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Blueberry Seed Oil
In brief: Blueberry seed oil is one of skincare's most pleasant surprises - a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil packed with antioxidants, omega fatty acids and natural vitamin E compounds that outperform standard tocopherols. It smells like actual blueberries (genuinely delicious), absorbs without greasiness, and suits all skin types including oily and acne-prone. We use virgin purple blueberry seed oil for its exceptional quality and sensory experience.
Quick Reference
INCI Name: Vaccinium Corymbosum (Blueberry) Seed Oil
Common Names: Blueberry seed oil, blueberry oil
Category: Carrier oil, antioxidant, emollient
Source: Natural - cold-pressed from the seeds of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Nubeean Approach: Virgin, unrefined purple blueberry seed oil - retaining full colour, aroma and nutrients
Skin Types Suited To: All skin types - dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature, acne-prone
Cautions: Generally very well tolerated. Patch test if you have known berry allergies.
What It Is
Blueberry seed oil is cold-pressed from the tiny seeds of blueberries - those same berries celebrated as a superfood for their extraordinary antioxidant content. It turns out the seeds concentrate many of those beneficial compounds into a lightweight, nutrient-dense oil that's genuinely exceptional for skin.
We use virgin purple blueberry seed oil, which means it's unrefined and retains its natural colour (a light purple-green tint) and its authentic aroma. And that aroma is something special - sweet, fruity, unmistakably blueberry. It's one of the most pleasant-smelling oils you'll encounter in skincare, making products genuinely enjoyable to use.
Beyond the sensory appeal, blueberry seed oil has a fatty acid profile remarkably similar to rosehip oil (another skincare favourite), but with higher levels of certain antioxidants and vitamin E compounds. It's a byproduct of the juice industry, which means using it supports a more sustainable approach to cosmetic ingredients - nothing wasted.
How It Works
Antioxidant protection. Blueberry seed oil is exceptionally rich in polyphenol antioxidants, including anthocyanins - the same compounds that give blueberries their deep colour and reputation as a superfood. These antioxidants help neutralise free radicals from UV exposure, pollution and other environmental stressors, protecting skin from oxidative damage that accelerates ageing.
Tocotrienol power. The oil contains a natural range of vitamin E compounds, with particularly high levels of tocotrienols and gamma-tocopherol. Research suggests these forms of vitamin E are actually more potent than the standard alpha-tocopherol found in most skincare products, providing superior protection against environmental stressors.
Essential fatty acid balance. Blueberry seed oil provides an excellent ratio of omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-9 (oleic acid) fatty acids. This balanced profile nourishes skin, supports barrier function and helps reduce transepidermal water loss — keeping skin hydrated without heaviness.
Blue light absorption. Emerging research shows blueberry seed oil can absorb high-energy visible (HEV) light, commonly known as blue light. While most sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB, they don't address blue light from screens and LED lights. Blueberry seed oil offers a natural layer of defence against this modern skin stressor.
Barrier support. High in phytosterols (plant compounds structurally similar to skin lipids), blueberry seed oil helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier, improving resilience and moisture retention.
The Fatty Acid Profile
Blueberry seed oil's composition explains why it works so beautifully across different skin types. Linoleic acid (omega-6) makes up the majority at around 40-53%, followed by alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) at 20-32% and oleic acid (omega-9) at around 15-22%. Smaller amounts of palmitic and stearic acids round out the profile.
This high linoleic acid content is particularly valuable. Linoleic acid is naturally present in healthy skin sebum, and research suggests people with acne-prone or oily skin often have lower levels. Oils high in linoleic acid help rebalance sebum composition without clogging pores - which is why blueberry seed oil suits oily and acne-prone skin despite being an oil.
The significant omega-3 content also sets blueberry seed oil apart from many carrier oils. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and help maintain skin plumpness and elasticity. They're less common in plant oils, making blueberry seed oil particularly valuable.
Benefits
Primary Benefits
Blueberry seed oil delivers powerful antioxidant protection against environmental damage including UV exposure, pollution and blue light. It moisturises without heaviness, absorbs quickly, and leaves skin soft and nourished rather than greasy. The omega fatty acid profile supports skin barrier health and helps maintain natural moisture balance.
Secondary Benefits
The high tocotrienol content provides vitamin E benefits that exceed standard supplements. The oil supports skin elasticity and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. Its pleasant aroma adds a genuine sensory benefit to skincare routines. Non-comedogenic properties make it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Skin Concerns Addressed
Blueberry seed oil is beneficial for premature ageing and fine lines, dull or tired-looking skin, dehydration and barrier compromise, oily or acne-prone skin seeking lightweight moisture, sensitive or irritated skin, and skin exposed to screens and blue light.
