Strawberry seed oil is made by crushing strawberry seeds and collecting the oil.
Strawberry seed oil is rich in nutrients, including essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, and has many benefits for your skin.
- What is strawberry seed oil?
- Where is the seed on a strawberry?
- How is strawberry seed oil made?
- What does strawberry seed oil smell like?
- What color is strawberry seed oil?
- What does strawberry seed oil feel like?
- What is composition of strawberry seed oil?
- Does strawberry seed oil clog pores?
- Summary
- References
What is strawberry seed oil?
INCI: Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Oil
Extraction Method: cold pressed, cold filtered
Appearance: light green to dark green oil
Texture: lightweight, easily absorbed into skin
Aroma: light, fresh, fruity aromatic oil
Strawberry seed oil is obtained by crushing strawberry seeds and collecting the oil.
Strawberry seed oil is cold-pressed from seeds that would otherwise go to waste in the juice industry and is considered a ‘zero waste’ seed oil.
Fruit seeds are a major by-products of the food industry, and creating new uses for them by converting them to value-added products helps to prevent their disposal as waste, and promotes sustainable production.
Strawberry seed oil is rich in essential nutrients, including essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants and has many benefits for your skin.
Where is the seed on a strawberry?
The “seeds" you see on the outside of a strawberry are called "achenes."
Each achene is technically a separate fruit that has a seed inside of it (Hancock,1999).
How is strawberry seed oil made?
Strawberry seed oil is typically made through a process called cold-pressing. Here's a general overview of how it is made:
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Harvesting: Ripe strawberries are picked and the seeds are extracted from the fruit. The seeds are then cleaned to remove any debris or impurities.
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Drying: The cleaned strawberry seeds are spread out in a thin layer and dried. This step helps to reduce moisture content, which is important for the cold-pressing process.
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Cold-Pressing: The dried strawberry seeds are subjected to a mechanical pressing method, usually involving a hydraulic press. The seeds are pressed at low temperatures, typically below 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). This cold-pressing method helps to preserve the nutritional and aromatic properties of the oil.
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Filtering: Once the seeds are pressed, the resulting oil is separated from the solid residue using filtration methods. This helps to remove any remaining impurities and solids, resulting in a clean and clear oil.
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Bottling and Storage: The extracted strawberry seed oil is then bottled in a suitable container, ensuring that it is protected from light and air exposure to maintain its freshness and quality. Proper storage conditions are important to prevent oxidation and maintain the oil's shelf life.
It's worth noting that the exact production process may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer or specific equipment used.
Additionally, some manufacturers may use different extraction methods, such as solvent extraction or supercritical CO2 extraction, although cold-pressing is a commonly used method for producing strawberry seed oil.
What does strawberry seed oil smell like?
Strawberry seed oil has a unique aroma that can be described as sweet, fruity, and reminiscent of freshly picked strawberries.
The oil carries the natural scent of strawberries, often described as a blend of sweetness and a slightly tart or tangy note.
The aroma of strawberry seed oil is pleasant and can evoke feelings of freshness and summertime.
The intensity and specific scent of strawberry seed oil may vary depending on the quality of the seeds, the extraction process, and any additional processing or refining steps involved in the production of the oil.
Cold-pressed, unrefined strawberry seed oil has the strongest aroma, whereas processed oil has a faint aroma.
What color is strawberry seed oil?
The color of strawberry seed oil depends on how the seeds are processed and how the finished oil is refined.
Cold-pressed, unrefined strawberry seed oil is a light green to dark green color.
Refined strawberry seed oil will have a golden yellow to clear color.
What does strawberry seed oil feel like?
Strawberry seed oil typically has a light and silky texture, making it pleasant to apply on the skin. It is lightweight and easily absorbed, without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. The texture is generally smooth, allowing for smooth application and even distribution on the skin.
When applied, strawberry seed oil imparts a moisturizing and hydrating sensation. It can leave the skin feeling soft, supple, and nourished. The oil absorbs relatively quickly into the skin, making it suitable for both facial and body use.
It's important to note that the texture of strawberry seed oil can vary slightly depending on factors such as the brand, extraction method, and any additional ingredients or formulations used in the product. However, in its pure form, strawberry seed oil is known for its lightweight and non-greasy texture, making it a favorable option for those who prefer lighter skincare products.
What is composition of strawberry seed oil?
Cold-pressed strawberry seed oil is packed with essential nutrients, including fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants (Pieszka et al, 2015).
Strawberry seed oil is composed of fatty acids:
- 44 - 55% linoleic acid C18:2 (n-6)
- 28 - 38% alpha-linolenic acid C18:3 (n-3)
- 8 - 16% oleic acid C18:1 (n-9)
- 2 - 6% palmitic acid C16:0
- 1 - 2.5% stearic acid C18:0
- 0.5% palmitoleic acid C16:1 (n-7)
Strawberry seed oil contains ~50% linoleic acid, the major essential n-6 fatty acid found naturally in our skin. Linoleic acid is a precursor for ceramides, which are bioactive lipids that play a role in keeping our skin barrier firm, smooth and healthy.
Learn more: What is Linoleic Acid? Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acid for Dry Skin
Strawberry seed oil contains 28 - 38% alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega 3 fatty acid that calms redness and irritation (McCusker et al, 2010).
Strawberry seed oil also contains 16% oleic acid and 0.5% palmitic acid, fatty acids which are found naturally in the protective outer layer of the skin, and help the skin retain moisture.
Strawberry seed oil is a rich source of vitamin E.
