Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil

_Rubus idaeus_ (raspberry) seed oil is a plant-derived emollient ingredient that offers many antioxidant-based benefits for skin. Unlike other emollient plant oils, this seed oil has a lightweight texture. _Rubus idaeus_ seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acids. Fatty acids primarily work as emollients, preventing water loss and improving hydration; however, they also have skin-soothing and barrier-restorative properties; for example, linoleic acid is required for skin to make its own ceramides, which comprise 50% of its barrier. This seed oil also contains a multitude of antioxidant compounds like vitamin E and vitamin A, which helps protect skin from pro-aging external aggressors and helps reduce the appearance of signs of aging (wrinkles, sun damage, fine lines). Due to _Rubus idaeus_ seed oil’s protective nature against UV rays, clean and natural beauty circles have come to laud it as an alternative to mineral and synthetic sunscreens. Although this ingredient does offer protection against UV rays, research has proven that it is minimal at best. A study conducted in 2021 on the SPF rating of plant oils revealed that _Rubus idaeus_ seed oil had a measly SPF of 2.6 in vivo. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends usage of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30. Simply stated, _Rubus idaeus_ seed oil alone isn’t an adequate source of UV protection nor is it an FDA approved sunscreen filter. Using this ingredient alone or in DIY sunscreen mixtures will not provide nearly enough protection. Seek out approved sunscreen filters, like titanium dioxide and avobenzone, for appropriate UV ray protection. As a raw material, _Rubus idaeus_ seed oil presents as a yellow liquid. In cosmetics, this ingredient is commonly used at concentration levels between 0.1% and 5.0%. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has deemed this ingredient as safe.

Related ingredients: Black Raspberry Raspberry Seed Extract