Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, plant-based oils have unique compositions loaded with skin nutrients that nourish and replenish the skin. These natural oils have the ability to protect against free radical damage, improve moisture levels, control breakouts and much more.
Let’s explore our favourite five oils for glowing skin that deserve a place in your skincare routine.
1. Broccoli Seed Oil
We use broccoli seed oil in our popular Vitamin C + Bakuchiol Serum for its protective and regenerative effects. This is the perfect oil for you if you are beginning to see visible signs of aging because it's a rich source of vitamin A, which speeds up skin cell renewal. Studies show broccoli seed oil also contains a sulforaphane, a compound that produces antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from UV-related damage.
This oil also has a unique fatty acid profile that is super high in omega-9 which helps to maintain moisture levels and improve elasticity resulting in healthy, glowing skin.
2. Melon Seed Oil
Melon seed oil is an incredibly lightweight and fast-absorbing oil with a “dry”, silky touch. It is high in linoleic acid which helps to regulate excess sebum, making it an ideal option for those with combination, oily and blemish-prone skin. It's naturally rich in antioxidants that help to combat fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
This study showed that the application of Kalahari melon seed oil resulted in reduced TEWL (trans epidermal water loss), increased moisture retention, and improved skin elasticity.
You can also enjoy the skin glow benefits of melon seed oil with our Vitamin C + Bakuchiol Serum.
3. Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Due to the meticulous extraction method, prickly pear seed oil is one of the most expensive and rarest skin oils on the planet. Approximately one million seeds and 36 hours of work are required for a single litre of this oil.
Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, prickly pear seed oil is one of our favourite oils for glowing skin. It’s a fast-absorbing “dry” oil recommended for the maintenance of oily and blemish-prone skin. Rich in omega-6, an essential fatty acid that helps to regulate sebum production, maintain moisture, and promote cell renewal without clogging the pores.
Antiviral and antibacterial properties target acne-causing infections known to spread throughout the tissue. While the anti-inflammatory benefits of prickly pear seed oil calm and soothe irritation and redness.
4. Grape Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is an indisputable beauty elixir for glowing skin. Rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, that help to shield against environmental aggressors and fortify the skin barrier. This oil has a super lightweight, non-comedogenic texture making it suitable for all skin types.
The unique benefit of grape seed oil is that it contains a polyphenol compound called resveratrol, which has been shown to stimulate collagen production, improve moisture content, smooth fine lines and minimise pigmentation marks and stubborn scars.
5. Safflower Seed Oil
Next on the five oils for glowing skin list, is safflower seed oil. Part of the thistle family, the safflower plant is a drought-resistant annual that boasts a long history and long list of benefits.
Safflower seed oil is prized for containing five different types of fatty acids, and it has been proven to be very versatile. High in linoleic acid, the oil extracted from safflower seeds provides emollience, helps to combat blemishes, soothes and improves skin texture. It's suitable for all skin types.
Gabrielle Richens is Krī's skincare consultant and content editor, a veteran model-turned-NVQ-qualified skin therapist, and an online skin coach.