Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil

Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus

Aroma: Powerful scent of raspberries

Method of Extraction: Cold Pressing of the seeds

Country of Origin: USA

I first tried this oil because I had an idea that I could make fruit soaps using these oils and dehydrated, powdered fruit. If you are also having that thought, let me stop you wasting time and money. It was disastrous. The powders went brown by the time the soap was made and smelt more like oxidised or expired powders than the fresh fruit I'd hoped for. It was an instance where I could understand why people use synthetic alternatives! The oil, however, is incredible and smells bright and fresh and, unsurprisingly, of raspberries.

As well as being brilliant for massages, I have found it divine in serums. A friend remarked of the Winter Goddess Facial Serum that he could not believe it wasn't synthetic. I think my experience is a great example of how, when something is used in the right way (Raspberry oil in serums), you get all the power and beauty of its natural components, but, when it isn't (in soaps) you do not.

Finally, if you are interested in research about this oil, this review cites several papers showing its ability to support healthy skin. It naturally contains sun protective compounds in addition to its beneficial antioxidants meaning skin is protected from the sun and oxidative damage is reduced. Overall, it's a great oil for skin health and smells good enough to eat - although, to be clear, that's not recommended (though, if you make your own toothpastes, you could add this one for aroma and flavour).