We live in an age where the pursuit of wellness is at an all-time high. From plant-based foods to waste-reducing reusable products, we care more than ever about not just what we’re putting into our bodies, but the impact our lifestyle has on our planet. And that’s a good thing! For those of us who care about (read: are obsessed with) having healthy, glowing skin, using natural, eco-friendly products is a top priority. Enter zero-waste fruit seed oils: high-quality, nutrient-rich oils derived from the otherwise discarded seeds of fruits and vegetables.
So, What Are They Exactly?
Fruit seed oils are the hidden gems of the skincare world. Sourced from waste by-products from the juice, jam, and jelly industries, oils are extracted from seeds to be used in various beauty products. Think of them as liquid diamonds: luxurious, created under pressure, and incredibly valuable.
How Are They Made?
Upcycling is the ultimate form of eco-friendly production, as you’re taking a material that was intended for waste, and extracting further value from it. For this reason, zero-waste fruit seed oils are leading the way in sustainable beauty. They're also a testament to the old adage, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”
Step 1: Seed Collection - After the fruits are used by the juice, jam, and jelly industry, the wasted seed by-product is harvested. This not only repurposes what would be waste but also diminishes the environmental impact associated with waste decomposition.
How Does Their Production Contribute to a Sustainable Ecosystem?
You may be thinking, “They’re easy to make - that’s great! But how do they help the environment?” We’re glad you asked.
They require minimal processing: Fruit seed oils, being naturally rich and potent, often require less processing and fewer additives than many conventional oils. Fewer processing stages mean less energy consumption and reduced emissions.
They reduce waste: In the broader beauty ecosystem, utilizing these seeds actively reduces organic waste. When seeds are left to decompose, they produce methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. By converting these seeds into oils, we're actively diverting waste from landfills and reducing potential methane emissions.
They help bolster the agricultural industry: By creating a demand for fruit seed oils, farmers and producers find additional revenue streams. This can potentially lead to sustainable farming practices as the whole fruit, including its seed, holds economic value.
But What About Other Plant-Based Skin Oils?
While oils like coconut, almond, and jojoba have long held the beauty spotlight, fruit seed oils are emerging as sustainable frontrunners. Here's why:
They require no additional resources to produce: Traditional oil sources, like almonds, can require vast amounts of water. On the other hand, fruit seed oils are by-products of fruits already grown for consumption, maximizing utility and minimizing waste.
They’re nutrient-rich: Fruit seed oils often possess higher concentrations of nutrients than their counterparts, making them both powerful and efficient in skincare.
How Can Fruit Seed Oils Improve My Skin?
Zero-waste fruit seed oils pack a serious punch! They’re rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that provide a multitude of benefits to your skin. They’re also light on your skin, deeply nourishing, and gentle, making them a suitable option for all skin types. Here are a few of our favourites and the Rejuvaform products you can find them in:
Blueberry Seed Oil: Protects and restores the skin to prevent premature aging. Alpha-linolenic and linolenic acids, along with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, restore the skin’s natural barrier for better protection. Vitamin C & E’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and soothe irritated skin, and proanthocyanidins work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, essential in the fight against aging.
Where you can find it:
Blueberry Brightening Face Cream
Papaya Seed Oil: Enzymes help break down dead skin cells, and high amounts of Vitamin E and antioxidants combat oxidative stress, leading to the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, brighter complexion.
Where you can find it:
Papaya Glow Face Oil
Passion Fruit Seed Oil: Using essential fatty acids, specifically oleic and linoleic acid, skin is nourished and moisturized, preventing dryness and promoting hydrated, silky smooth skin. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which improves skin’s elasticity to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Where you can find it:
Passion Fruit Nourishing Face CreamRestorative Hand and Body Cream
Strawberry Seed Oil: Fatty acids hydrate the skin to reduce dryness and promote skin that’s soft and silky. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and ellagic acid, skin is protected against oxidative stress and free radicals to promote youthful-looking skin.
Where you can find it:
Finding skincare ingredients that maximize health benefits while supporting our delicate ecosystem can be a challenge. Thankfully, zero-waste fruit seed oils elegantly bridge this divide. Not only do they feed and nourish your skin, they set a gold standard in sustainability. Whether you prioritize eco-friendly products, or just need something that works, you can’t go wrong with zero-waste fruit seed oils.
Are there fruit seed oils you swear by that didn't make our list? We’d love to hear about them! Comment below to share.