Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract?

Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract comes from a cross between the common European grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and the North American fox grape (Vitis labrusca). The fruit of this hybrid is rich in water, natural sugars, organic acids, and a mix of antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins that help protect the plant from environmental stressors. These same compounds give the extract its value in skin care.

Grapes have a long history in beauty rituals, from crushed fruit masks used in ancient Mediterranean regions to modern spa treatments. As cosmetic science advanced, formulators began isolating the fruit’s water-soluble fraction to capture its skin loving components without the sticky pulp. Today the extract is obtained by macerating the fresh or dried grapes in a food grade solvent, usually water or a mix of water and glycerin, followed by filtration and gentle evaporation. This process preserves the active polyphenols while yielding a clear, easy-to-use liquid.

You will often find Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract in lightweight moisturizers, brightening serums, sheet masks, soothing after-sun gels, and age defense creams. Its mild nature pairs well with botanical blends, making it popular in clean beauty lines and products aimed at sensitive skin.

Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

When added to skin care formulas this grape hybrid extract delivers two main functions that enhance both product performance and user experience

  • Skin conditioning: The blend of sugars, minerals and antioxidants supports the skin’s natural moisture balance helping it feel soft, supple and refreshed. Regular use can improve overall tone and lend a healthy looking glow.
  • Emollient: Light film forming agents in the extract smooth the skin surface reducing the look of dryness and fine lines while giving creams and gels a pleasant slip during application.

Who Can Use Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract

This gentle fruit extract is generally considered suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, combination, sensitive and mature skin. Its light emollient nature hydrates without clogging pores so even acne-prone skin tends to tolerate it well. The only group that should exercise caution is anyone with a known allergy to grapes or grape-derived ingredients as topical use could trigger an unwanted response.

Because the extract is entirely plant based and produced without animal derivatives it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Check the full product label for other ingredients if strict cruelty-free or vegan certification is important to you.

No specific contraindications are known for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is applied to intact skin. That said this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should show any skincare routine to a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.

Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract is not known to increase photosensitivity so daytime use does not require extra sun precautions beyond a regular broad-spectrum sunscreen. It also plays well with common actives like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid making it easy to slot into most regimens.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract differ from person to person. The effects listed below are potential outcomes and are not likely to occur for the average user when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis resulting in redness itching or small bumps
  • Mild stinging or burning if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Transient flushing in very reactive or rosacea-prone skin
  • Rare darkening or staining of fabrics if a highly concentrated extract drips onto clothing

If you experience any persistent discomfort or visible irritation stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5
Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract is mainly a water or glycerin based solution rich in small-molecule sugars, acids and antioxidants with negligible oil content. It does not leave occlusive residues on the skin and therefore shows no tendency to block pores. Because of this it is generally considered safe for people prone to acne or breakouts. Only when the extract is blended into very heavy creams or balms could the finished product’s overall pore-clogging potential rise, which would be due to the base formula not the extract itself.

Summary

Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract works as a skin conditioner and light emollient. Its natural humectant sugars bind water to keep skin hydrated while the blend of polyphenols and vitamins helps soothe and defend against daily environmental stress. The result is a softer, smoother complexion with a fresh, healthy look.

Grape derivatives have been popular since ancient times and this hybrid fruit extract enjoys steady use in modern clean beauty lines, sheet masks and everyday moisturizers. It is gentle, vegan friendly and fits easily alongside actives like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid without fuss.

Overall safety is high with few reports of irritation outside of true grape allergies. As with any new skincare step it is wise to patch test first, just to be sure your skin agrees with the formula you choose.

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