Face oils are great for your skin. You may already be familiar with some that are most often used in skin care - like jojoba oil, squalane, and marula oil.
But there might be some lesser-known - but equally effective - skin care oils that you don’t know about. One example is sunflower seed oil. And another one of those under-the-radar power players in the world of essential oils? Tamanu oil.
Here’s everything you need to know about tamanu oil uses, benefits, modern cosmetic uses, and history.
What Is Tamanu Oil?
Tamanu oil (or Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil) is otherwise referred to as “green gold” or “beauty leaf oil.” It’s pressed from the fruit kernel of the tamanu nut tree, a tropical evergreen nut tree endemic to Southeast Asia. This treenut oil is bluish-yellow to dark green and viscous.
Though you may have never heard of it before, tamanu oil is certainly not the new kid on the block. It’s been used to promote wound healing by Asian, African, and Pacific Island cultures for centuries.
What Does Tamanu Oil Smell Like?
The oil has a strong, deep, earthy smell with nutty notes. It’s been compared to the smell of curry and old books. Some people adore this smell, but others don't. Since our focus is on skincare, its benefits outweigh any issues you may have with its smell.
The smell of this tree nut oil can be removed through refining, but this also eliminates some of its potent skin-supporting and antibacterial properties. For that reason it’s best to use cold-pressed tamanu oil.
Tamanu Oil Across the Globe
Tamanu oil hyperpigmentation and wound healing treatments have been known and used for centuries. Cultures of the Pacific islands have utilized the oil for generations to treat various skin conditions and improve the wound-healing process for scrapes, cuts, burns, bites, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, and even diaper rash.
Polynesian communities learned by observation that tamanu oil can help with the development of new body tissue and stimulate circulation. Discovering that tamanu oil is rich in wound-healing properties encouraged them to use it to help treat skin infections, discoloration, and related concerns.
In most South Sea islands, tamanu oil is used by natives to treat rheumatism and sciatica. In the Philippines, the oil is also used to light night lamps in the coastal areas of Luzon Island.
Tamanu Oil Skin Benefits
Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties - along with the oil's skin and wound healing abilities - make tamanu oil a great addition to any skincare routine. Because tamanu oil is rich in antimicrobial properties, this oil is also used to treat infected wounds.
Studies have confirmed the wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects of tamanu oil - which means it’s a potential source for new antibiotics and for fighting multi-drug resistant bacteria in skin infections.
Sun Protection
Aside from wound healing, other benefits of tamanu tree oil include natural protection from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. One study concluded that using tamanu oil delivers both cytoprotective and antioxidant properties to the skin which absorb UV light and contribute to a natural UV filter. More studies must be done before it can be used as a sunscreen, but it appears that tamanu oil may offer an SPF of 18-22 depending on specific variables.
Moisturizes Skin
Tamanu oil is rich in rich fatty acid content, making it an extra effective occlusive moisturizer. It works as a barrier to lock in the active ingredients from your skincare products as well as the skin’s moisture. This also helps restore a damaged skin barrier, which is critical to looking your best and preventing skin irritation. These benefits and the tamanu tree oil’s antibacterial properties are especially important for people who struggle with dry skin and inflammatory acne.
Calms Rashes
If you or a member of your family are dealing with a rash - including diaper rash or rash caused by frequent dry brushing - tamanu oil can help. The fatty acids it contains, in particular, provide moisturizing benefits. Using tamanu oil can soothe the skin and accelerate the healing process of skin conditions like rashes - an ideal combination for rash treatment. This can also be used as an alternative to almond oil or sunflower oil.
Rejuvenates Under-Eye Skin
While tamanu oil shouldn’t be used on the eyes directly, it does work well in under-eye skin care. Since it seals in moisture, it can help prevent the fine lines that often form in the sensitive skin beneath and around the eyes.
Stimulates Skin Regeneration
Your skin is constantly regenerating itself. However, this amazing natural process slows down as you get older. Part of that is a reduction in the amount of collagen that your body produces. Less collagen means saggier skin, a clear sign of aging.
One key benefit of tamanu oil for skin is that it stimulates collagen production. This leads to youthful, firm skin that is resistant to wrinkles and fine lines.
