As the evenings draw in and the heating goes on, skin starts asking for a bit more. Faces feel tight, hands get dry, and scalps get flaky. Customers start reaching for richer, comfier products, and that's where blackcurrant seed oil shines.
It's one of the most interesting oils on our shelves, and this autumn we'd love you to try it. Spend over £85 and we'll add a free 50ml bottle of Refined Blackcurrant Seed Oil to your order. That's plenty for a few test batches.
Here's everything you need to know to put it to work.
What is blackcurrant seed oil?
Blackcurrant seed oil (INCI: Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil) is pressed from the tiny seeds of the blackcurrant berry. Those seeds are usually left over after the fruit has been juiced, so it's a lovely use of a by-product.
What makes it special is its fatty acid profile. Our refined grade contains 15% GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), a fairly rare omega-6 fatty acid. Only a handful of oils carry it in useful amounts. Blackcurrant also brings omega-3 ALA and stearidonic acid, so you get a well-rounded mix of essential fatty acids in one bottle.
In the bottle it's a clear gold-yellow with a neutral scent. It feels light and silky rather than heavy.
Why small makers love it
- Comfort for dry, tight skin. GLA and the other essential fatty acids help support the skin's natural barrier and keep moisture in. That's exactly what autumn and winter skin needs.
- Light, fast-absorbing feel. It sinks in without a greasy finish, so it works in facial oils as well as body products.
- A gentle choice for sensitive skin. It's a popular pick for products aimed at dry, sensitive or easily irritated skin.
- Great for scalp and hair. A few drops in a scalp oil or hair serum help condition dry scalps and add softness and shine to lengths.
- A strong story on the label. "GLA-rich blackcurrant seed oil" sounds premium, and customers increasingly look for it.
Blackcurrant seed oil vs black seed oil: not the same thing!
This catches a lot of people out, and it's one of the most searched questions about this oil. Blackcurrant seed oil comes from the seeds of the blackcurrant berry (Ribes nigrum). Black seed oil comes from Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin. They're completely different plants with very different oils.
| Blackcurrant Seed Oil | Black Cumin Seed Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| INCI | Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil | Nigella Sativa Seed Oil |
| Standout feature | 15% GLA plus omega-3 | Rich in thymoquinone |
| Scent | Neutral (refined) | Strong, peppery and herbal |
| Best for | Facial oils, sensitive skin, scalp care | Balms, hair oils, bold botanical blends |
The good news is that you don't have to choose. Our Black Cumin Seed Oil is also in the Autumn Collection, and the two work beautifully together in hair and scalp oils.
Refined or cold-pressed: which is better for makers?
Cold-pressed blackcurrant seed oil is lovely, but it has a fruity, earthy scent and a strong colour, and it oxidises quickly. Ours is refined, which gives you a few practical advantages:
- A neutral scent. It won't fight with your essential oils or fragrance.
- A consistent colour from batch to batch.
- Better stability. GLA-rich oils can go rancid faster than most, and refining helps them hold up on the shelf.
To get the best shelf life, add vitamin E (tocopherol) at around 0.5% and store your oil somewhere cool and dark.
How to use blackcurrant seed oil
These are typical starting points to adjust to your own formulas:
- Facial oils and serums: 5–20% of the oil phase
- Creams and lotions: 2–5% of the oil phase
- Body oils: 5–10%, blended with a lighter carrier oil
- Scalp oils and hair serums: 5–15%
- Balms and butters: 2–5%, added as the blend cools so the GLA isn't overheated
It pairs beautifully with other oils in the Autumn Collection: Rosehip for a glow-boosting facial oil, Pumpkin Seed and Plum for rich, nourishing body blends, and Oat for extra-soothing products.
Try it: Autumn Comfort Facial Oil (50ml)
This recipe is made for your free bottle.
- 10ml Refined Blackcurrant Seed Oil
- 15ml Rosehip Seed Oil
- 14ml Plum Oil
- 10ml Oat Seed Oil
- 0.5ml vitamin E (tocopherol)
- 0.5ml essential oil, e.g. a touch of Ginger (optional, and keep it low for facial use)
Combine everything in a clean glass beaker, stir gently and decant into a 50ml dropper bottle. Use 3–4 drops on damp skin at night. Remember that any product you sell needs a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) before it goes on sale.
A quick word on claims
You'll see blackcurrant seed oil linked to eczema all over the internet. If you're selling products, be careful how you word things. Under UK cosmetics regulations, a cosmetic can't claim to treat, cure or prevent a medical condition. Claims like "treats eczema" belong to medicines.
You can still talk confidently about what it does for skin. Phrases like "nourishes dry, sensitive skin," "helps support the skin barrier" and "suitable for dry and eczema-prone skin" (if your product is genuinely gentle) keep you on the right side of the rules.
Get your free 50ml bottle
Blackcurrant seed oil is one of those ingredients that's easy to love once you've tried it. Now's the perfect time.
Spend over £85 and we'll pop a free 50ml bottle of Refined Blackcurrant Seed Oil in your order. Browse the full Autumn Collection for warming oils, waxes and spices, or shop Blackcurrant Seed Oil in sizes from 50ml to 5kg.
We can't wait to see what you make. Tag us in your autumn creations!
Blackcurrant Seed Oil FAQs
What is blackcurrant seed oil?
Blackcurrant seed oil (INCI: Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil) is pressed from the seeds of the blackcurrant berry. It's prized in skincare for its GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) content. Our refined grade contains 15% GLA, alongside omega-3 fatty acids.
Is blackcurrant seed oil the same as black seed oil?
No. Blackcurrant seed oil comes from the blackcurrant berry (Ribes nigrum). Black seed oil, also called black cumin seed oil, comes from Nigella sativa. They're different plants with different fatty acid profiles, scents and uses. You'll find both in our Autumn Collection.
What is blackcurrant seed oil good for in skincare?
It's a light, fast-absorbing oil that helps nourish dry skin and support the skin's natural barrier. Makers use it in facial oils, serums, moisturisers, body oils, balms, scalp treatments and hair serums.
Is blackcurrant seed oil good for eczema-prone skin?
It's a popular choice in products for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin because it's gentle and rich in essential fatty acids. If you sell your products, remember that cosmetics can't claim to treat or cure eczema or any other medical condition. Stick to wording like "nourishes dry, sensitive skin".
Is blackcurrant seed oil good for hair?
Yes. It's a lovely addition to scalp oils and hair serums at around 5–15%. It helps condition dry scalps and adds softness and shine to lengths. It also pairs well with black cumin seed oil in hair blends.
Is blackcurrant seed oil comedogenic?
It's generally considered low on the comedogenic scale and is light enough for facial oils. As with any ingredient, patch-test your finished formula, especially for oily or blemish-prone skin.
What's the difference between refined and cold-pressed blackcurrant seed oil?
Cold-pressed oil keeps a fruity scent and a stronger colour. Refined oil has a neutral scent, a consistent colour and better stability, so it's easier to formulate with. GLA-rich oils can oxidise quickly, so add vitamin E (around 0.5%) and store them cool and dark.
Where can I buy blackcurrant seed oil in the UK?
You can buy Refined Blackcurrant Seed Oil (15% GLA) from INKY Ingredients in sizes from 50ml to 5kg. For a limited time, spend over £85 and get a free 50ml bottle with your order.
