Pomegranate Seed Oil: The Complete Guide

What it is

Granate is 100% pomegranate seed oil. Our makers dry the whole kernel before pressing rather than pressing only the cleaned seed, so the natural pigments come through and the oil turns pink. It takes far more fruit to make a bottle this way, but you get an oil with more of the pomegranate's color, scent and antioxidants.

On skin it feels nourishing without being heavy. On hair it adds shine and tames flyaways, with a light, sweet scent that fades within minutes.

Where it comes from

The pomegranates grow on small farms in the Nile Delta. The dried kernels are cold-pressed in small batches by Amr, our oil maker in Egypt, and his team, without heat, which protects the oil's delicate compounds.

Hands pouring Katari Granate pomegranate seed oil by a blue Mediterranean window

How to use it

  1. Mist. After cleansing, mist Roseau or Géran so skin is damp.
  2. Press in. Warm 2-3 drops in your palms and press into face and neck.
  3. Massage upward. In the evening, use slow upward strokes from jaw to cheekbones. It feels wonderful and gives the oil time to absorb.
  4. Hair. Smooth 1-2 drops through damp or dry ends for shine.

Granate is not a cleansing oil. To remove makeup, use Hoba first, then follow with Granate.

The chemistry

Pomegranate seed oil is unusual in the plant world: most of it is punicic acid, a conjugated omega-5 fatty acid found in very few other oils.

Component Typical range Why it matters
Punicic acid (omega-5) About 65-80% Rare fatty acid that helps skin look smoother, firmer and more radiant
Linoleic acid (omega-6) About 5-8% Supports a healthy-looking barrier
Oleic acid (omega-9) About 5-7% Softens and helps skin hold moisture
Natural pigments and polyphenols Present Antioxidants; also the source of Granate's pink color

Typical values for cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil from published analyses. Values vary by harvest.

Who it's for

  • Dull, tired or weather-stressed skin, from your 30s into your 60s and beyond.
  • Dry and mature skin that wants richness without a heavy feel.
  • Hair that needs shine and softness.

For professionals

Granate is a favorite massage medium: it has good slip, a lovely natural scent, and absorbs fully by the end of a treatment. Blend it 1:1 with Hoba for clients with more sensitive skin.

Storage and shelf life

Keep Granate out of direct light: its natural pink fades in the sun. Granate has a 2-year shelf life. Close the cork after use, and for the freshest oil, enjoy it within 3-6 months of receiving it.

Safety

For external use only. Patch test any new product: apply a little to your inner forearm once a day for two days. If you notice redness, itching or swelling, rinse with cool water and stop using it. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing or under a doctor's care, check with your doctor first.

Questions

Why is my Granate pink (or orange)?

We press the whole dried kernel, not only the seed, so the natural pigments come through. The shade changes with each harvest, just like the fruit.

I felt a slight tingle. Is that normal?

For some skin, yes, especially after sun exposure. The oil's natural compounds can give very sensitive skin a brief tingle that fades on its own. If it bothers you, mix Granate with Hoba, or use Hoba alone for a while.

Does the scent stay?

No. The sweet, fruity scent is strongest in the bottle and fades within minutes on skin.

99.5% NATURAL. 100% YOU.