The Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil for Skincare (Topical Use)

Pomegranate has been trusted for centuries to heal and protect the skin. What began as ancient wisdom across different cultures is now backed by science, revealing a powerful oil that calms inflammation, supports regeneration, and strengthens the skin barrier.

Historical Uses

The pomegranate is an everlasting symbol of beauty and fertility. In Greek mythology, pomegranates were associated with Aphrodite. In ancient Persia it was applied to treat skin problems and wounds. Traditional Chinese Medicine texts from the Han Dynasty document pomegranate’s medicinal use. Ayurveda and Unani medicine use various parts of the plant to soothe inflammation and promote healing of the skin. Modern science has begun to confirm what these ancient cultures knew intuitively…

Scientific Studies on Skin Benefits

Studies examined pomegranate seed oils (PSO) benefits effects on skin hydration, regeneration, aging, and healing. Here are the key findings:

1. Pomegranate seed oil stimulates the production of new skin cells. Specifically the outer layer of your skin called the epidermis. This means it regenerates damaged skin,  creates a stronger skin barrier against environmental stressors and leads to a more youthful appearance.1

2. PSO has an extreme ability to calm inflammation in the skin. A 2023 observational study showed that a cream containing pomegranate seed oil extract significantly reduced.2

• cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) – an enzyme that drives inflammation, and reduced nitric oxide, a pro-inflammatory mediator.2

• Lipid peroxidation: fats going rancid when reacting to oxygen.Yes, this happens in your skin too.2

This anti-inflammatory effect can benefit conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, helping to reduce redness and swelling.

Volunteers with inflamed skin (calloused, irritation, redness) saw improvements after applying pomegranate oil cream for a few weeks 3

1. Stops the breakdown of collagen: a study found PSO literally stops enzymes that breakdown collagen and elastin fibers  (collagenase (MMP-1) and elastase).2

2. PSO improves wrinkles. The growth of new cells soften the appearance of fine lines and textural roughness, and when combined with other plant extracts synergistically firm the deeper skin layers. (That's why we combine it with x). Plus, its antioxidant concentration protect skin from damage that leads to wrinkles and fine lines in the first place. 4

3. Stops the breakdown of hyaluronic acid in the skin. By slowing the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, PSO may help retain the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid. This keeps the skin looking plump and hydrated. 2

4. Protects against UV damage. Potential anti-skin tumor effects. A mouse study showed that topical application of pomegranate seed oil (5% formulation) significantly reduced the development of skin tumors after exposure to a cancer causing agent.5 

Chemical Composition & Skin Benefits

The amazing benefits of pomegranate seed oil can be understood by looking at what it's made of. This oil uniquely mixes fatty acids, vitamins, and phenolic compound combinations that each play a role in skin health. Here are the key bioactive components:

1. Punicic Acid (Omega-5 Fatty Acid): This makes up about 65–80% of its fatty acid content 6. It is a conjugated linolenic acid (18:3 n-5) often called a “super CLA” because of its biological effects6.

It helps to calm redness, swelling, and irritation in conditions like eczema or acne 6. It modulates the skin’s immune response and even has anti-carcinogenic properties 6. It assists in skin repair and regeneration, prevents oxidative damage that leads to wrinkles and dark spots. 

2. Tocopherols (Vitamin E): Pomegranate seed oil contains an exceptionally high level of tocopherols compared to many other plant oils (about 332 mg per 100 g of oil) 6. 

Vitamin E protects skin from UV damage and pollution, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces water loss, soothes irritation and potentially sunburn.6 Read about the benefits of eating vitamin E here. 

3. Polyphenols: Pomegranate fruit is famous for its polyphenols (ellagic acid, punicalagins, anthocyanins). It’s important to note most polyphenols are water-soluble and found in higher concentration in the juice or peel. But the oil still contains important lipophilic polyphenols and flavonoids. Studies describe pomegranate seed oil as having a “high concentration of polyphenolic compounds”5 . 

When used on skin, these polyphenols fight to protect your cells in your skin. They prevent oxidative stress that can cause cellular DNA damage and inflammation. This is one reason why pomegranate oil has shown protective effects against UVB-induced changes and even inhibited tumor formation in mouse skin models 5 . It would be illegal to test this in humans (give them cancer on purpose).

4. Phytosterols: Pomegranate seed oil contains a significant amount of phytosterols (plant sterols). β-sitosterol being the predominant sterol (~404 mg per 100 g oil) 6. Phytosterols are similar to cholesterol and play a beneficial role when applied to skin. They reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. In PSO the sterols help maintain skin hydration and elasticity. They keep the cell membrane stable and prevent dehydration. 

Phytosterols also have anti-inflammatory properties. β-sitosterol has been shown to soothe irritation (may aid in atopic dermatitis.) Moreover, some phytosterols can stimulate skin cell recovery and collagen production. 

The presence of these compounds in pomegranate seed oil explains its traditional use for healing wounds and inflammatory skin issues. 

That's why we included pomegranate in our royal jelly beef tallow - pomegranate and rose face balm. 

 

Sources:

1. Aslam, M. N., Lansky, E. P., & Varani, J. (2006). Pomegranate as a cosmeceutical source: pomegranate fractions promote proliferation and procollagen synthesis and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human skin cells. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 103(3), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.027

2. Hamouda, A. F., & Felemban, S. (2023). Biochemical Pilot Study on Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil Extract and Cosmetic Cream on Neurologically Mediated Skin Inflammation in Animals and Humans: A Comparative Observational Study. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(2), 903. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules2802090

3. Wang, J., Sun, M., Yu, J., Wang, J., & Cui, Q. (2024). Pomegranate seeds: a comprehensive review of traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties. Frontiers in pharmacology, 15, 1401826. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1401826

4. Aslam, M. N., Lansky, E. P., & Varani, J. (2006). Pomegranate as a cosmeceutical source: pomegranate fractions promote proliferation and procollagen synthesis and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human skin cells. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 103(3), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.027

5. Lin, T.-K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070

6. Hajib, A., Nounah, I., Harhar, H., Gharby, S., Kartah, B., Matthäus, B., ... & Charrouf, Z. (2021). Oil content, lipid profiling and oxidative stability of “Sefri” Moroccan pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed oil. OCL, 28, 5.