The list of botanical oils we adore is a long one. That's because there are just so many beautiful, nutrient-dense, sensorially appealing extracts to be found in the big ole natural world out there. And sometimes, those delightful botanical ingredients come from our favorite snacks: Avocado oil comes to mind, as does almond oil. Another number our skin just loves drinking up—about as much as we love consuming it? Pomegranate oil. Yes, that richly hued wonder makes for a lavish face oil, too. 

Pomegranate seed oil, or simply pomegranate oil, is an oil made from the seeds of a pomegranate, or Punica granatum. Yes, the delicious, juicy seeds you may eat for a snack. The fruit is native to the Mediterranean region and has long been used for its therapeutic properties.  

The oil is often cold-pressed from the seeds and then used in oils, serums, or creams. You may also look for pomegranate skin oil, which is oil made from the skin of the fruit, pomegranate extract, which takes certain components (like specific antioxidants) from the pomegranate, or pomegranate essential oil, which should always be mixed with a carrier oil. 

It's been hailed as a super fruit and beloved in skin care for its potent fatty acid, polyphenol, and other antioxidant properties—which can account for its many benefits.

Much of the therapeutic skin benefits of pomegranate come down to its antioxidants. "It contains vitamin C as well as other antioxidants such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and tannins," says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. "Ellagic acid is a polyphenol found in high concentration in pomegranates."

There are many pathways to healthy aging—from cell regeneration and evening tone to hydrating otherwise dry, crepey skin. Luckily, pomegranate seed oil checks almost all the boxes. 

"Traditionally, pomegranate seed oil compounds have been touted for their anti-aging effects," says board-certified dermatologist Raechele Cochran Gathers, M.D. "Pomegranate seed oil has both strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in helping decrease signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots.

Perhaps one of its most famous benefits is hydration: Pomegranates make for a star hydrator. "It contains punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid that helps to hydrate and prevent moisture loss," says King. "And it helps to support the skin barrier."

Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radical damage in the skin, which in turn eases inflammation. By using antioxidants consistently, you can help manage inflammation long term—especially the sneaky microscopic, low-grade inflammation called inflammaging. 

Antioxidants, among their many other duties, provide environmental protection against stressors, UV damage, and pollution. "Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from damage from free radicals from UV rays and pollution," says King. 

For those with acne-prone skin, pomegranate seed oil is one of the best oils for you to consider. This is because it can actually help tend to the bacteria that plays a role in acne formation. "It has antimicrobial properties, which helps fight P. acnes bacteria and controls acne," says Worden. 

Remember that your scalp is your skin—and should be paid attention to as such. Certainly there are many popular hair and scalp oils out there (jojoba and argan come to mind), but we're going to argue that you also add pomegranate seed oil to the list.

Lucky for you, pomegranate seed oil is a very common addition to skin care products as it is. (You may be using something with the ingredient, and you don't even know it!) Because of its popularity in skin care items, this is likely the easiest way to incorporate it. "Moisturizing serums and facial oils can contain pomegranate seed oil and are easy to incorporate into your skin care routine," says King. 

We always believe that beauty starts from the inside. Eating a diet full of antioxidants will help you manage inflammation internally, as well as help you deal with free radical damage. And as we've said plenty of times throughout this article, pomegranates are a great way to get your fill of those. But they also help you in other ways. 

"It contains hydrolyzable tannins, flavonols, anthocyanins, and phenolic and organic acids," registered dietitian Ella Davar, R.D., CDN, tells mindbodygreen about eating pomegranates. 

"One of the most important health-related functions of the pomegranate is their effect on gut microbiota and their potential use as antimicrobial agents. Fiber from the seeds contributes to gut health by serving as a prebiotic (food for probiotic, live gut-friendly bacteria) and providing the necessary bulk to keep the bowel movement regular and optimize digestive health." The latter point is helpful as we know how intimately gut health and your skin are connected.

"Some people make DIY pomegranate seed masks out of crushed pomegranate seeds. Keep in mind that this type of mask could lead to irritation for some people, and a small segment of people may be sensitive to pomegranate seeds," says Cochran Gathers. This is why it's always essential to spot treat on your forearm before trying any new DIY trick.