Slows Down Skin Aging Process
While the aging process is still not understood entirely, researchers have found that free radicals contribute to it. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons. That makes them unstable and allows them to react with other molecules very easily. Some of these reactions are detrimental to overall health, while others are related to what we know as the aging process. Free radicals are also a major contributor to oxidative stress in the body, which leads to a variety of damage and negative health outcomes.
Antioxidant properties, however, are able to reduce oxidative stress and eliminate free radicals. This contributes to a slower aging process and overall better health. In fact, research shows that antioxidants can dramatically reduce the effects of the aging process and limit a person’s risk for developing a variety of serious illnesses related to older age.
Anti-aging creams containing tamanu oil have antioxidants, so using them regularly can help your skin stay healthy and youthful. While it may not be the mythical Fountain of Youth, it does have anti-aging properties that are backed up by science.
Makes Your Skin Glow
For your skin to truly glow, it needs to be healthy and hydrated. Glowing skin is fresh, clean, and supple without blemishes or acne scars. And that’s where tamanu oil comes in. Its hydrating, skin-healing properties ensure that your skin is always hydrated and protected against foreign invaders that could cause irritation or blemishes.
Calms and Helps Heal Burns and Sunburns
The wound-healing properties of tamanu oil allow it to reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin. This is especially important in the case of healing a burn - or a sunburn. Tamanu oil helps create a new skin layer on the wound and supports the body’s natural healing process.
Penetrates All Skin Layers
Tamanu oil has a medium absorption level and leaves the skin slightly oily when applied. Its bioactive composition allows it to benefit all of your skin’s different layers once it has been absorbed. So the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous skin layers all get tamanu oil working on the cellular level to protect, heal, and hydrate.
Enhances Effects of Other Oils
Tamanu oil for skin is considered a carrier oil. That means that it can dilute essential oils, enhance their beneficial properties, and make them more easily absorbed by the skin. That’s excellent if you want to get the full benefits of your skin oils.
Since the strong, nutty tamanu oil smell isn’t everyone’s favorite, it’s very convenient that this is a carrier oil. When used with other aromatic oils, its smell is covered up and masked. That makes it more enjoyable to use if the smell is an issue for you.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The biological composition of tamanu oil gives it both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. That’s excellent for your skin - it calms irritation and can even relieve the pain associated with some skin conditions. Tamanu oil for acne flare ups is effective since acne is often caused by a combination of bacterial growth and inflammation.
The Many Uses of Tamanu Oil in Skin Treatment
This powerful oil is not a one-trick pony. Beyond its wound-healing properties, it has a variety of uses that can help you enjoy better skin. Here are some ways that tamanu oil can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Tamanu Oil Acne Treatment
Tamanu oil is ultra-effective for healing acne and calming acne-related redness. Plus, its wound-healing abilities and collagen-stimulating powers make it effective at treating scars. The source of its anti-inflammatory properties is in the calophylloide molecule.
One study published in 2015 proved the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of tamanu oil. It was found to promote wound healing and closure, diminishing bacteria growth. Research also confirmed that the oil fights the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and Propionibacterium granulosum, both of which are bacteria that play a role in triggering acne breakouts.
Is Tamanu Oil Comedogenic?
If something is comedogenic, it tends to clog the pores. That’s important when it comes to skincare since you want to use products with ingredients that are easily absorbed by the skin without clogging pores.
Tamanu oil may cause a bit of clogging since it is slightly comedogenic; it’s rated 2 on the comedogenic scale. This scale goes from 0-5, from non-clogging to highly likely to clog pores. A 2 has a very low chance of clogging pores or causing breakouts.
Tamanu Oil for Acne Scars
Since tamanu oil promotes collagen production and encourages new tissue growth, it’s able to help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Tamanu oil can help fade visible scars on the face and body, but it can’t do so overnight. With consistent use and a bit of patience, you can use tamanu oil for scars to help fade and minimize scars, acne marks, and stretch marks.
Tamanu Oil Stretch Marks Treatment
Stretch marks are a very common part of pregnancy and do not always disappear after giving birth. Many people search for solutions to their stretch marks but fading them successfully is not always easy.
