Extracted from blackcurrant seeds, this vegetable oil is widely used in cosmetic care. It has many properties for the skin and hair. Rich in antioxidants, it acts on skin aging while having a soothing action for sensitive skin thanks to its high content of omega-6 and omega-3. Allied to mature and sensitive skin, it is also ideal for damaged hair. Widely used in cosmetics, it is also appreciated from a nutritional point of view to strengthen the immune system but also for its cardio-protective effect. Latin name: Ribes nigrum. Part used: seeds.

This article was updated on 13/01/2023

Main properties

  • soothing :

    for sensitive and irritated skin thanks to the presence of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid, rare fatty acids. The omega-3 it contains acts on the inflammatory process and gives this oil the ability to reduce redness and calm skin prone to irritation. It will thus balance and nourish the skin.

  • softener :

    this vegetable oil restores elasticity and brings suppleness to the skin.

  • fortifying :

    this oil will revitalize and restore shine and vigor to damaged hair. It will also strengthen brittle nails.

  • anti-aging :

    rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blackcurrant oil is ideal for fighting the signs of skin aging. Vitamin E acts against free radicals, which helps restore strength and elasticity to the cell membrane.

  • anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant :

    blackcurrant oil will help stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation thanks to the omega-3 and omega-6 it contains.

  • cardiovascular protector :

    thanks to its composition of unsaturated fatty acids.

Characteristics and composition

Cosmetic features
  • Skin type: dry, all skin types, mature, sensitive.
  • Hair type: dry, brittle, weakened.
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance: thin oily liquid
  • Color: dark yellow to green
  • Odor: sweet, vegetal.
  • Touch: dry.
Characteristics for formulation
  • Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, squalene, phytosterols, sitosterols, triterpene alcohols.
  • Comedogenicity index: 2 (=low comedogenic)
  • Average saponification index: 190
  • Oxidation stability: sensitive
  • High temperature stability: sensitive
  • Inci name: ribes nigrum seed oil
Fatty acid composition
  • linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 40 to 50%
  • oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 10 to 16%
  • palmitic acid (AGS): 4 to 9%
  • stearic acid (SFA): 1 to 3%
  • linolenic acid (omega 3 PUFA): 10 to 17%
  • stearidonic acid: 2 to 4.5%
Physical characteristics
  • Density at 20°C: 0.910 to 0.930
  • Peroxide value: 15
  • Refractive index at 20°C: 1.475 to 1.485
  • Iodine index: 173 to 182
Botanical characteristics
  • Botanical family: Grossulariaceae
  • Country of origin: Germany, Poland.
  • Distilled part: seeds
  • Obtaining process: first cold pressing
  • Latin name: Ribes nigrum L.

Precautions for use

Authorized ways of use

Dermal Dermal

Authorized users

Adults and Teenagers Adults and Teenagers
Children under 6 years old Children under 6 years old
Pregnant & breastfeeding women Pregnant & breastfeeding women
Babies under 3 years old Babies under 3 years old

Storage

Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.

In case of Wrinkles, Mature skin

Efficiency: +++

Blackcurrant vegetable oil is mainly recognized for its anti-aging action, to fight against the appearance of wrinkles. Its use in cosmetics is justified by its richness in active compounds. antioxidants, vitamin E, phytosterols, triterpene alcohols, but also in essential fatty acids, including omega 3 and 6. Its antioxidant properties coupled with the regenerating power of fatty acids allow blackcurrant seed oil to fight against cellular aging. Applied daily to the face, at the level of eye contour, this oil leaves a dry touch and penetrates very easily and quickly. 

  • Application advice :

    massage a few drops of Blackcurrant oil morning and evening onto your skin.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    against wrinkles and to prevent skin aging, you can add a few drops of Rosat Geranium, Italian Helichrysum or Fine Lavender essential oil to your oil to increase its effectiveness.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    other vegetable oils can also be used to combat wrinkles like Apricot kernels, there Rosehip and especially the oil of Prickly Pear Seeds.

In case of Dry skin, Sensitive skin

Efficiency: ++

Numerous studies recall the anti-inflammatory properties fatty acids, particularly omega 3 and 6. Blackcurrant oil is very rich in them, more than 80%. This explains everything its interest in cosmetic care, both for the face, the body, and chapped lips. It helps to soothe sunburn, dryness, itching, redness caused by the cold and the wind, because the omega 3 it contains is involved in the body's anti-inflammatory process. 

  • Application advice :

    massage a few drops of Blackcurrant oil morning and evening onto your skin.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    in case of dry skin, vegetable oil Sesame is very nourishing just like that of Baobab or even the Shea Butter in case of intense drought.

In case of Dry hair, Brittle hair

Efficiency: ++

Blackcurrant vegetable oil is also used as a hair cosmetic. It has properties nourishing, softening, strengthening very useful for restoring shine to hair losing vitality, dry and brittle. It can be incorporated into pre- or post-shampoo treatments or even shampoo. 

  • Application advice :

    1 to 2 teaspoons of Cassis will be enough depending on the length of your hair, to be applied 30 minutes before each shampoo on the lengths and ends.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    if you want to enhance these revitalizing effects, do not hesitate to add a few drops of Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil (1-2 drops for a teaspoon of HV).

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    LawyerPlumShea ButterCocoBlackberry.

In case of'Brittle nails

Efficiency: ++

In the same way that it acts on hair or skin, blackcurrant oil can be useful for strengthening soft and brittle nails. 

  • Application advice :

    apply 1 to 2 drops of Blackcurrant oil on each nail, then massage until penetration. Repeat 2 to 3 times a week for better effectiveness.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    if you want to strengthen the effect of vegetable oil and have whiter nails, do not hesitate to add Lemon EO to your treatment (1% EO).

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

     the oils of BroccoliCamellia or Castor are also known to strengthen nails.

Was this article helpful to you?

  

Average grade: 4.7 ( 208 votes)

Bibliography

Publication: Bakowska-Barczak, A.M., Schieber, A., & Kolodziejczyk, P. (2009). Characterization of Canadian Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) Seed Oils and Residues. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57(24), 11528–11536. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf902161k

Publication: Wu, D., Meydani, M., Leka, L.S., Nightingale, Z., Handelman, G.J., Blumberg, J.B., & Meydani, S.N. (1999). Effect of dietary supplementation with black currant seed oil on the immune response of healthy elderly subjects. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70(4), 536–543. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/70.4.536

Publication: TAHVONEN, R., SCHWAB, U., LINDERBORG, K., MYKKANEN, H., & KALLIO, H. (2005). Black currant seed oil and fish oil supplements differ in their effects on fatty acid profiles of plasma lipids, and concentrations of serum total and lipoprotein lipids, plasma glucose and insulin. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 16(6), 353–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2005.01.004

Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.

Work : Pobeda, M. (2014). The benefits of vegetable oils: Learn to know them and use them for your health and beauty. Poessneck, Germany: Marabout.