Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Also known as Grape Seed Extract, Vitis vinifera seed extract, Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE)
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
The CIR Expert Panel assessed Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract as Safe (S, no qualifying conditions) as part of a 2014 Vitis vinifera group safety assessment covering ~25 grape-derived ingredient preparations (Final Report IJT 33(Suppl. 3):48-83, 2014). The seed extract is distinguished from grape skin (resveratrol-rich) and grape juice (sugars/organic acids) by its concentration of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs / procyanidins B1-B5) — 60-70% of the plant's polyphenols are concentrated in the seeds. Topical application studies demonstrate UV-photoprotection (PMID 22103910: GSPE pre-treatment reduced sunburn cells and mutant p53-positive epidermal cells while preserving Langerhans cells in an acute sunburn model) and dermal wound healing support via VEGF transcriptional upregulation (PMID 12374620: topical GSPE accelerated wound contraction and closure in vivo).
Antioxidant: oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs / procyanidins B1-B5) are potent free-radical scavengers — the seed concentrates 60-70% of total grape polyphenols
UV photoprotection: topical GSPE pre-treatment reduces UV-induced sunburn cells, mutant p53-positive epidermal cells, and preserves Langerhans cells
Dermal wound healing: topical GSPE accelerates wound contraction and closure via VEGF transcriptional upregulation in keratinocytes
CIR-assessed safe (S) in cosmetic use without qualifying conditions — 2014 group safety assessment, IJT 33(Suppl. 3):48-83
Plant: Vitis vinifera L. (European grape), family Vitaceae; seed extract is distinct from skin extract (resveratrol-rich) and fruit/juice preparations (sugars + organic acids) — the seed-specific positioning is on antioxidant claims via OPC content
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 33(Suppl. 3):48-83, 2014
“Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract S IJT 33(Suppl. 3):48‐83, 2014”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 582