Tamanu oil moisturizes the skin and promotes collagen production, so it can prevent stretch marks from appearing when applied regularly during pregnancy over the course of 2-3 months. It can be applied directly to the skin by itself or combined with other ingredients such as jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. This is confirmed by a study published in September 2018 that found the value of tamanu oil when used in cosmetic formulas.
Tamanu Oil Rosacea Treatment
If you struggle with rosacea, you know how difficult to treat it can be. Perhaps you, like many, have turned to cosmetic products and skin procedures in an effort to reduce rosacea flare ups.
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and flushing. It can make blood vessels visible, thicken the skin, and cause pustules to form. Since pure tamanu oil helps soothe the skin and reduces irritation, it can be an effective part of your rosacea treatment.
Apply a few drops of the oil directly on your skin and massage it in gently. This can be done twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. If you prefer, you can mix the tamanu oil directly with your face moisturizer and apply them together.
Not sure about psoriasis vs eczema vs rosacea and how to treat each? If you’re experiencing persistent skin irritation or redness and aren’t sure what’s causing it, it’s best to visit your dermatologist. They can help you understand what the underlying issue is and recommend the best treatment plan.
Tamanu Oil for Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition that is characterized by dark spots and patches on the face. Tamanu seed oil can be used to treat melasma, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation thanks to its beneficial properties.
To use tamanu oil for melasma or dark spots, apply a few drops of the oil directly to your skin or combine it with your moisturizer. You can apply it once or twice daily. Be aware that, while effective, using tamanu oil may not lead to immediate results. So be consistent and use the oil for at least 3 months. In some cases it can take up to a year or more to see significant results.
Nail Fungus Treatment
What about treating nail fungus? A tamanu oil and skin active properties study confirmed the antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal protection offered by this remarkable oil. Apply a drop or two of pure tamanu oil to your affected nail and massage the oil in gently to help prevent and fight the growth of nail fungus. Again, consistency in application is key to see the desired results.
Tamanu Oil Psoriasis and Eczema Treatment
Based on evidence from some studies, tamanu oil may be used in eczema and psoriasis treatments. It has been used traditionally for these purposes throughout the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Many people have found anecdotal success with it. However, there isn’t yet a solid body of research to confirm that tamanu oil will reduce inflammation from psoriasis.
Tamanu Oil in Lip Therapy
The many benefits of tamanu oil also extend to the lips. If you have dry, cracked, or sour lips, this powerful oil can help restore them to their healthy, natural condition.
To get the benefits, rub a drop or two of tamanu oil onto your lips each night before bed. Don’t overdo it - you want to use enough to coat the lips in a thin layer of oil. You should not leave a lot of excess oil on your lips.
Where These Benefits Come From
The benefits of tamanu oil come from its diverse mix of omega fatty acids - including oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6)
One of the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in this oil is linoleic acid. Linoleic acid skincare includes the following benefits:
- Helps with wound-healing
- Anti-inflammatory properties and effects
- Reduction in existing acne and prevention of future breakouts
- Improved moisture retention in the skin
- Increased skin elasticity, which slows the aging process
Oleic Acid (Omega-9)
Similarly, oleic acid can:
- Help your hair grow long and strong
- Reduce visible signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles
- Provide antioxidant benefits
- Help with joint inflammation, along with pain and stiffness
This also explains why many people use tamanu oil for hair and scalp rejuvenation.
Palmitic Acid
Palmitic acid has emollient properties. It’s the most common saturated fatty acid and is rich in beneficial antioxidants.
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid in tamanu oil is known primarily for its cleansing or antibacterial properties. It can also:
- Help cleanse and eliminate dirt, sweat, and excess sebum
- Emulsify products by binding water and oil
- Soften the skin
- Enable products to remain potent for longer periods of time
- Fight bacteria growth
- Provide antioxidants
- Offer anti-inflammatory benefits
- Stimulate collagen production
- Promote wound healing
All of these fatty acids deliver benefits that, of course, translate to visibly improved skin.
How to Use Tamanu Oil for Skin Care
In order to derive the most benefit from this oil, you need to know how to use it correctly. Remember, it’s a carrier oil, not an aromatic oil. Here are some ways you can use pure tamanu oil at home and add it to your skin care routine:
- Add it to your face or body scrub.
- Use a few drops with your shampoo or conditioner to hydrate and strengthen hair.
