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Have you heard of Raspberry seed oil? If not you are in for a pleasant surprise about this plant’s skin benefits.
I love raspberries. I have a nice big patch growing by my house. I always know summer is coming to an end when we go out and pick our raspberries.
It was only recently that I learned about the skin benefits of raspberry seed oil. It doesn’t surprise me that this relative of roses would have such amazing skin benefits. I was reading about natural sun protection oils and learned that red raspberry seed oil could have an SPF as high as 50!
Raspberry Seed Oil is Best For
- Eczema
- Itchy or scaly skin
- Psoriasis
- Acne or blemished skin
- Irritated skin
- Baby skin
- DIY recipes such as lotions, soaps, skin and hair care.
Vitamin E
Red Raspberry seed oil has a high Vitamin E content:
- Alpha Tocopherol: 12.6mg/100g
- Gamma Tocopherol: 19.4mg/100g
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, it reduces skin damage and mops up free radicals that contribute to skin-aging.
Natural Sun Protection
A study done in the year 2000 showed that red raspberry seed oil has UV protection comparable to titanium dioxide. It found that raspberry seed oil can shield against UVA-induced damage by scattering as well as absorption.
The SPF value was found to be 28-50 for UVB rays, and 6.75 – 7.5 for UVA rays. UVB rays are the rays that cause sunburn. UVA rays are what contribute to aging and skin cancer.
Raspberry seed oil should not replace your sunscreen until we know more about its UV blocking abilities. Until then, it is an excellent oil to use under your daily sunscreen.
Packed with Carotenoids
Carotenoids are strong antioxidants that play a crucial role in the health of our skin. They inhibit UV damage and stimulate cell repair.
The carotenoid content of red raspberry seed oil is 23 mg/100 g of oil.
83% Essential Fatty Acids
Red raspberry seed oil contains a high amount of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids as well as Omega 9 fatty acids:
- Oleic Acid (omega 9) 11.7%
- Linoleic acid (omega 6) 52-56%
- Alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3) 29-33%.
Oleic Acid Skin Benefits
- protects the skin from the sun
- penetrates the skin very well, bringing moisture deep into the skins surface
- promotes wound healing
- reduces inflammation and repairs the skin
- is found in our own skin’s sebum
- richer and heavier, seals in moisture
- great for dry skin
Linoleic Acid Skin Benefits
- used as an anti-inflammatory
- retains moisture
- effective in cell regeneration
- heals the skin barrier
- is an Omega oil that our body cannot produce on it’s own
- lighter and thinner, will nourish and protect without being too heavy
- great for oilier skin, may not moisturize enough for very dry skin
Anti-Inflammatory
Red raspberry seed oil has been shown to have exceptional anti-inflammatory properties that are superior to avocado oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, and wheat germ oil (source).
Ellagic Acid
The compound Ellagic Acid, which is present in red raspberry seed oil, has been shown to reduce the destruction of collagen as well as protect against Ultraviolet damage from the sun (source). It may also prevent skin cancer.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols offer antioxidant activity that prevents skin damage, encourages healthy skin growth, and may protect against cancer. Phytosterols promote new collagen production, leading to healthier, younger-looking skin.
Other Benefits
- Effectively moisturizes the skin, improves elasticity, reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
- Regenerates skin cells.
- Has a strong antioxidant content, reducing and repairing damage from the sun and the elements.
- Has a long shelf of 2 years.
- Heals, strengthens and conditions the hair and scalp.
- Prevents moisture loss in the hair, adds shine.
- Helps mend split ends.
How to Use Raspberry Seed Oil
For Face
Use a few drops morning and night. It is a non-greasy and non-oily moisturizer that absorbs very well. Mix a few drops with your makeup remover or facial cream. Add some to your face masks or lip balms.
For Hair
Add 2-3 drops to your shampoo or conditioner or just use a few drops on your ends or scalp.
For Body
Mix a few drops with your body lotion, sunscreen, or bath or shower gel. Use a few drops mixed into your body oil, or use it on its own as a body oil.
What do you think about red raspberry seed oil? Do you have any DIY recipes to share?
Yours In Beauty,
Andrea
References:
I was really surprised to read that these raspberry seeds actually protect skin from the sun – really amazing stuff!
I like anything that removes the need for short term chemicals ( i.e. short term use of sun cream in short periods! )
Was also amazed to see the levels of Omega-6 and Omega-3 within them!
Great article – do you use them for your skin yourself?
Thanks for stopping in Chris!
Yes I do use raspberry seed oil on my skin, it is one of the oil’s in the facial oil I am currently using.
Red raspberry seed sure is a powerhouse! Many seed oils are just so amazing for the skin.
I don’t know if there is a pill you could take to consume this oil, I wouldn’t take one even if it was available, I would rather just eat raspberries!
Yes, The Detox Market is an online shop that sells high-quality organic and natural skin care and makeup.
Thanks so much for stopping in Jason 🙂
Hi Andrea! I like your blog about raspberry seed oil. People will get to know the benefits of this oil to their skin. I’ve been using this oil for a long time, and I can say that it really protects my skin from harmful sunlight especially during summer days. I recommended this oil to my family and friends, and they are really satisfied as well with the result of this oil.
