From Grape to Glow: A Minimalist Face Oil Rooted in Science and Nature

When skincare routines rely on 10 or more steps to achieve results, something’s off. Vitis V was built on the belief that skin health doesn’t need to be complicated, or compromised by synthetic fillers and preservatives. 

That’s what led to the creation of Vitis V Face TonIQ, a minimalist blend of cold-pressed grapeseed oil and white grapeseed extract. Nominated in the Face Oil category of the 10th Clean Beauty Awards, this product reflects a science-informed, low-waste approach to skin nourishment and repair.

What inspired the creation of this product? Share the story or challenge that led to its development.
Vitis V Face TonIQ was conceived after completing an organic skincare formulation diploma where I became disillusion with the emphasis on product attributes such as texture, slip, feel and aroma rather than the functional/nutritional needs of skin. Holding a science degree in winemaking enabled me to research the functional needs of skin and establish that the biochemical pathway of changes that we refer to ageing is the process of oxidation which is initiated by inflammation including UV light and results in oxidative stress where free radicals outnumber our antioxidant defenses to stop the cascading oxidation reactions that results in cell damage. Mitigating oxidation in the winemaking process is critical. Grapeseeds are a source of proanthocyanidins super antioxidants. This coupled with the learning that grapeseeds are a rich source of linoleic fatty acid, the predominate polyunsaturated fatty acid in our skin and younger skin is typified with greater concentration of linoleic fatty acid. I had the foundational ingredients for a bio-inspired meaning; inspired by or based on biological structures or processes, nutrient-rich, effective skincare solution without contributing to our bodies and environment toxic load.

What sets this product apart from others in the market?
Vitis V offers one product Vitis V Face TonIQ, which is blended from two naturally occurring ingredients, meaning that the ingredients are made using manual, mechanical and gravitational methods only. There is no solvents, heat or modification of the entire phytonutrient entourage. It is a blend of Australian unfermented cold pressed grapeseed oil and white grapeseed extract that provides essential skin nutrients and keeps the skin in a more youthful fatty acid profile with multiple sources of antioxidants. Vitis V Face TonIQ replaces 10+ skincare products and we advocate for a 3 step skincare routine. 1/ Clean - with water and gentle physical action. 2/ Vitis V Face TonIQ - Nourish, fortify and boost 3/Protect - Mineral sunscreen. Vitis V Face TonIQ does not contain any synthetic chemicals, surfactants, preservatives, fragrance/parfum, essential oils or petrochemical derived ingredients.

What are the key ingredients in this product, and why are they important?
There are only two ingredients blended to make Vitis V Face TonIQ both made by us from Australian unfermented grapeseeds. Cold pressed grapeseed oil and white grapeseed extract. Grapeseed oil is predominately 66-75% linoleic fatty acid an essential nutrient that our bodies cannot make and contains fat soluble beta carotene (Pro Vitamin A) and all eight analogues of Vitamin E including rare y-tocotrienol. White grapeseed extract contains polyphenols including proanthocyandins super antioxidants. Vitis V Face TonIQ exerts antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory properties. All three biochemical modes of action reduce and suppress the occurrence of hyperpigmentation. It is the synergistic composition that make Vitis V Face TonIQ essential and effective and able to replace 10+ skincare products. Our short shelf life is your guarantee of purity and it doesn't disrupt the skins microbiome and protects the skins acidic pH. Vitis V Face TonIQ nourishes fortifies and boost your skins own regenerative functions.

How does this product align with your brand’s mission and values?
Vitis V is committed to Simplicity; One product replaces 10+ skincare products. Respect for Nature; Every aspect of Vitis V is crafted with nature and sustainability in mind with our foundational ingredient being Australian unfermented grape seeds up-cycled from wine-making. Science; Vitis V is built on the link between science, function of skin and the regenerative power of nature. We live by ethical values; We test our products on ourselves and other human friends, not animals. Vitis V is only plants and contains no animal products or animal by-products. Nor do we produce any toxic waste in our production process and use solar generated electricity. At its core Vitis V is about love. Love of people and the planet and we take our social responsibility seriously with 2% of sales donated to charity.

What are the top benefits of using this product?
Using Vitis V Face TonIQ supports your skins own regenerative functions and keeps the skin fatty acids in a more youthful profile. The skins acidic pH is protected and not disrupted. Aged skin is typified by higher pH and this reduces the barrier functions of the skin and the ability to retain hydration. The microbome of the skin is not compromised and there is a removal of toxic load on our body as Vitis V Face TonIQ is classified legally as naturally occurring.

Who is this product ideal for?
Uniquely grapeseed oil is essential for all skin types. Essential as our body cannot produce linoleic fatty acid. Linoleic acid is the most important fatty acid for skin barrier function and uniquely grapeseed oil offers multi-benefits to all skin types; dry, barrier damaged, sensitive, oily, combination and acne-prone when applied topically. These include improving skin function, rebalancing oil production and strengthening the structural components of the cell membranes with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Made with just two naturally occurring ingredients and no synthetic additives, Vitis V Face TonIQ supports the skin’s pH, barrier function, and fatty acid profile without disrupting the microbiome. After 90 days of testing by clean beauty advocates, it was nominated in the 10th Clean Beauty Awards for its purity, simplicity, and thoughtful formulation. For those looking to scale back without sacrificing care, this face oil proves that less can do more.

What’s next? Here’s how AROMA’s Aurum Hydrating Face Serum approaches skin hydration through plant-based science and modern formulation.

And for more award-nominated products, download the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide. You’ll get an overview of the year’s top picks in every category!