- Put tamanu oil in your hand cream for a boost in hydration and to reduce dryness or cracking.
- Make your own at-home hair mask and include tamanu oil for scalp benefits.
- Use it in massage oils and creams for a moisturizing boost.
- Apply tamanu oil to dark spots, hyperpigmentation, scars, stretch marks, and acne scars to reduce their appearance. (Don’t apply it to open wounds.)
Another way to use tamanu oil for its modern cosmetic uses is to choose skincare products that feature it as a key ingredient.
How to Store Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil should be stored in a cool, dark place where it won’t be exposed to sunlight. It can be kept in the refrigerator for long term storage, but be aware that it becomes solid when allowed to remain at cold temperatures. So you’ll need to take it out and bring it to room temperature before you can use it on your skin. For the best results, store it in a glass bottle.
The Best Tamanu Oil Products
Use the best tamanu oil products to maximize this ingredient’s benefits for your skin on a regular basis.
Cloud Whip Face Cream
Our vitamin C moisturizer cream is made with tamanu oil, vitamin C, MSM, and jojoba oil to deliver antioxidants to your skin and fight the aging process. It also helps repair acne scars and reduce wrinkles - both of which are other benefits of tamanu oil. For the best results, use it each morning and evening after applying serum. Massage it gently in an upward motion on the face and neck until it’s fully absorbed.
All In Eye Cream
Use our anti-aging eye cream to brighten and smooth the sensitive skin in this area. Its formula includes tamanu oil, cocoa butter, squalane, MSM, and cucumber hydrosol - all of which work together to eliminate puffiness, lines, and dark circles. Dab it gently under and around the eyes without pulling or tugging to enjoy its full benefits.
Daydreamer Natural Face Moisturizer
We developed our Daydreamer Natural Face Moisturizer to increase microcirculation, soothe irritation, and lock in hydration. Besides tamanu oil, it also contains vitamin E, botanical hyaluronic acid, geranium flower water, and cocoa seed butter. Use it in your morning and evening skin care routine. Use over your serum to lock in moisture, prevent dryness, and get all the benefits.
The Most Loved Starter Routine Package
Are you a skin care beginner who wants to try out a range of different natural products? This Eight Saints skincare routine was designed for you! It includes:
- Down To Earth Swirled Mud Gel Face Wash
- Seeking C Vitamin C Serum
- Cloud Whip Face Moisturizer (made with calophyllum inophyllum seed oil)
- Microneedle Dermaroller
Used together, these skin care products will help you prevent excess oil, combat blemishes, and reduce the appearance of pores.
Tamanu Oil Side Effects
There are some potential side effects to consider with this oil. Risks of tamanu oil include an allergic reaction, but it’s not very common. But if you notice itchiness, dry skin, blisters, or skin irritation after using it, this could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
This oil can cause acne breakouts in some people, especially if using an outdated or low quality product that contains this ingredient.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid direct application of oils. This may lead to redness or other forms of irritation. To be safe, it’s better to use skin care products like those listed above that contain tamanu oil instead of using its pure form directly on your skin.
Precautions When Using Tamanu Oil Products
To enjoy all the benefits without any negative side effects, take these precautions:
- Patch test a very small amount of tamanu oil on your skin before applying it all over your face.
- Do not consume tamanu oil - it is toxic if taken internally.
- This oil is cytotoxic (damaging to cells) in high concentrations - so don’t overdo it.
- Avoid tamanu oil if you have nut allergies since it is pressed from tree nuts.
- If you are on any medications, check for possible interactions before using tamanu oil.
Alternatives to Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is generally a safe and effective addition to most people’s skin care routines. If for some reason you are not able to use it or want to include other beneficial oils, consider these:
- Argan oil
- Tea tree oil
- Jojoba oil
- Pomegranate seed oil
- Olive oil
- Castor oil
Final Thoughts
There’s substantial evidence of the many benefits of this tree nut oil thanks to its incredible skin healing properties. While it isn’t a cure-all for all skin conditions, research shows that it has promising and positive effects. And tamanu oil reviews provide plenty of anecdotal evidence to support its use.
Use it wisely. Before using it directly on your skin, consider adding skin care products that contain tamanu oil to your routine. If you experience any issues after using it or your skin conditions do not improve, consult with your dermatologist for additional support.