This is a really special organic, cold-pressed, unrefined pure oil that is very anti-inflammatory, full of antioxidants, has a mild natural sunscreen effect, repairs the skin barrier, locks moisture in, increases collagen, calms and nourishes the skin. Comes in a beautiful Italian glass bottle that looks fab on your bathroom shelf.

It has a unique very high (~80%) fatty acid profile of Omegas 3, 6 and 9 and is very rich in healing Vitamin A and E. It's more anti-inflammatory than most other oils, so is very soothing to inflamed or irritated skin, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, sunburn etc. It is easily absorbed, quite a thin oil but packs a powerful punch. It's non-greasy, very moisturising and healing partly because of the high nutrient values but also because it creates a protective lipid barrier on the skin's surface. Most skin issues involve a break down of the skin barrier so this is a good oil for repair and protection generally.

Smells slightly sweet and fruity - a bit cucumber-y to me! Cheap varieties have no smell (or nutrients!) as they have been refined.

In a study conducted in 2000, Raspberry Seed Oil was shown to have SPF (Sun protection factor) of between 28 and 50 for UVB rays and 8 for UVA rays. However, more recent studies have suggested that the sun protection could be much lower. For this reason, the oil is often added to natural sun creams and is a great oil to wear underneath your normal sunscreen to prevent UV damage and stimulate skin cell repair. I can't guarantee any SPF, of course, so do use other sunscreens as well, but I tested it myself last year and I found it really helped. I am only a study of one, of course! It actually helped fade a large sunspot on my face too, so bonus!

How to Use

You can use it as it is on your skin - just a few drops is enough. I will send a little dropper top as well so you can do this easily.

Or, you could add 5-10% into a normal cream, lotion, oil or balm to increase anti-inflammatory effect and give some sun protection - alongside normal sunscreens, preferably, to guarantee sun protection, please. You could also add some zinc oxide powder to boost sun protection if needed. Check ND out for some good natural sunscreens here. I can make you a bespoke product if you like, just email me and ask.

I would say about 50/50 with another oil would work well too. Good oils to combine it with depends what you want to do, but calendula or jojoba would both be good. All beautiful nourishing, anti-inflammatory oils.

Tip: Beware of poorer quality refined ones, by the way - there seem to be a lot about; you get what you pay for with these things. The point of this oil is its massive antioxidant effect - the older, cheaper, waste, refined varieties just will not have the same effect.

Comes in a beautiful Italian glass bottle. External use only. Keep cool and not in direct sunlight. Patch test before use as always and avoid if you have any related allergies.