Wheat germ oil: composition and uses for the skin

Natural plant oils are true beauty elixirs. They are better known for their nutritional qualities than for what they can do for the skin, which is a real shame! But times are changing, and more and more women are adding oils to their beauty routines. So, can wheat germ oil also be used on the skin? And does it have a place in a routine for areas marked by stretch marks? Here’s how it is made, what it contains, the precautions worth knowing, and three ways to add it to your body care routine.

A closer look at wheat germ oil

First things first — let’s take a look at how wheat germ oil is made. It is extracted by pressing the germ of wheat grains. The germ is the reproductive part of the cereal, destined to become the future plant. Accounting for around 3% of the grain’s total weight, it is also the part that contains the vast majority of nutrients: fatty acids (essential and non-essential), vitamins, and minerals.

For the best quality, choose a wheat germ oil extracted by cold first pressing, as this method best preserves its qualities. It should be thick, with a deep golden-orange colour, a rich, greasy feel and a characteristic cereal scent. It’s also worth noting that wheat germ oil is sensitive to oxidation because of its very high content of polyunsaturated fats. It is therefore best stored in a cool place, away from air and light, otherwise it may turn rancid.

Wheat germ oil can be eaten and is nutritionally very rich. However, it should be consumed raw, as heat destroys most of its nutrients. For any questions about nutrition or health, ask your doctor. It is also popular for skin and hair, and is regularly used as a care oil.

Benefit of wheat germ oil No. 1: an oil rich in antioxidants

This is one of its most well-known properties, and for good reason: its exceptional vitamin E content — it is one of the richest natural plant oils in this regard — along with its linoleic acid and plant squalenes.

• Tocopherol (the other name for vitamin E), naturally present in the oil, is an antioxidant.
• As for linoleic acid, it is an essential fatty acid (the body cannot produce it on its own) from the omega-6 family. It is one of the components of the skin’s lipid barrier, which acts as a protective layer for the epidermis.
• Finally, squalenes are fat-soluble antioxidants.

Wheat germ oil therefore has a natural place in skincare for mature skin, which it helps to nourish.

Benefit No. 2: helping skin feel comfortable

The second key quality of wheat germ oil: how it helps skin feel comfortable.

• This property is linked to its alpha-linolenic acid content, an omega-3 known for helping to maintain the skin’s mechanical qualities. Wheat germ oil is therefore valued for its emollient, softening feel on dry skin.
• It also contains octacosanol, a saturated primary alcohol, which likewise contributes to the comfort of skin prone to irritation.

Wheat germ oil is therefore popular for sensitised or irritated skin, or skin prone to redness. If you have sunburn or eczema-prone skin, ask your doctor for advice.

One caveat: it is not suitable for acne-prone skin, as the palmitic acid it contains has too occlusive an effect (it can clog pores and cause breakouts).

Benefit No. 3: moisture retention and a softening effect

Wheat germ oil contains one more fatty acid: oleic acid. This omega-9 stands out for its composition, which is very close to that of sebum (which contains around 30% of it). Sebum plays several roles: it lubricates the skin, contributes to the hydrolipidic film (the skin’s natural barrier against external aggressors) and helps limit water loss from the epidermis. As a result, the skin stays better moisturised and protected, and keeps its suppleness.

Can wheat germ oil help care for skin marked by stretch marks?

It is regularly used in body care for areas affected by stretch marks: it nourishes the skin and helps it stay supple, a real plus when dealing with dry skin. It can also complement a stretch mark treatment, thanks to its emollient properties. It is particularly appreciated on recent stretch marks, whether red or purple, as it nourishes and softens the skin.

How to use wheat germ oil in your stretch mark care routine

1- Combined with other oils

Wheat germ oil can be used on its own, applied directly to the skin. However, its low absorption rate, greasy feel, and thick, rich texture can make it less comfortable to use.

It is therefore recommended to use it in synergy with other natural plant oils that have a drier feel and better absorption. Good options include jojoba oil, macadamia oil, hazelnut oil, or rosehip oil.

It can also be combined with essential oils (provided you are not pregnant) — for example mandarin, lavender, rosewood, or Italian helichrysum (immortelle).

2- As an anti-stretch mark balm

Wheat germ oil is also suitable for making homemade anti-stretch mark balms: simply melt some shea butter or cocoa butter with a little beeswax in a bain-marie, add a little wheat germ oil to the mixture once removed from the heat, stir in a few drops of rose geranium essential oil, then pour everything into a jar and store in the fridge.

3- In an anti-stretch mark scrub

Finally, wheat germ oil can be used in a body exfoliant (homemade or shop-bought). Scrubs have their place in a routine for caring for areas marked by stretch marks:

• they remove dead skin cells;
• the mechanical massaging action makes the skincare step pleasant for the skin;
• the active ingredients in the formula, such as wheat germ oil, can also help nourish the skin and keep it supple and soft.

That is why, at Cellublue, we chose to include this oil in the formulation of our Anti-Stretch Mark Scrub.

Its properties:

• it gently exfoliates the skin;
• its ultra-clean formula makes it suitable for all skin types;
• it is so gentle that it can be used 2–3 times a week;
• its natural active ingredients include nourishing, softening mango butter and emollient, softening wheat germ oil.

Frequently asked questions

Does wheat germ oil have any drawbacks?

It mainly calls for a few precautions. It oxidises easily, so keep it somewhere cool, away from air and light (see “A closer look at wheat germ oil”). Its thick texture and greasy feel mean it is best blended with other oils. It is not suitable for acne-prone skin, as it can clog pores.

Can wheat germ oil increase breast size?

None of the properties covered in this article relate to breast size. Wheat germ oil is used to nourish, soften and smooth the skin. For any question about your breasts, ask your doctor.

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• Sunflower oil: discover 5 of its benefits for your skin!
• What are the skin benefits of sesame oil?
• Black seed oil and stretch marks: what you need to know

Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Mark Solutions.