Skin oil can oxidize. Oxidized skin oil is linked to breakouts. [1][2] Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins, plant compounds with antioxidant activity. [3][4] A meta-analysis of 19 controlled trials found that it lowered malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidized fats. [5] ClearDerm with Probiotics includes grape seed extract as one part of a 22-ingredient formula, to help promote clear skin. [6]
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From Anirva, the maker of ClearDerm with Probiotics. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Grape seed extract lowered a marker of oxidized fats. A meta-analysis of 19 controlled trials found lower malondialdehyde. [5] These trials measured the blood, not the skin.
- In a cream trial, skin oil differed. On the cheek treated with a grape seed cream, skin oil differed from the plain-cream cheek. [7]
- ClearDerm provides 50 mg of grape seed extract (95% OPCs). [6]
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract, 95% oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) [6] |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 50 mg a day, in 2 capsules [6] |
| What it is studied for | Limiting fat oxidation (blood markers) [5] |
| Kinds of evidence | Studies of oxidized skin oil in acne, a meta-analysis of blood markers, a cream trial, an oral blend study, and safety studies [1][2][8][5][7][9][10] |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What is grape seed extract?
Grape seed extract is made from the seeds of wine grapes. It contains proanthocyanidins. [3] The small-chain forms are called OPCs. These plant compounds have antioxidant activity. [4]
How oxidized skin oil relates to breakouts
Squalene is one of the main parts of skin oil. In a 1986 study, skin oil from people with acne held more oxidized squalene than skin oil from people without acne. Oil from inside blackheads and whiteheads did too. [1]
In the lab, oxidized squalene made human skin cells release more IL-6 early on, a signal that drives inflammation. [8]
A 2019 review found that markers of oxidative stress, such as oxidized fats, are higher in acne. Higher levels went with worse acne, and antioxidant enzymes were lower. [2]
What the studies show
Antioxidant markers in people
A 2021 meta-analysis pooled 19 controlled trials of grape seed extract taken by mouth. It lowered malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidized fats. It also lowered oxidized LDL and hs-CRP, a marker of inflammation. [5]
It did not change CRP or white blood cell count. The authors concluded that its main effect is to limit fat oxidation, with a neutral or mildly helpful effect on inflammation. [5]
The research is still growing. These trials measured the blood, not the skin, and were not in people with acne. [5]
Skin oil: a cream trial
Healthy young men used a 2% grape seed cream on one cheek and a plain cream on the other, twice daily for 8 weeks. Skin oil, skin pigment and elasticity differed significantly between the two sides. No skin reactions were reported. [7]
The abstract does not say whether skin oil went up or down, or by how much. No one in the trial had acne. [7]
Grape seed by mouth and skin
In a 6-month study without a placebo group, 41 men finished taking an oral blend of grape seed and four other ingredients. Skin oil showed no significant change. [9]
How much grape seed extract is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 50 mg of grape seed extract, standardized to 95% OPCs. [6]
Is grape seed extract safe?
Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, according to NCCIH, part of the NIH. [3] In a small 4-week study, high daily amounts were generally well tolerated. Two people had a short drop in blood iron. [10]
- Side effects. Stomach upset can occur. [4]
- Blood thinners. Grape seed has antiplatelet activity, so it may add to the effect of blood thinners such as warfarin. [4]
- Other medicines. In the lab, grape seed slows an enzyme that breaks down many medicines. How much this matters in people is not known. [4]
- Pregnancy and nursing. Little is known about safety in pregnancy or while nursing. [3]
Grape seed extract is one part of ClearDerm
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule skin supplement with 22 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, an enzyme and six probiotic strains. They were chosen to promote clear skin, support a clear complexion and support the gut–skin connection. [6]
Grape seed extract sits alongside green tea, curcumin and zinc in the formula. [6]
ClearDerm has not been clinically tested as a finished product. When you take it, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
ClearDerm is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label, and the probiotic blend is given as one total. [6]
A few points help you use ClearDerm well: take ClearDerm with food and water, as the directions say; [6] if you take a blood thinner or any other medicine, or are pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start; [4][3] and if you also take another grape seed product, tell your doctor or pharmacist, because grape seed has antiplatelet activity. [4]
22 ingredients, including grape seed extract and zinc
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs grape seed extract with green tea, curcumin, zinc and other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermIf you are deciding
Oxidized skin oil is linked to breakouts. [1][2] Separately, grape seed extract lowered a blood marker of oxidized fats in controlled trials. [5] No study has tested whether it changes skin oil oxidation or breakouts. Grape seed extract is one of 22 ingredients chosen to promote clear skin. [6]
The short version
Grape seed extract is an antioxidant that lowered a blood marker of fat oxidation. [5] ClearDerm includes it as one part of a formula to help promote clear skin. [6]
Frequently asked questions
Is grape seed extract good for acne-prone skin?
Does grape seed affect skin oil?
In one cream trial, skin oil differed between the treated and plain-cream cheeks, but the abstract does not say whether it went up or down. [7]
Is grape seed extract safe?
How much grape seed extract is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 50 mg, standardized to 95% OPCs. [6]
References
- Saint-Leger D, Bague A, Lefebvre E, Cohen E, Chivot M. A possible role for squalene in the pathogenesis of acne. II. In vivo study of squalene oxides in skin surface and intra-comedonal lipids of acne patients. Br J Dermatol. 1986;114(5):543-552. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1986.tb04061.x. PMID: 2941050.
- Kardeh S, Moein SA, Namazi MR, Kardeh B. Evidence for the important role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of acne. Galen Med J. 2019;8:e1291. doi:10.31661/gmj.v0i0.1291. PMID: 34466486.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Grape Seed Extract: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated February 2025. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/grape-seed-extract (accessed October 8, 2026).
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs: Grape Seed. Last updated February 10, 2022. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/grape-seed (accessed October 4, 2026).
- Foshati S, Rouhani MH, Amani R. The effect of grape seed extract supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Int J Clin Pract. 2021;75(11):e14469. doi:10.1111/ijcp.14469. PMID: 34107109.
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 13, 2026).
- Sharif A, Akhtar N, Khan MS, Menaa A, Menaa B, Khan BA, et al. Formulation and evaluation on human skin of a water-in-oil emulsion containing Muscat hamburg black grape seed extract. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015;37(2):253-258. doi:10.1111/ics.12184. PMID: 25402429.
- Ottaviani M, Alestas T, Flori E, Mastrofrancesco A, Zouboulis CC, Picardo M. Peroxidated squalene induces the production of inflammatory mediators in HaCaT keratinocytes: a possible role in acne vulgaris. J Invest Dermatol. 2006;126(11):2430-2437. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700434. PMID: 16778793.
- Costa A, Pegas Pereira ES, Assumpção EC, Calixto Dos Santos FB, Ota FS, de Oliveira Pereira M, et al. Assessment of clinical effects and safety of an oral supplement based on marine protein, vitamin C, grape seed extract, zinc, and tomato extract in the improvement of visible signs of skin aging in men. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:319-328. doi:10.2147/CCID.S79447. PMID: 26170708.
- Sano A. Safety assessment of 4-week oral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract in healthy subjects. Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;108(Pt B):519-523. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2016.11.021. PMID: 27889390.
