Macadamia nuts are some of the most sought after ingredients in the cosmetic industry - and it’s no surprise why. Packed with nutrients, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids, Macadamia Oil is a natural haven for skin and hair revival and restoration.
With indigenous roots in Australia, sources suggest the Macadamia Tree has been cultivated for over 60,000 years. As a carrier oil, Macadamia Oil is considered one of the most versatile oils due to its hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic nature.
What is Macadamia Oil?
Macadamia Oil is extracted by cold pressing the nuts from the Macadamia Tree (Macadamia Interifolia).
It has a clear, light yellow appearance and absorbs well into the skin, leaving a smooth, silky finish. Macadamia Oil has a 2-year shelf-life if stored correctly in a dark, cool place at room temperature.
Its nuts naturally contain squalene, a lipid that human skin cells also produce to help reduce oxidative stress and radical damage. This makes it a rich source of hydration for mature, dry or damaged skin. As such, Macadamia Oil is prized in the cosmetic and aromatherapy industries as a massage oil, skincare remedy, and as a base to dilute essential oils.
Benefits of Macadamia Oil
Not only does Macadamia Oil possess hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic qualities, it also contains a rich source of antioxidants that work to revive, restore and hydrate the skin and hair. Filled with potassium, oleic acids, vitamins and a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids and palmitoleic acid, Macadamia Oil has it all.
Macadamia Oil has been seen to benefit a range of skin and hair types. Some other benefits of Macadamia Oil may include:
- Doesn’t clog pores as a non-comedogenic
- Strengthening the skin barrier against radical damage and pollutants
- Promoting moisture retention
- Reducing the appearance of stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles
- Easing skin inflammations like eczema and psoriasis
- Balancing oil production in the skin and hair
- Promoting soft and supple skin
- Tightening skin and balancing complexion
- Strengthening hair and promoting hair growth
- Conditioning the scalp
- Protecting and nourishing hair follicles and hair shafts
- Softening hair texture and promoting shine
Common Uses of Macadamia Oil
Macadamia Oil has a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, emollient, antioxidant, moisturising and restorative qualities. It’s also known to benefit mature skin by promoting cell regeneration and protecting the skin and hair from nasty pollutants and environmental damage.
Macadamia Oil For Hair
Macadamia Oil for Hair
Filled with emollient properties, potassium, vitamins and fatty acids, Macadamia Oil has been seen to smooth and strengthen hair while adding radiance and shine.
- Due to its natural nourishing qualities, Macadamia Oil may help smooth hair shafts, soften the texture and enhance a glossy shine.
- With powerful moisturising properties, Macadamia Oil has been seen to restore moisture and lather in natural protein. This works to strengthen the hair while making it more manageable and easy to untangle.
- Macadamia Oil is filled with fatty acids and is known to nourish the hair follicles. As a rich source of antioxidants, it may also help hair recover from environmental damage.
Macadamia Oil For Skin
Macadamia Oil for Skin
Macadamia Oil not only closely mimics human sebum but also contains naturally occurring keratin and squalene. In other words, Macadamia Oil is filled with restorative and balancing properties that work to hydrate and repair the skin.
Macadamia Oil for Anti-Ageing
- With palmitoleic acid and squalene, Macadamia Oil may help to encourage skin cell regeneration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Macadamia Oil contains linoleic acid that has been seen to reduce trans-epidermal water loss, encouraging soft, hydrated skin.
Macadamia Oil for Skin Repair
- The palmitoleic acid and squalene content has been seen to reduce oxidative stress and skin cell damage, while smoothing the skin’s barrier to protect against environmental stress.
- Its nourishing qualities are known to be beneficial for reducing the appearance of stretch marks, scarring and repairing dry or damaged skin.
Macadamia Oil For The Face
Macadamia Oil for the Face
With anti-inflammatory qualities and essential fatty acids, Macadamia Oil closely mimics human sebum and is known to help ease inflammation and acne breakouts.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties have been known to ease skin irritations, reduce itchiness and soothe eczema and psoriasis symptoms.
- Macadamia Oil is known to naturally regulate oil production in the skin, making it a great choice for acne-prone skin.
How To Apply Macadamia Oil
Massage: Dilute a few drops of your favourite essential oil in Macadamia 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 Macadamia Oil.
Diluting with Essential Oils: Macadamia Carrier Oil makes a great base for diluting essential oils. You can also add it to your favourite skincare products such as skin serums and moisturisers.
Hair Mask: Apply this carrier oil to the scalp to create a nourishing hair mask.
Is Macadamia Oil Safe?
Macadamia Oil is generally considered safe when used topically on most skin types. However, there are some considerations for its use.
Because it is derived from the nuts of the Macadamia Tree, do not use Macadamia Oil if you have a nut (or tree nut) allergy.
Before using Macadamia Oil, we recommend performing 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. If you develop allergy symptoms, discontinue.
As a carrier oil, we do not recommend ingesting or using Macadamia Oil for culinary purposes. Our products are formulated for therapeutic and aromatherapy purposes and are not food grade.
When storing Macadamia Oil, ensure that it is kept away from direct sunlight in a cool space at room temperature to optimise its shelf life. Keep out of reach of children.
Macadamia Oil and Pregnancy
When used topically, Macadamia Carrier Oil is considered safe for use during any stage of pregnancy to nourish, replenish and soften the skin and hair.
If you are pregnant, we recommend reaching out to your GP or healthcare professional to discuss any concerns you have about implementing Macadamia Oil into your skincare routine. Do not ingest Macadamia Oil at any stage of your pregnancy.
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!