Pomegranate seed oil is a luxurious oil that has remarkable benefits for hair and skin. It’s also a great companion to DIY formulations or used on its own in your beauty regimen.
In the world of natural oils, there are so many excellent plant oils for hair, body, and face and I’ve featured over 40 of them on Natural Oils for Hair and Beauty.
The star of today’s article is pomegranate seed oil, a soothing and deeply nourishing oil for hair and skin that’s rich in essential fatty acids.
What is Pomegranate Seed Oil?
Pomegranate, Punica granatum, seed oil is cold-pressed from the sun-dried seeds of the pomegranate fruit.
Cold-pressing preserves all the nutrients and vitamins in the oil protecting it from heat.
Pomegranate is regarded as one of nature’s super fruits and is commonly referred to as “The Fruit of Life”.
In fruit form, pomegranate seeds are used in juices, smoothies, salads and are the main ingredient in this delightful chocolate and pomegranate dessert.
Authentic pomegranate seed oil has a thin consistency and ranges in color from pale to golden yellow. In some cases, it may also be light to dark orange.
Fast fact – It takes more than more than 200 pounds of pomegranate seeds to produce 1 pound of pomegranate seed oil
9 Pomegranate Seed Oil Benefits for Hair and Skin
1. Anti-Aging Vitamin C Content
Pomegranate seed oil has a massive vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content. Vitamin C fights harmful free radicals in the skins and helps smoothen out fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C also helps fades the appearance of scars and brightens the skin over time.
2. Anti-Aging High Vitamin A Content
In addition to vitamin C, pomegranate seed oil also boasts vitamin A (retinol), another anti-aging antioxidant that fades away signs of premature aging.
3. Punicic Acid (Omega 5) Stimulates Collagen Production
Punicic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found exclusively in pomegranate seed oil.
It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties according to this International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research study.
Punicic acid boosts collagen production and prevents premature aging.
4. Anti-Aging Ellagic Acid
Ellagic acid is a polyphenolic compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This compound also contributes to the anti-aging effects of pomegranate seed oil.
Fast fact – The antioxidant potential of pomegranate juice is more than that of red wine and green tea.
5. Delivers Intense Hydration to Skin
According to this study, the antioxidant content of pomegranate seed oil can assist with reducing the incidence of dry, flaky skin.
Additionally, the concentration of omega-6 fatty acids in pomegranate seed oil delivers intense hydration to the skin.
6. Emollient Properties
The palmitic acid contained in pomegranate seed oil provides emollient properties for hair and skin.
It softens and prevents the loss of moisture from hair and skin. Pomegranate seed oil is great to use with a wash and go.
7. Strengthens Hair
The high vitamin A content in pomegranate seed oil strengthens hair and rejuvenates dry and damaged hair.
8. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
The vitamin C content in pomegranate seed oil aids in healthier hair growth. Vitamin C also prevents premature greying of hair, as well as weak, brittle and thin hair.
9. Great for DIY Beauty Projects
Pomegranate seed oil contains stearic acid, which makes it an ideal emulsifying agent that binds water and oil.
Stearic acid also has cleansing effects and can help remove excess sebum from hair and skin. A great addition to shampoos and cleansers.
6 Ways To Use Pomegranate Seed Oil
1. Hydrating Skin Serum
You can use pomegranate seed oil in a DIY serum. Have a look at DIY Argan Oil and Pomegranate Oil Moisturizing Serum for a nifty multi-use recipe.
This serum softens, refreshes, and hydrates dry skin. However, you can customize it to your needs.
2. Scar and Blemish Treatment
To improve the appearance of scars, and blemishes, mix pomegranate seed oil with rosehip seed oil and apply a few drops after cleansing for best results.
3. Relief from Sun Damage
Add a few drops of pomegranate seed oil to your regular sunscreen to boost protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
In this 2001 study, it was found sunscreen was up to 20% more effective when combined with pomegranate seed oil.
Note – do not replace sunscreen with pomegranate seed oil. It’s not effective sunscreen protection on its own.
4. Body Massage Oil Blend
Add pomegranate seed oil to a massage oil blend to help relieve sore muscles related to inflammation.
For more on DIY body massage blends, read 7 Amazing Homemade Body Massage Oil Recipes. You can customize the recipes according to your needs.