Who Benefits Most
All skin types. This is genuinely an oil that works for everyone. Its balanced fatty acid profile means it won't overwhelm oily skin or fall short for dry skin.
Oily and acne-prone skin. The high linoleic acid content helps balance sebum without clogging pores. If you've avoided facial oils thinking they'll make oiliness worse, blueberry seed oil might change your mind.
Mature skin. The potent antioxidants, omega fatty acids and natural vitamin E compounds support skin that's dealing with accumulated environmental damage and loss of elasticity.
Screen-heavy lifestyles. If you spend hours in front of computers, phones and tablets, the blue light absorption properties offer relevant modern protection.
Sensitive skin. Lightweight and non-irritating, blueberry seed oil is well tolerated by reactive skin types.
Anyone who values sensory experience. If you want skincare that smells genuinely lovely (without synthetic fragrance), virgin blueberry seed oil delivers.
How We Use It
Products Containing Blueberry Seed Oil
→ Blue Tansy Balm with Vitamin C and Blueberry Seed Oil combines blueberry seed oil's antioxidant benefits with calming blue tansy and stable THD-C vitamin C. The formula also includes olive squalane, Noosa Hinterland beeswax, jojoba esters and vitamin E — a comprehensive antioxidant treatment in a luxurious balm texture.
→ Blue Tansy Serum offers blueberry seed oil in a lighter format - paired with olive squalane, blue tansy essential oil and mixed tocopherols. This serum absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daytime use or for those who prefer lighter textures.
Using Our Blueberry Seed Oil Products
For the Balm: Apply to clean skin in the evening or as a treatment mask. The rich texture makes it ideal for delivering concentrated nourishment. A small amount goes a long way — warm between fingertips and press into skin.
For the Serum: Apply a few drops to clean, slightly damp skin morning or evening. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly and layers beautifully under other products or sunscreen. Can be used alone for a simple, effective routine.
A Note on Virgin Oil Quality
We specifically use virgin purple blueberry seed oil - unrefined and cold-pressed to preserve its full nutritional profile. Refined versions lose much of what makes the oil special: the colour fades, the aroma diminishes, and some of the delicate antioxidants degrade.
The virgin oil has a characteristic light purple-green tint and that distinctive sweet blueberry scent. These aren't added — they're natural markers that the oil retains its full complement of beneficial compounds. When you open a product containing our blueberry seed oil, that delicious fruity note is the real thing.
Usage Guidelines
Application
Apply to clean skin. Both our Blue Tansy Serum and Blue Tansy Balm can be used on face, neck and décolletage. A few drops of serum or a small amount of balm is sufficient.
Frequency
Suitable for daily use, morning and/or evening. The serum's lightweight texture makes it particularly good for morning routines; the balm works beautifully as an evening treatment.
What to Expect
Immediate: Soft, nourished skin without greasiness. The pleasant blueberry aroma fades naturally as the oil absorbs.
Over 2-4 weeks: Improved hydration, more balanced skin (particularly for oily types), and a healthier overall appearance.
Long-term: Cumulative antioxidant benefits supporting skin health and reducing visible signs of environmental damage.
What to Pair It With
Blueberry seed oil layers well with most actives. In our formulations, it partners beautifully with Blue Tansy for calming benefits and vitamin C for enhanced antioxidant protection. It works well under sunscreen for daytime routines.
Contraindications and Cautions
Blueberry seed oil is exceptionally well tolerated by most skin types. It's non-comedogenic, lightweight, and rarely causes sensitivity.
If you have known allergies to blueberries or other Vaccinium family plants, patch test before widespread use.
Store products away from direct light and heat to preserve the oil's antioxidant compounds. The virgin oil is more susceptible to oxidation than refined versions, which is why we pair it with vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) as a natural stabiliser.
Research and Evidence
A 2005 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry analysed cold-pressed berry seed oils and found blueberry seed oil contained significant levels of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) alongside a favourable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. The study also documented the oil's carotenoid and tocopherol content, confirming its antioxidant profile.
More recent research has demonstrated blueberry seed oil's ability to absorb high-energy visible (blue) light, offering a natural defence mechanism against HEV exposure from screens and environmental sources.
Blueberries themselves have been extensively studied for their antioxidant properties, with research consistently showing higher total antioxidant capacity than most other common fruits. While the seed oil is distinct from the whole fruit, it concentrates many of the same protective compounds.
Related:
→ Blue Tansy Oil ingredient page
→ Olive Squalane ingredient page
→ THD-C Vitamin C ingredient page
Australian made | Small batch | Clean formulation | Fragrance-free (naturally scented by virgin oils)