Though broccoli might not be the first vegetable to spring to mind when thinking about anti-aging ingredients, it’s actually a surprising natural hero. With a comedogenic rating of just 1, broccoli seed oil is non-greasy and sinks into the skin fairly rapidly, making it suitable for all skin types. It’s a great source of vitamins A and C as well as omega-fatty acids 3 and 9. Such fatty acids make broccoli seed oil a great combatant in the face of dehydrated and sensitive skin. Highly nourishing, it’s said to be effective against environmental stressors like pollutants, which are one of the main causes of premature dermal aging, blemishes and irritation. It does this by helping to construct a natural barrier on the skin’s surface, thus protecting the skin while also soothing it from such irritants simultaneously.
While this oil’s vitamin C content gets to work on brightening and rejuvenating the skin, vitamin A is a balm to wrinkles since its antioxidant qualities are known for their ability to impede the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and damage caused by free radicals. An added bonus is that those with acne-prone skin can also find broccoli seed oil rewarding due to its content of vitamin A, which is famous for being able to reduce inflammation.
As well as containing beneficial vitamins and fatty acids, broccoli seed oil also contains linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is reported to encourage ceramide synthesis, a reaction that helps the skin to protect and hydrate itself. Because this regenerative response promotes plumper, younger-looking skin, it helps to further soften the visibility of wrinkles and lends the skin increased durability. Ceramides are located in the skin’s foremost layers, which include its protective barrier. This is why boosted ceramide production can have such a visible effect on your complexion, which is good news for skin types of all kinds.
Another great aspect of broccoli seed oil is that it’s a source of sulforaphane – an organic sulfur compound that has demonstrated its potential at balancing the enzymes that help to shield the skin from UV-related damage. Because it’s proclaimed to act on a cellular level, this wondrous green gem of an oil is even more effective when used to treat dermal aggravation and age-related signs, as mentioned above. This added benefit helps broccoli seed to stand out in the crowd of anti-aging botanical oils, further adding to its perks.
There are few negatives associated with this vegetable oil, but one that’s probably the most noticeable is undoubtedly its scent. Though not overpoweringly pungent, it can be off-putting if you’re not a fan of broccoli. Rest assured, however – the scent usually dissipates very soon after applying the oil topically, so don’t let this small downside deter you from reaping broccoli seed oil’s many upsides.