Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is obtained from the seeds of Vitis vinifera, the common wine grape. It is often a byproduct of winemaking because the seeds are normally discarded after pressing. It is valued for its high concentration of oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs, a class of antioxidant polyphenols studied for their strong free-radical-scavenging ability compared with many other botanical antioxidants.

The proanthocyanidins in grape seed extract neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. Some research also suggests they may help preserve collagen and elastin integrity by inhibiting enzymes that break down these structural proteins, in addition to their direct antioxidant activity. This combination of protection and preservation explains why the extract appears in anti-aging formulas, not only in general antioxidant serums.

For anyone building an antioxidant- and anti-aging-focused routine who wants a potent botanical antioxidant alongside more familiar options such as green tea.

Concentration, standardization and extraction method all affect performance. Position in the INCI list provides only general guidance and does not by itself indicate the amount of active compounds.