Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

Vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract is primarily an antioxidant/soothing botanical used at low concentrations (often <1–3%) and is generally well tolerated, with low rates of irritant reactions in routine cosmetic use. However, as a polyphenol-rich plant extract, it can still trigger irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in a small subset of highly reactive or eczema-prone patients, especially when combined with other actives in a routine. Scoring it as gentle (0.3) reflects typical safety while acknowledging non-zero botanical sensitization risk. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on skincare (lotions, toners, cleansers), Vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract is commonly used as a label-claim antioxidant at very low levels (~0.001–0.05%), especially when supplied in diluted glycerin/propylene glycol carriers. Dedicated antioxidant/brightening serums and oil-phase treatments sometimes use substantially higher active loads, with observed consumer OTC formulas reaching ~1–5% when the extract is standardized or used as a primary featured active; higher levels are limited by solubility, color/odor impact, and stability rather than regulation. Rinse-off products typically sit toward the low end due to short contact time, while leave-on serums/creams account for the upper end.