Awesome to hear!
Hi Andrea,
Very interesting and informative article. I never knew that raspberry seed oil is good for our skin. I love any berries and consume them quite a lot actually. I am especially fond of blueberries actually.
For our skin, though, does it have to be raspberries and not blueberries or strawberries?
Yuko
Thanks for your question Yuko,
I love berries too, I have a big raspberry and strawberry patch in my garden.
I am sure that all berry seeds would have benefits to the skin. I have never heard of strawberry or blueberry seed oil, but I wouldn’t doubt that we will see them in skin care some day soon!
I loved reading your post on organic skin care, I think the skin is one of the most important organs on the human body, not only for protection from external elements and organisms but also for temp regulation and attracting the opposite sex, but most of the products out there are made with harsh chemicals that destroy the skin, I think it’s awesome that you’re pointing us the right direction, looking forward to reading more of your posts
You are so very welcome!
I love that it protects from the sun!
I actually don’t like raspberries (I know crazy!), so finding out that the seed oil could work for sun protection and that it’s natural is a huge bonus. I get huge reactions to moisturizers with SPF, even the derm brands. My face and neck itch and get all blotchy.
I really have to try something like this.
Thank you so much for the information.
Awesome! I am glad to have helped you Catherine 🙂 That sucks that you react to SPF, maybe the titanium dioxide or the zinc oxide is the culprit. A hat and long sleeve shirts work well if you can’t wear sunscreen, or getting a gradual tan will keep you from burning 🙂
I’ve never heard of raspberry seed oil before, and am happy to see it has so many benefits in skincare! I’m definitely going to try it – thanks!
Does it come only on its own like the product you suggest, or is it used as an ingredient in other skincare products?
You can get raspberry oil on it’s own or you can get it in facial oil blends. It is an ingredient in one of my favorite facial oils: Laurel Whole Plant Organics Antioxidant Serum.
Hello, thanks for introducing raspberry seed oil. I am a big fan of raspberries, but I did not know that it can be used as sunscreen. Interesting.
It looks that this oil has anti -inflammatory properties. Vitamin A can help in cases such as eczema or psoriasis.
What is most important that it is a strong antioxidant.
I wonder how it can work as protection from sun?
Anyway, it has a lot great abilities and I would to hear from your visitors, if they used this oil to protect skin from sun rays.
Thank you, all the best, Nemira.
Raspberry seed oil works as a sunscreen by scattering and absorbing UVA, UVB and UVC rays. It has a SPF of 28 – 50 for UVB rays and a SPF of 6 – 8 for UVA rays. I haven’t tested it to see if it helps me avoid a sunburn. I should test it out this coming summer!
I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about organic and natural skin care options, but this is one oil I haven’t looked into! This looks amazing, and I’ll bet it smells great too. Thank you for listing all the benefits so clearly. I love the fact that it has sun protection, too. I live in Florida, and while i try and always wear a visor, knowing i have a good skin protectant on underneath is critical.
It is such a lovely oil, definitely one of my favs. It has a sweet scent that is just so nice, and it really sinks into your skin well. I truly love this oil!
I have chronically dry skin, however oils with too much Oleic acid will break me out, even those with a 0 rating like Argan. I am hoping Raspberry will work well.
That is interesting to hear James. Maybe you are using too much oil? Only use 3-4 drops. And maybe try putting your oil on a damp face, so that you don’t use as much (it spreads easier).
Have you tried jojoba oil? It is very different from other skin oils and might be a better fit for you.
Let us know how the raspberry seed oil works!
Hi Andrea, i wonder if this oil save for pregnancy and breastfeeding mother ?
Hi Becky, I assume the oil is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, but I am not 100% sure. Probably best to ask your doctor 😀
Hello…just curious if this oil can be applied direct to the face as it is or does it have to be diluted in another product, or carrier oil?
Hi Naomi, it can be applied all on its own, no need to dilute 🙂
Hello, could you please describe how does this oil smell like? Because I just bought this here in my country, it smells like bubble gum. Thank you.
It does have a sweet smell, almost like hay or grass.
Raspberry seed oil makes a nice addition to sunscreen products, due to its reported sunscreen qualities, along with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating benefits. It is also a popular addition to anti-aging products.
How would you rate this oil to cacay oil when comparing them by the same 7 benefits?
Hi Linda, good question. Cacay oil is high in vitamin E, though I can’t find anywhere that tells me how much it contains. Cacay oil does not offer sun protection as far as I know, and I am unsure of the carotenoid content. The fatty acid content of cacay oil is:
C14:0 Myristic 0.1%
C16:0 Palmitic 9.12%
C16:1 Palmitoleic 0.1%
C18:0 Stearic 3.03%
C18:1 Oleic 12.66%
C18:2 Linoleic 68.04%
C20:0 Arachidic 0.4%
What sets Cacay oil apart from other oils is its natural retinol content. I am unsure if it contains ellagic acid like raspberry seed oil.
I need to write an entire article on cacay oil, to better cover the topic, so stay on the lookout for that. Hopefully, the info I have provided will help you out for now!
Thank you for taking the time to find the info for me. I’ll be sure to look out for that article 🙂