How Cranberry Seed Oil Benefits the Skin – A Topical Superfood

How Can Cranberry Seed oil Benefit the Skin?

One of the most noted attributes of cranberry seed oil is its balanced ratio of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. This balance of omega fatty acids makes cranberry seed oil very hydrating, without being greasy. Cranberry seed oil absorbs well into the skin, without clogging pores.

Cranberry seed oil:

• Is high in Vitamin E and Omega 3, 6, and 9 essential fatty acids.
• Has a light and pleasant scent.
• Absorbs quickly into the skin.
• Is rich in phytosterols, phospholipids, tocotrienols, and tocopherols.
• Improves skin elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
• Is excellent for dry, cracked, itchy, scaly, and irritated skin.
• Can be used on baby's sensitive skin.
• Is a fantastic option for acne prone skin.

Attributes of Cranberry Seed Oil

Balanced Omega Fatty Acids

Cranberry seed oil has equal amounts of omega 3, 6, and 9, providing an optimal balance of fatty acids to the skin.

Linoleic Acid (an omega 6 fatty acid) provides moisture and plumpness to the skin without a heavy, greasy feeling. It fortifies the skin's protective barrier, helping to mitigate damage by UV rays and pollutants. It also helps lighten sun-induced hyperpigmentation.

Oleic Acid (an omega 9 fatty acid) is a heavier feeling fatty acid than linoleic acid. It absorbs deeply into the skin, benefiting dry and aging skin types. Oleic acid is a penetration enhancer, increasing the permeability of the skin.

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (an omega 3 fatty acid) helps the skin retain moisture, regulates oil production, and maintains elasticity. Topical application of omega-3 fatty acids lessens UV-induced photodamage, external signs of aging, and anti-inflammatory skin responses.

High Vitamin E Content

Cranberry seed oil has an average Vitamin E content of 237.77mg/100g - Source

Cranberry seed oil is high in tocopherols and tocotrienols, potent forms of Vitamin E. These compounds act as strong antioxidants, helping the skin repair from environmental damage and protecting the skin from photodamage due to UV exposure. 

Superb Source of Antioxidants

Cranberry seed oil contains one of the highest antioxidant and phytosterols content of any of the vegetable/fruit oils.

Cranberry seed oil is rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. These protective agents help prevent and reverse UV-induced skin damage. They also reduce inflammation and irritation in the skin.

Polyphenols in cranberry seed oil include phenols from the proanthocyadin and catechin groups. Proanthocyadins can help reduce UV damage to the skin, and catechins are the group of polyphenols found in green tea. Catechins are excellent at countering environmental stressors that lead to aging in the skin, such as loss of firmness, and the development of wrinkles and fine lines.

7 Topical Benefits of Cranberry Seed Oil

Firms Skin and Improves Elasticity

Because cranberry seed oil is rich in antioxidants and Vitamins E and A, it helps to firm the skin and boost collagen production. 

Reduces Age Spots and Pigmentation

The antioxidant activity of cranberry seed oil can help diminish pigmentation caused by sun exposure.

Great for Blemished Skin

Cranberry seed oil contains a significant amount of Vitamin A, making it a good choice for acne or blemished skin.

High Absorbancy 

Cranberry seed oil is lightweight and absorbs readily into the skin due to its balanced omega fatty acid content.

Provides Hydration

Omega fatty acids present in cranberry seed oil lock in moisture, providing soft and plump skin.

Soothes Sensitive Skin

Compounds in cranberry seed oil help reduce skin inflammation and irritation. It helps strengthen the skin's protective barrier and helps ease itchiness and scaly or flaky skin.

Great for the Scalp and Hair

Essential fatty acids help fight off dandruff while also fortifying and moisturizing the scalp and hair. This non-greasy oil is perfect for adding to the hair to increase shine and manageability.

Processing Cranberry Seed Oil

When looking for the best processing method of your oils, we always recommend cold-pressed. During the cold-pressed process, raw materials are slowly masticated or stirred, which encourages the oil to separate from the solid parts; once this happens, pressure is applied, forcing the oil out.

Although the friction from cold-processing does cause some heat, the oil is never heated high enough to cause damage to the nutrients and chemical structure that make up its potency.

You want to avoid solvent-extracted cranberry seed oil, as residual hexane content can cause skin irritation. 

What to Look for in a High-Quality Cranberry Seed Oil

To get the best quality oil it is best to stick with cold-pressed oil. Although organic is preferred, a high-quality non-organic oil can be just as effective. 

I especially love Berry Beautiful's Pure Cranberry Seed oil for it's excellent quality.