Otherwise known as “Gold of Pleasure”, Camelina Oil is filled with essential fatty acids and vitamins that are known to enrich any skin or hair care routine. The restorative, moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties make Camelina Oil one of the most versatile carrier oils with a host of therapeutic benefits.
With many similarities to flax, the Camelina Sativa plant is an ancient oil seed crop belonging to the Brassicaceae (mustard) family. It is native to Northern and Central Europe and Central Asia, with archeological evidence suggesting its cultivation dates back to 1500 B.C. Camelina seeds are thought to be incredibly nutritious and it was believed they were consumed with flaxseeds for porridge or bread. It has been studied as a biofuel alternative, is available as livestock feed, and was even traditionally used as lamp oil.
As a carrier oil, Camelina Oil is highly valued for its alluring therapeutic ability to restore, protect, and hydrate the skin and hair.
What is Camelina Oil?
Camelia Oil is extracted by cold pressing the seeds of the Camelia Sativa plant. The plant itself has either yellow or greenish-yellow flowers and is commonly referred to as ‘false flax’ because it is usually found growing in flax fields.
It carries a lightly floral yet nutty aroma, a bright golden colour and has a 2-year shelf life if correctly stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight. It has a medium absorption rate so it may leave some oily residue on the skin. Because of this, Camelina Oil is not usually recommended for oily or acne-prone skin types as it may clog pores.
When used topically, Camelina Oil is deeply moisturising and crowned as a powerful source of vitamin E, fatty acids, as well as mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. It is gentle on the skin and widely popular as an anti-ageing remedy; when used topically it has also been seen to boost complexion, ease inflammation and soothe flakey or irritated skin.
Benefits of Camelina Oil
The profile of Camelina Oil showcases one of the highest concentrations of essential fatty acids with up to 45% of alpha-linolenic (Omega 3) and vitamins. Its other main compounds include linoleic (Omega 9), oleic (Omega 6) acids, palmitic acid, stearic acid, vitamin E and tocopherols. In other words, Camelina is a rich source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, moisturising and emollient properties that work to hydrate and protect the skin and hair.
It’s no surprise that the therapeutic benefits of Camelina Oil are particularly useful for dry and mature skin and hair types. Here are some ways in which Camelina Oil may assist with everyday life:
- Provides nutrition to the scalp
- Fights against dandruff and flakey skin
- Builds moisture retention in the hair
- Protects hair shafts from radical damage
- Eases inflammation and swelling in the joints
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhances skin elasticity
- Promotes soft and supple skin
- Fights against free radicals to prevent dark spots and premature ageing
- Evens out skin tone
- Helps to reduce the effects of UV damage
Common Uses of Camelina Oil
Camelina Oil intensely hydrates the skin and can be used topically as either a massage oil, as a base to dilute essential oils, or directly onto the skin. Here are some popular ways to use Camelina Oil:
Camelina Oil For Hair
Camelina Oil for Hair
Rich in vitamin E, Camelina Oil nourishes and protects the scalp and hair follicles to maintain soft and shiny hair.
- Camelina Oil may help to eliminate dandruff and flakiness while soothing a dry scalp.
- As a rich source of antioxidants, Camelina Oil may protect the hair shafts from free radical damage and therefore prevent hair loss.
- Its emollient and moisturising properties help maintain softness and suppleness while encouraging the growth of strong, healthy hair.
Camelina Oil For The Skin
Camelina Oil for Skin
Camelina Oil contains powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and restorative qualities that are known to promote healthy, radiant skin while easing inflammation.
Camelina Oil for Anti-ageing
- The vitamin E content in Camelina Oil may help create a healthy skin barrier, protecting it from free radical damage.
- With a high fatty acid content, Camelina Oil is known to reduce the appearance of blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles.
- Camelina Oil is used in a variety of anti-ageing remedies and may help enhance skin elasticity and suppleness due to its emollient properties and polyunsaturated fat content.
Camelina Oil For The Face
Camelina Oil for the Face
Camelina Oil is deeply hydrating with intense moisturising qualities that are known to enhance a youthful and glowing complexion.
- With a combination of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, Camelina Oil helps to build and retain moisture in dry and flakey skin.
- The antioxidants in Camelina Oil work to prevent free radical damage and protect the skin barrier.
- The restorative capabilities may help reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles while evening out skin tone and smoothing complexion.
Camelina Oil For Pain and Inflammation
Camelina Oil for Pain and Inflammation
- Containing Vitamin E, Camelina Oil may be helpful in easing menstrual cramps.
- As a rich source of anti-inflammatory properties, Camelina Oil may also help relieve inflammation of the joints and arthritis pain when used as a massage oil. Use it as a base to dilute Rosemary Essential Oil to experience its anti-inflammatory benefits.
How To Apply Camelina Oil
Massage: Dilute a few drops of your favourite essential oil in Camelina Oil to create a soothing and hydrating massage oil.
Directly on the Skin: Apply directly onto the skin to receive the many skin benefits of Camelina Oil.
Diluting with Essential Oils: Camelina Carrier Oil makes a great base for diluting essential oils. You can also add this oil in to a lot of skincare formulations such as skin serums and moisturisers.
Hair Mask: Apply this carrier oil to the scalp to create a nourishing hair mask.
Is Camelina Oil Safe?
Camelina Oil is generally safe for topical use on most skin types, however, there are some considerations to take into account.
Because Camelina Oil is a relative to mustard seeds, it may trigger allergies and should be avoided by those with nut or mustard allergies.
Before using Camelina Oil perform a skin patch test on a small area of the skin to check for a reaction. Those with sensitive skin should perform the test over at least 48 hours to give the body ample time to respond.
We do not recommend consuming or digesting Camelina Carrier Oil, or using it for culinary purposes.
Camelina Oil and Pregnancy
Camelina Oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants and is considered generally safe for topical use during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant we recommend reaching out to your GP or healthcare practitioner to discuss any concerns you have about implementing Camelina Oil into your skincare routine.
Where To Buy Carrier Oils?
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!