Macadamia oil is a plant-based oil derived from the nuts of macadamia tree native to Australia. It is a consumable oil but it is also used in beauty products as it has beneficial properties for the skin and hair.
Pure, organic macadamia nut oil has a slightly yellow color, a mild nutty scent and is a lightweight, easily absorbed oil.
It is rich in vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2, and B3, proteins, minerals, fatty acids and many antioxidants. What makes macadamia nut oil so special is its high percentage in palmitoleic acid, which is very beneficial for the mature and damaged skin.
Benefits of macadamia oil
Anti-ageing: Vitamin A boosts cell renewal, and palmitoleic acid prevents premature aging.
Antioxidant: The antioxidants found in macadamia nut oil fight free radicals that damage the cells and cause premature signs of aging.
Moisturizing: Rich in fatty acids, macadamia oil deeply moisturizes the skin and prevents water loss and dehydration.
Healing: Macadamia oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is ideal for treating stretch marks and reducing scars.
Nourishing: Vitamins, proteins, minerals and fatty acids contained in macadamia nut oil offer deep nourishment to the skin and the hair.
Easily absorbed: Macadamia nut oil is a lightweight oil, it doesn’t clog pores and is easily absorbed without leaving a greasy effect.
Uses of macadamia oil
Anti-aging treatment
Macadamia nut oil is the perfect oil for mature and damaged skin. Thanks to its high concentration in palmitoleic acid, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles and eliminates the appearance of dark spots.
How to use it:
Apply 2-3 drops of macadamia oil on your face and neck, and gently massage. Alternatively, add macadamia oil in your night cream and apply every night. (15 drops of oil in 50 ml night cream).
To balance oily skin
Macadamia oil is suitable for all skin types but works wonders for oily skin. It reduces the production of excess sebum, balancing oily skin, reducing the greasy effect and preventing acne (more common in oily skin).
How to use it:
Mix together 20 ml macadamia oil and 5 drops of tea tree essential oil and apply every night on clean and dry skin.
To treat areas with dermatological problems
Macadamia oil can be topically used on areas with dermatological problems, such as dry skin, eczema and itchiness. It nourishes and softens the skin improving its texture.
How to use it:
Apply few drops on the areas of your body you wish to treat and gently massage. Focus on knees, elbows and heels. For better results, use a mild scrub to exfoliate your skin first and help the oil penetrate deeper.
To treat stretch marks and scars
Macadamia nut oil has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Furthermore it boosts cell renewal and skin regeneration.
How to use it:
- For treating scars mix together 50 ml macadamia nut oil and 5 drops rosemary essential oil. Apply on to the scar on daily basis.
- For treating burn scars mix together 50 ml macadamia nut oil and 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil. Apply on to the scar on daily basis.
- For treating stretch marks mix together 50 ml macadamia nut oil and 10 drops lavender essential oil. Apply on the area massaging and using circular motions.
To heal chapped lips
Macadamia oil is extremely moisturizing and ideal for dry, chapped lips. It restores damages caused by harsh environmental factors and softens the lips.
How to use it:
You can apply it on your lips as frequently as necessary. Alternatively, you can make your own lip balm following this recipe: Mix together
- 1 tbsp. macadamia oil
- 1 tbsp. shea butter
- 1 tbsp. beeswax
- 3-4 drops of your favorite essential oil
Melt the ingredients in microwave, remove from heat, transfer your balm into a small tin and let it cool. Apply on your lips with your finger as often as you wish.
To massage
Macadamia nut oil is a lightweight oil, easily absorbed, it’s non-comedogenic and has a very mild scent. All these characteristics make macadamia nut oil an ideal massage and carrier oil.
How to use it:
Apply the oil on the parts of your body you wish to massage and start making circular motions. If you want to treat cellulite, mix 50 ml macadamia oil and 10 drops geranium essential oil.
For nail care
Macadamia nut oil softens the skin around the nails, strengthens the nails and prevents damage.
How to use it:
First of all remove any old nail polish. Then let your fingers soak in the water for ten minutes. Push back your cuticles carefully and then apply 1-2 drops of your oil to the tops of your nails and cuticles. Gently rub it in and let it absorb.
To prevent hair damage and split ends
The beneficial ingredients of macadamia oil offer deep nourishment to your hair and help it retain its moisture. They also protect your hair from environmental factors, such as cold air and long exposure to the sun, which dehydrate the hair, cause thinning, breakage and split ends, and remove the shine.
How to use it:
Pour few drops of macadamia nut oil on to your palms and gently rub your ends. Your hair might be dry or wet. You can even apply oil twice. Once when your hair is wet and then again after blow-drying it.
To fight frizz
Frizzy hair is mainly caused by heat damage and frequent use of chemicals (dying, bleaching). It shows that your hair is severely dehydrated. As a result, your hair tends to absorb moisture from the environment and looks rough and brittle. Macadamia nut oil has moisturizing properties, it prevents dehydration and reduces frizz.
How to use it:
You must apply your oil on dry hair when your goal is to tame frizz. Avoid the roots and don’t use too much oil because it will weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.
To care for your scalp
Macadamia oil keeps your roots and scalp moisturized, and reduces dryness, itchiness, irritations and dandruff. When applied directly on the scalp, it gets deeply absorbed and nourishes your hair follicles, making the hair stronger and promoting hair growth.
How to use it:
Put some macadamia nut oil on your scalp and massage well to stimulate blood flow. Then apply it to your hair and gently rub it into the ends. Wrap a cotton towel around your hair and let the oil work for minimum 30 minutes. Then wash it off with shampoo as usual.
Read our blog post to find out more about the ways to use vegetal oils for hair:
How to Use Hair Oil and Benefits
Where can you find macadamia oil?
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