5. Use for Oil Cleansing
You can use pomegranate seed oil for the oil cleansing method. For more on this, read A Comprehensive Guide to Oil Cleansing.
6. Wash and Go
Apply a few drops of pomegranate seed oil to your hair before diffusing for amazing wash-and-go results.
For more on this, read Boost Your Wash and Go Results with Pomegranate Seed Oil.
And feel free to add 1 teaspoon of pomegranate seed oil to your shampoo and deep conditioner on full regimen day.
Essential oils you can use with pomegranate seed oil include lavender essential oil, geranium essential oil, and neroli essential oil.
More Ways to Get Benefits of Pomegranates
You can also get the benefits of pomegranate seeds by drinking pomegranate smoothies. Add 3 tablespoons to your smoothie recipe.
Add to salads. Pomegranate seeds, quinoa, and cabbage make a powerful combination for a salad.
Pomegranate Seed Oil Side Effects
Topical application of pomegranate seed oil is generally well tolerated but if you’re allergic to pomegranate fruit, you should avoid pomegranate seed oil.
Additionally, if you’re going to ingest pomegranate seed oil, do so in minimal quantities only. Large consumption can cause stomach upset, hypotension, and skin inflammation.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid ingesting pomegranate seed oil at all.
Best Pomegranate Seed Oil for Hair and Skin
My top pomegranate seed oil recommendations include Bella Terra Oils Pomegranate Seed Oil, Eve Hansen Pomegranate Seed Oil, and Nature’s Leaf Pomegranate Seed Oil.
You can find them on Amazon | Ulta Beauty | iHerb (worldwide shipping). You can also get pomegranate seed oil from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Pomegranate Seed Oil Products for Hair
- Aveda Nutriplenish Collection – 100% vegan formulas for instant hydration
- Aveda invati advanced intensive hair and scalp masque
- Mielle Pomegranate and Honey Collection
- Olaplex Nº.7 Bonding Oil
- Alikay Naturals Pomegranate Passion Hair Elixir
- As I Am Long & Luxe Pomegranate & Passion GroHair Oil
For more pomegranate seed oil products for hair, head over to Best Pomegranate Seed Oil Products for Dry & Damaged Hair.
Pomegranate Seed Oil Products for Skin
- Aveda tulasāra calm concentrate
- Aveda feed my lips pure nourish-mint lipstick
- Aveda feed my lips pure nourish-mint lip gloss
- Estée Lauder Nutritious Super-Pomegranate Radiant Energy 2-in-1 Cleansing Foam
- Augustinus Bader The Face Oil
- Mad Hippie Antioxidant Face Oil
- Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Bath Oil
- Cuccio Naturale Revitalizing Cuticle Oil Pomegranate and Fig
- HEMPZ Pomegranate Herbal Body Moisturizer
FAQs About Pomegranate Seed Oil
Is Pomegranate Seed Oil Non-comedogenic?
Pomegranate seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1. This means it’s unlikely to block pores.
It’s one of my top recommendations in 30 Non-Comedogenic Oils for Oily Skin.
Is Pomegranate Seed Oil Edible?
Pomegranate seed oil is edible but ensure you buy the edible-grade version if you’re going to be cooking with it.
Personally, I have never come across edible pomegranate seed oil. The brands on the market are usually for topical use.
Is Pomegranate Seed Oil an Essential Oil?
Pomegranate seed oil is a carrier oil. However, essential oil can be steam distilled from the flowers, leaves, and bark of the pomegranate plant.
What Does Pomegranate Seed Oil Smell Like?
Authentic pomegranate seed oil has a very light fruity smell which is barely noticeable. It does not smell like pomegranates.
Final Word on Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate seed oil is a potent addition to your skin and hair care regimen which is why it’s such a popular ingredient in commercial products.
It’s great for addressing premature aging issues, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, dry hair, and scalp. Use it on its own or buy products with this oil as a star!
Pin it for Later – Best Benefits & Uses for Pomegranate Seed Oil
References
- Pomegranate seed oil: A comprehensive review on its therapeutic effects
- Potent health effects of pomegranate
- Sun Screen Efficacy of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) and Citrullus colocynthis (Indrayani) Seed Oils
Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
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