Strawberry seed oil has 0.58 mg/g of vitamin E. Strawberry seed oil contains tocopherols, with 0.49 mg/g gamma-tocopherol, 0.02 mg/g alpha-tocopherol and 0.06 mg/g delta-tocopherol. Strawberry seed oil also contains 0.008 mg/g gamma-tocotrienol (Pieszka et al 2015).
Learn more: Vitamin E for Skin
Strawberry seed oil is a rich source of antioxidants such as tocols, bioflavonoids and phytosterols (Pieszka et al, 2013).
Learn more: 5 Benefits of Strawberry Seed Oil for Your Skin
Does strawberry seed oil clog pores?
Strawberry seed oil is considered a non-comedogenic oil, which means it is generally less likely to clog pores compared to oils with higher comedogenic ratings. However, individual skin reactions can vary, so it's important to consider personal factors such as skin type and sensitivity.
Non-comedogenic oils like strawberry seed oil are often lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, which reduces the likelihood of pore blockage. They can also provide moisturizing benefits without causing excessive oiliness or acne breakouts.
That being said, everyone's skin is unique, and it's possible for individuals to have different reactions to various skincare products, including oils. If you have particularly sensitive or acne-prone skin, it's recommended to perform a patch test before using strawberry seed oil or any new product extensively on your face. Apply a small amount of the oil to a small area of your skin and observe for any adverse reactions for at least 24 hours.
If you have concerns about using strawberry seed oil or any other skincare ingredient, it's always advisable to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific skin needs.
Summary
Strawberry seed oil is made by crushing strawberry seeds and collecting the oil.
Strawberry seed oil is cold-pressed from seeds that would otherwise go to waste in the juice industry and is considered a ‘zero waste’ seed oil.
Strawberry seed oil is rich in nutrients, including essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, and has many benefits for your skin.
Strawberry seed oil makes an excellent ingredient in skin care because it can deeply moisturize the skin without causing greasiness or clogging pores.
Like other berry seed oils, strawberry seed oil is ideally suited for use in facial serums, lip balms, and eye creams.
References
Aaby, K., Skrede, G., & Wrolstad, R. E. (2005). Phenolic composition and antioxidant activities in flesh and achenes of strawberries (Fragaria ananassa). Journal of Agricultural and Food chemistry, 53(10), 4032-4040.
Ariza, M. T., Reboredo-Rodríguez, P., Mazzoni, L., Forbes-Hernández, T. Y., Giampieri, F., Afrin, S., ... & Mezzetti, B. (2016). Strawberry achenes are an important source of bioactive compounds for human health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(7), 1103.
Hancock, J. E. (1999). Fruiting and postharvest physiology. Strawberries.
Ligęza, M., Wyglądacz, D., Tobiasz, A., Jaworecka, K., & Reich, A. (2016). Natural cold pressed oils as cosmetic products. Family Medicine & Primary Care Review, 18(4), 443-447.
Mildner-Szkudlarz, S., Różańska, M., Siger, A., Kowalczewski, P. Ł., & Rudzińska, M. (2019). Changes in chemical composition and oxidative stability of cold-pressed oils obtained from by-product roasted berry seeds. Lwt, 111, 541-547.
McCusker, et al. Healing fats of the skin: the structural and immunologic roles of the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Clin Dermatol. 2010 Jul-Aug;28(4):440-51.
Pieszka, M., Migdał, W., Gąsior, R., Rudzińska, M., Bederska-Łojewska, D., Pieszka, M., & Szczurek, P. (2015). Native oils from apple, blackcurrant, raspberry, and strawberry seeds as a source of polyenoic fatty acids, tocochromanols, and phytosterols: A health implication. Journal of Chemistry, 2015.
Pieszka M, Tombarkiewicz B, Roman A, Migdał W, Niedziółka J. Effect of bioactive substances found in rapeseed, raspberry and strawberry seed oils on blood lipid profile and selected parameters of oxidative status in rats. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2013 Nov;36(3):1055-62.
Raczyk M, Bryś J, Brzezińska R, Ostrowska-Ligęza E, Wirkowska-Wojdyła M, Górska A. Quality assessment of cold-pressed strawberry, raspberry and blackberry seed oils intended for cosmetic purposes. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2021 Apr-Jun;20(2):127-133.
Sikora E, Michorczyk P, Olszańska M, Ogonowski J. Supercritical CO2 extract from strawberry seeds as a valuable component of mild cleansing compositions. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015 Dec;37(6):574-8.
Symoniuk, E., Wroniak, M., Napiórkowska, K., Brzezińska, R., & Ratusz, K. (2022). Oxidative stability and antioxidant activity of selected cold-pressed oils and oils mixtures. Foods, 11(11), 1597.
Takeda S, Shimoda H, Takarada T, Imokawa G. Strawberry seed extract and its major component, tiliroside, promote ceramide synthesis in the stratum corneum of human epidermal equivalents. PLoS One. 2018 Oct 9;13(10):e0205061.
Author Information
Dr. Natasha Ryz is a scientist, skin care expert and an entrepreneur. She is the founder of Dry Skin Love Skincare, and she creates skincare products for beauty, dry skin and pain relief.
Dr. Ryz has a PhD in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and she is a Vanier scholar. She also holds a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Natasha is the former Chief Science Officer of Zenabis Global, and she oversaw cannabis extraction, analytics, and product development. Her team brought 20 products to market including oils, sprays, vapes and softgels.
Why I Started A Skincare Company