Oilology: Red Raspberry Seed Oil

The berry is deliciously good for us, the oil is amazing for our skin and a tea tonic can even be made from the leaves - red raspberry is truly a wonderful plant with numerous health benefits. And red raspberry seed oil is a firm customer favourite; let’s find out more about this powerhouse oil.

What is Red Raspberry Seed Oil?

Considered to be one of the more ‘luxury’ oils along with the likes of pomegranate seed oil,  argan oil, rosehip, marula, etc, red raspberry seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the raspberry plant of the Rosaceae family. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, carotenoids, and antioxidants such as alpha linoleic acid (highest content out of all the fruit oils), phytosterols which assist with rashes, eczema and psoriasis, and elegiac acid which reduces collagen depletion and inflammatory response. 

Conditioning, moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich, red raspberry oil helps improve the skin’s natural elasticity, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. A high antioxidant count fights the signs of damage and aging from the sun and pollution, and helps regenerate skin cells. It is excellent for any skin type and is non comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Red raspberry is also a very stable oil, having a shelf life of two years or more.

Red raspberry helps strengthen and condition the hair and scalp. It adds moisture and shine to dry or damaged hair. To use in your hair, massage into hair strands and scalp and leave to soak in for 20 minutes then wash out.

Why is Red Raspberry in Sunscreen?

Red raspberry is often found in the ingredients list of natural sunscreens and is commonly referenced to have inherent sun protection qualities. A study from 2000 which you can read here, found that crude red raspberry seed oil can absorb some UVB and UVC rays and scatter UVA rays to an extent, thereby providing a degree of sun protection. Please note however, that red raspberry oil was not tested  in vivo  or  in vitro  which are required for SPF specifications. We therefore don’t recommend using red raspberry as a stand-alone sunscreen, but it can definitely be added to other natural sunscreen formulas for greater efficacy.

Using Red Raspberry Seed Oil

Red raspberry oil is easily added to any facial serum, body cream, balm or shampoo; simply mix 3-4 drops into the formula. For hair, apply directly to split ends by rubbing your palms through your hair strands, or for scalp, massage in well, leave for 20 minutes then wash out.

Try the recipes below for the ultimate in luxury natural face care.