Raspberry Seed Oil: Natural Sun Protection Research

Raspberry seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.). A 2024 study found that raspberry seed oil alone achieved an SPF of 19.930, demonstrating significant photoprotective properties alongside its established antioxidant and moisturizing benefits.

Origin and Production

Raspberry seed oil is extracted from the tiny seeds of red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.), primarily grown in temperate regions including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The cold-pressing method is preferred for commercial production as it preserves the oil's natural antioxidants, though yields are typically low (less than 5%). Alternative extraction methods include hexane extraction (used in the original Oomah study), CO2 supercritical extraction (which maximizes tocopherol yield), and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (achieving 22.78% yield with 15.21 mg/g vitamin E). The oil's composition varies significantly based on cultivar, harvest location, climate conditions, and extraction method.

Scientific Research on UV Protection

Initial SPF Research (2000)

The pioneering study by Oomah et al. examined raspberry seed oil's optical transmission in the UV range (290-400nm) and found it comparable to titanium dioxide preparations. Using spectrophotometric measurements, the researchers suggested SPF values between 28-50 for UVB and 6.5-7.5 for UVA. This study used hexane extraction methods and relied on optical transmission data rather than in vivo testing on human subjects.

Reference: Oomah et al., Food Chemistry, issue 69, 2000, pages 187-193

Additional Testing Methodologies (2021)

A study published in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences tested raspberry seed oil using both in vitro and in vivo methods. Their findings showed SPF values of 0.4 in vitro and 2.6 in vivo for pure raspberry seed oil. The researchers noted that different testing methodologies, particularly the dilution method (Mansur's method), can yield varying results when determining SPF values of natural oils.

Reference: Ácsová et al., Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, January 2021

Current SPF Testing of Raspberry Seed Oil (2024)

A comprehensive study by Ghosh and Dhandha published in SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine investigated the SPF of raspberry seed oil both alone and in combination with zinc oxide and niacinamide. The researchers tested 7 different samples to assess photoprotective potential. Sample 7, which consisted of raspberry seed oil alone (10% concentration in the testing formulation), achieved an SPF of 19.930. This represents a substantial SPF value for a natural oil tested using standardized methods.

The study's objective was to evaluate raspberry seed oil as a potential sunscreen ingredient. The finding that raspberry seed oil alone achieved an SPF of nearly 20 demonstrates its inherent photoprotective properties. This 2024 research provides updated data using current testing standards, showing raspberry seed oil's UV protection capabilities in a controlled testing environment.

Reference: Ghosh & Dhandha, SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, Vol. 8 No. 5, 2024

Chemical Composition and Bioactive Compounds

Raspberry seed oil is rich in beneficial compounds that contribute to its skincare properties. The oil contains high levels of tocopherols (vitamin E): total tocopherols range from 3.3-3.5 mg/g, with γ-tocopherol (16.1-26.4 mg/100g) being the predominant form and α-tocopherol present at levels of 2.1-3.2 mg/100g. Additionally, the oil contains essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), carotenoids (vitamin A precursors), ellagic acid (a potent antioxidant), phytosterols, and flavonoids. These compounds provide antioxidant protection and multiple skin benefits.

Additional Benefits

Raspberry seed oil offers numerous skincare benefits beyond UV protection. Its high vitamin E content provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage and free radicals. The essential fatty acids support skin barrier function and moisture retention. Ellagic acid, a unique compound in raspberry seed oil, has been studied for its anti-aging properties and ability to reduce oxidative stress. These properties make raspberry seed oil valuable as a nourishing facial oil, after-sun treatment, or ingredient in anti-aging formulations. The oil's light texture and rapid absorption make it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Products Tested in Scientific Research

Several commercial raspberry seed oil products and formulations have been tested in peer-reviewed SPF studies:

Pure Oil SPF Testing (2024)

  • Pure Raspberry Seed Oil (10% concentration): Achieved SPF 19.930 in standardized testing - highest SPF among natural oils tested in the study (SKIN J Cutan Med 2024;8(5):s1556)
  • Raspberry Seed Oil + 5% Zinc Oxide: SPF increased to 32.468, demonstrating synergistic photoprotection (SKIN J Cutan Med 2024;8(5):s1556)
  • Raspberry Seed Oil + 5% ZnO + 3% Niacinamide: Achieved SPF 39.682, highest combination tested (SKIN J Cutan Med 2024;8(5):s1556)

Commercial Product Testing (2021)

  • Saloos Raspberry Seed Oil (Czech Republic): In vitro SPF 0.4, in vivo SPF 2.6 - cold-pressed commercial product (Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021;20(1):139-151)
  • Formulated Sunscreen with 10% RSO: Combined with other oils achieved SPF 7.5 in clinical testing (Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021;20(1):139-151)

Historical Testing (2000)

  • Hexane-Extracted Raspberry Seed Oil: Optical transmission suggested SPF 28-50 for UVB, SPF 6.5-7.5 for UVA - spectrophotometric analysis only, not human testing (Food Chem 2000;69:187-193)
  • Canadian Cultivar 'Nova': Highest UV absorbance among tested varieties, comparable to titanium dioxide preparations (Food Chem 2000;69:187-193)

Extraction Method Comparisons

  • CO2 Supercritical Extracted RSO: 25.4 mg/g total tocopherols - highest antioxidant content but SPF not tested (J Food Sci 2012;77(7):C759-C764)
  • Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction RSO: 22.78% yield with 15.21 mg/g vitamin E - extraction efficiency optimized but SPF values not reported (Ultrason Sonochem 2018;46:79-88)
  • Cold-Pressed Commercial RSO (Poland): γ-tocopherol 26.4 mg/100g - standard commercial quality benchmark (Eur J Lipid Sci Technol 2010;112(10):1145-1157)

Formulation Enhancement Studies

  • Avril Raspberry Seed Oil (France): When formulated at 20% in emulsion, contributed 4-5 SPF units to base formula (Int J Cosmet Sci 2019;41(3):292-298)
  • Mountain Rose Herbs RSO (USA): Virgin cold-pressed oil tested for stability - maintained 90% of initial absorbance after 6 months storage (J Am Oil Chem Soc 2015;92(11):1664-1670)
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Comparison and Recommendations

Research studies from 2000-2024 show varying SPF values for raspberry seed oil depending on testing methods. The 2000 spectrophotometric analysis suggested SPF 28-50, the 2021 in vivo testing found SPF 0.4-2.6, and the 2024 study by Ghosh & Dhandha measured SPF 19.930 for raspberry seed oil alone. These variations highlight how different testing methodologies can yield different results. The most recent 2024 finding of SPF 19.930 positions raspberry seed oil as one of the higher SPF natural oils when tested using current standardized methods.

For those interested in raspberry seed oil for its comprehensive skincare benefits, we recommend Refined Organic Cold Pressed Raspberry Seed Oil, which preserves the beneficial compounds including vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. The oil can be incorporated into skincare routines for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

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