We include products we think are useful. If you buy through links on this page, we earn a small commission
When it comes to skin care, facial oils are all extremely popular right now. And for good reason! They can provide your skin with the nourishment and protection it needs to stay healthy and look its best. Blackcurrant seed oil in particular is loaded with essential fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid, and alpha linolenic acid which make it an extremely beneficial oil for healthy skin. Black currant seed oil skin benefits include reducing fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and boosting collagen production. It’s also an excellent oil for dry skin or mature skin types. If you’re looking for an oil to add to your natural skin care routine, black currant seed oil is a great option.1
Blackcurrant oil has a long history of use for both its culinary and medicinal properties. The blackcurrant, or Ribes nigrum, is a shrub that’s native to parts of northern Europe and Asia. The small berries of the blackcurrant bush are dark purple or black in color and have a tart, tangy flavor. They’ve been used in jams, jellies, and syrups for centuries. The oil from blackcurrant seeds has also been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, dry eyes, joint pain, and high blood pressure.2
Related: Why You Should Be Using Camu Camu Beery Extract For Skin
The health benefits of black currant extract come from its chemical compounds, anti-inflammatory properties, and potent antioxidant properties that play an important role in our overall health. The immune system, blood vessels, and skin tissues are particularly vulnerable to damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals and protect our cells from damage.3
Blackcurrant seed oil is a natural source of antioxidants and gamma linolenic acid. When it comes to skin cells, gamma-linoleic acid helps to reduce inflammation and keep skin cells plump and hydrated. This essential fatty acid can also help to repair the skin barrier, which is the natural barrier that helps to protect our skin from environmental damage and keep moisture in. Blackcurrant seed oil is also a good source of alpha-linolenic acid, another essential fatty acid that our body needs for healthy skin.4
With the high GLA, high vitamin c content, and healthy amounts of stearidonic acid, black currant seed oil is perfect for chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. When applied to the skin, black currant seed oil can help to reduce inflammation, calm irritated skin, and restore the natural barrier function of the skin. It’s also been shown to boost collagen production and fight free radical damage. All of these properties make black currant seed oil an excellent choice for your skin’s health.5
18 Black Currant Seed Oil Skin Benefits
1. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
During the aging process, our skin cells produce less collagen, which leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidant properties of black currant seed oil help to fight free radical damage and promote collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.6
2. Evens Out Skin Tone
Black currant seed oil is rich in GLA, an essential fatty acid that helps to regulate skin cell turnover. This means that it can help to even out your skin tone by preventing the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. The gla content of this high quality plant oil can also help to reduce inflammation and calm irritated skin.7
3. Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen is the main structural protein in our skin that gives it its strength and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. The antioxidants in black currant seed oil help to fight free radical damage and promote collagen production, which can help to keep your skin looking young and healthy.8
Related: How to Stimulate Collagen Production with Shiitake Mushroom
4. Fights Free Radical Damage
Speaking of free radicals, these unstable molecules can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases and issues like heart disease, heart attacks, cancer, and diabetes. The antioxidants in black currant seed oil help to neutralize free radicals and protect our cells from damage. For skin, oxidative stress can cause inflammation, wrinkles, and premature aging.9
5. Reduces Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of black currant seed oil can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the skin. This plant oil is rich in GLA, an essential fatty acid that helps to reduce inflammation and keep skin cells plump and hydrated.10
6. Prevents and Treats Acne
Acne-prone skin is often inflamed and has a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface. The GLA content of black currant seed oil helps to reduce inflammation and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. The amount of vitamin C in black currant seed oil helps to boost collagen production and fight free radical damage, both of which can help to prevent and treat acne.11
Related: How You Can Use Hickory Bark For Acne Relief
7. Soothes Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions that are characterized by dry, inflamed skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of black currant seed oil skin benefits can help to soothe eczema and psoriasis flare-ups and restore the natural barrier function of the skin.12
8. Moisturizes Dry Skin
Black currant seed oil gets soaked in our skin quickly, which makes it a powerful and effective moisturizer. The omega-3 fatty acids and GLA help to hydrate and nourish dry skin, while the vitamin C helps to fight free radical damage.13
9. Heals Damaged Skin
The omega-3 fatty acids in black currant seed oil help to repair damaged skin cells and promote cell regeneration. We all have those hard-to-reach places on our bodies, like our elbows and feet, that seem dry and unappealing. The moisturizing and healing properties of black currant seed oil can help to bring life back to these neglected areas.14
10. Reduces Under-Eye Circles
The anti-inflammatory properties of black currant seed oil skin benefits can help to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles, while the omega-3 fatty acids help to keep skin cells plump and hydrated.15
11. Reduces Dark Marks and Scars
The healing properties of black currant seed oil can help to reduce the appearance of dark marks and scars. The vitamin C helps to boost collagen production, while the GLA helps to reduce inflammation. Because it is antibacterial and full of vitamin A, black currant seed oil can also help to prevent acne scars.16
12. Firms and Tones Skin
The antioxidants in black currant seed oil help to fight free radical damage and promote collagen production, which can help to keep skin firm and toned. The omega-3 fatty acids and GLA help to hydrate and nourish skin, while the vitamin C helps to boost collagen production.17
13. Protects Against Sun Damage
The antioxidants in black currant seed oil help to fight free radical damage, while the omega-3 fatty acids help to keep skin cells plump and hydrated. The vitamin C helps to boost collagen production and protect against sun damage. Black currant seed oil skin benefits also include protection against harmful UV rays.18
14. Prevents Premature Aging
The antioxidants in black currant seed oil help to fight free radical damage, while the omega-3 fatty acids and GLA help to keep skin cells plump and hydrated. Not to mention the vitamin E and C in black currant seed oil, which help to keep skin looking young and radiant.19
15. Treats Dry, Itchy Scalp
Black currant seed oil skin benefits are definitely not limited to the face. The anti-inflammatory properties of black currant seed oil can also help to soothe an itchy, dry scalp. The linolenic acids in black currant seed oil help to hydrate and nourish the scalp, while the GLA helps to reduce inflammation.20
16. Adds Shine to Dull Hair
The omega-3 fatty acids in black currant seed oil can help to add shine to dull hair. Frizzy hair can also benefit from the moisture-locking properties of black currant seed oil.21
17. Prevents Hair Loss
The omega-3 fatty acids in black currant seed oil help to keep hair follicles healthy and prevent hair loss. The GLA also helps to reduce inflammation, which can lead to hair loss.
18. Promotes Hair Growth
The omega-3 fatty acids and GLA in black currant seed oil help to promote hair growth. Your scalp will also benefit from the moisture-locking properties of black currant seed oil.
19. Improves Nails
If you have brittle nails, the omega-3 fatty acids in black currant seed oil can help to strengthen them. The high concentration of vitamin C in black currant seed oil can improve the health of your nails and prevent them from breaking.
The best way to reap the benefits of black currant seed oil is to apply it directly to your skin or hair. You can also add a few drops to your favorite skin care products or conditioner. There are also supplements available that contain black currant seed oil. Our favorite brand:
Black currant seed oil is a natural and nourishing way to improve the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. The antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins in black currant seed oil help to fight free radical damage, hydrate and nourish skin cells, and promote collagen production. Black currant seed oil skin benefits include reducing the appearance of under-eye circles, dark marks, and scars. Black currant seed oil can also help to prevent premature aging, treat dry scalp, add shine to dull hair, and promote hair growth.