These past few months Berry Beautiful has been jumping through all the hoops to get USDA Organic Certification for a new line of Certified Organic Red Raspberry Seed products. As we’ve gone through the process, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to produce truly certified organic red raspberry seed oil and it has come to my attention that many, many companies are gaming the system. Now I understand that if you want an organic product or ingredient you have to look for the USDA organic seal on the label. If the label doesn’t have the USDA organic seal and it’s not certified by some other legitimate agency, such as ECOCERT, you can be sure that the product or ingredient is not “Organic” even if the word organic is used on the label.

Let’s be clear, “Organic” is not a concept or a marketing ploy, it is an agricultural method. When we see the word “Organic” used on the label of a product we expect that the product contains agricultural ingredients that have been produced within the USDA organic guidelines. Under these guidelines “Organic” refers to a method of growing and processing crops where non-GMO agricultural products are produced, packaged and stored without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides. It’s more expensive for farmers to raise and process crops this way, they must work with nature to build and replenish the nutrients in the soil through crop rotations, composting and cultivation in an effort to build healthy soils that produce healthy more resistant plants.

People want the choice of being able to confidently buy products that are non-GMO and have been raised more sustainably. People want to have the option of purchasing products that do not contain toxic pesticide residues and have not been processed using toxic solvents. The goal of the USDA Organic Program is to give people this clear option.

Skin wrinkles and dark spots, those obvious signs of ageing, are caused by prolonged oxidative damage of the skin due to sun exposure. Sunlight (UVA and UVB radiation) produces highly reactive chemicals in your skin, called free radicals, which at high concentrations are hazardous and can damage all major components of your skin cells, including DNA, proteins and cell membranes.

That’s where Super Vitamin E comes in. When applied topically it reduces the oxidative damage caused by sunlight. It has also been shown to inhibit melanoma cell growth and reduce inflammation. Nobody doubts that the topical application of Super Vitamin E is an excellent tool for reversing sun damage to the skin, but what’s the best way to get Super Vitamin E into the skin where it can do its thing?

The best way to put Super Vitamin E to work protecting and repairing your skin is to apply cold-pressed plant oils that are high in tocotrienols directly to your skin. Cold-pressed oils are not subject to high temperatures and they are produced without chemicals or solvents. Stay away from concentrated forms of Vitamin E because they are manufactured by distilling common vegetable oils, such as soy bean, palm or sunflower oil at high temperatures. The Vitamin E is concentrated in the distillate.

There are only a few plant-based oils that contain substantial amounts of tocotrienols. Here is a short list of cold-pressed oils that have the highest content of Super Vitamin E (tocotrienols):

Cranberry Seed Oil: cold-pressed cranberry seed oil is the richest known source of tocotrienols. It has a tocotrienol content of 1,700 mg/kg. It also smells nice, absorbs well and has a high content of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, which are uniquely balanced 1:1.

Red Palm Oil: red palm oil contains 730 mg/kg of tocotrienols. Palm oil is low in essential fatty acids and high in saturated fats. Palm oil plantations are linked to unsustainable deforestation throughout the world.

Rice Bran Oil: rice bran oil contains 585 mg/kg of tocotrienols. Rice bran oil is low in essential fatty acids and has a high Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio which can lead to inflammation.

What is Rose Infused Red Raspberry Seed Oil?

Rose infused raspberry seed oil is a beautiful, handcrafted oil that combines the enriching qualities of raspberry seed oil, the gentle aroma of rose petals, and its abundance of vitamins and antioxidants. The infusion of rose imparts the additional benefits of vitamin A and C, as well as antioxidants found in rose petals. Additionally, this splendid oil is suitable for all skin types, ensuring that everyone can bask in its rejuvenating properties. This infusion, also known as a macerated oil, is a luxurious way to pamper your skin and nourish your senses.

Step-by-Step Guide

Collect the rose petals: In the morning, gently pluck the vibrant rose petals. Allow them to rest overnight, spread out in a single layer to bid farewell to any insects and excess humidity. If you don't have access to vining roses, you can use petals from other edible rose varieties as a substitute.

Prepare the sterilized mason jar: Begin by pouring boiling water into a mason jar, swirling it around to thoroughly sterilize it. Rinse the jar with clean water and let it dry completely.

Add the rose petals to the jar: Carefully layer the rose petals inside the sterilized mason jar, ensuring they have enough space to mingle with the oil. Avoid packing them too tightly to allow for even oil distribution.

Add the red raspberry seed oil: Pour red raspberry seed oil over the petals, covering them completely. Witness the beautiful dance of colors as the oil and petals intertwine. Leave enough room to seal the jar tightly.

Let it infuse: Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for approximately 24 hours, allowing the oil to absorb the irresistible aroma and subtle nuances of the rose petals.

Filter and store: Once the infusion is complete, use an unbleached coffee filter or a soft cheesecloth to strain the oil, capturing its newfound essence in another clean container. Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

What you’re seeing is oil being filtered - not refined.

We use cellulose filter plates (like those used in wine and olive oil) to reduce turbidity, the natural cloudiness caused by fine seed sediment suspended in the oil.

The goal? Limpidity (clarity) - a clean, sediment free oil that still retains all of its original nutrients and character.

Filtering this way maintains the oil’s integrity and keeps it virgin and raw.

This is how we filter our Raspberry Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, and Certified Organic batches - carefully, with intention, and without compromise.