wheat germ or sweet almond oil?
Four triglyceride oils measured in the same study. The share of linoleic and oleic acid distinguishes them the most.
| Grapeseed oil | Sunflower oil | Wheat germ oil | Sweet almond oil | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linoleic acid | 74.7%2 | 62.2%2 | 59.7%2 | 22.8%2 |
| Oleic acid | 14.3%2 | 28.0%2 | 12.7%2 | 67.2%2 |
| Saturated fatty acids | 10.4%2 | 9.4%2 | 18.2%2 | 9.3%2 |
| EU regulation | No restriction | No restriction | No restriction | No restriction |
| Carmel catalog formulas | 14 formulas | 7 formulas | 5 formulas | 74 formulas |
Frequently asked questions about grapeseed oil
What is grapeseed oil?
What are the benefits of grapeseed oil in cosmetics?
Is grapeseed oil good for hair?
We found no controlled study measuring its effect alone on hair: it is a formulation use. In our catalog, it is a supporting oil in styling waxes, gels, conditioners and hair serums.
Is grapeseed oil comedogenic?
We retained no official or peer-reviewed source giving a comedogenicity rating, so this page gives no figure. Tolerance on a given skin is verified with tests on the finished formula.
What is the composition of grapeseed oil?
Across 21 varieties, linoleic acid makes up 53.6 to 69.6% of the fatty acids, oleic 16.2 to 31.2%, palmitic 6.9 to 12.9% and stearic 1.44 to 4.69%1. The profile therefore varies with the variety; a certificate of analysis per batch remains useful.
Are there risks with grapeseed oil?
No restriction applies to the ingredient in the EU9 and it is not on the list of fragrance allergens. The CIR judged the 244 vegetable oils of its report safe8, although we could not check here whether this INCI is on the list. During pregnancy, as with any skincare, the advice of a healthcare professional remains the rule.
Can you manufacture a grapeseed oil or a grapeseed product for my brand?
Yes. Our ISO 22716 certified lab offers 14 formulas containing grapeseed oil (massage oils, beard care, hair care) that you can customize, or a custom formula. Samples are free.
Sources
Peer-reviewed studies and official regulatory sources, checked on November 3, 2026.
- Sabir A, Unver A, Kara Z. The fatty acid and tocopherol constituents of the seed oil extracted from 21 grape varieties (Vitis spp.) J Sci Food Agric. 2012;92(9):1982-7. doi:10.1002/jsfa.5571
- Orsavova J, Misurcova L, Ambrozova JV, et al. Fatty acids composition of vegetable oils and its contribution to dietary energy intake and dependence of cardiovascular mortality on dietary intake of fatty acids Int J Mol Sci. 2015;16(6):12871-12890. doi:10.3390/ijms160612871
- Garavaglia J, Markoski MM, Oliveira A, et al. Grape seed oil compounds: biological and chemical actions for health Nutr Metab Insights. 2016;9:59-64. doi:10.4137/NMI.S32910
- Gitea MA, Bungau SG, Gitea D, et al. Evaluation of the phytochemistry-therapeutic activity relationship for grape seeds oil Life (Basel). 2023;13(1):178. doi:10.3390/life13010178
- Martin ME, Grao-Cruces E, Millan-Linares MC, et al. Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seed oil: a functional food from the winemaking industry Foods. 2020;9(10):1360. doi:10.3390/foods9101360
- Wang X, Jia Y, He H. The role of linoleic acid in skin and hair health: a review Int J Mol Sci. 2024;26(1):246. doi:10.3390/ijms26010246
- Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY. Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: ancient compounds now backed by modern science Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19(1):103-117. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- Burnett CL, Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils Int J Toxicol. 2017;36(3_suppl):51S-129S. doi:10.1177/1091581817740569
- European Commission. CosIng, entry VITIS VINIFERA SEED OIL (CAS 85594-37-2 / 84929-27-1 / 8024-22-4, CE 287-896-9 / 284-511-6). ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
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