Macadamia oil is a popular carrier oil widely used in aromatherapy and the cosmetics industries.
The Macadamia plant is an Australian native and Australia is the leading producer of Macadamias in the world. They are now however grown in other countries such as Kenya, Hawaii and Brazil.
Macadamia oil (botanical name Macadamia integrifolia) is extracted from the nuts/kernels of the plant, using the cold pressed method. For the beauty industry, the oil is then refined to remove impurities, and changing the oil to odourless and clear to pale yellow in colour.
Its consistency is thin and light, yet when warmed for use in massage, the texture is rich and luxuriously smooth.
Macadamia oil is extremely emollient and soothing and is highly nourishing for mature and ageing skin. This can be attributed to high levels of palmitoleic acid which is an omega 7 fatty acid believed to help with skin suppleness. It is also anti-inflammatory due to its high content of Vitamin E and squalene.
Macadamias contain useful amounts of manganese, an antioxidant and essential mineral required for collagen production in the skin.
Furthermore, it is high in mono-unsaturated fatty acids including omega 3 and omega 6, which helps moisten dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Macadamia oil is also excellent for hair, hands, nails and cuticles. Rub in a small amount of this moisturising oil and your body with thank you for it.
References:
Australian Macadamias Blog 2014, Show Your Skin Some Love!, Australian Macadamias, 7 February 2014, viewed 25 February 2021, https://www.australian-macadamias.org/consumer/show-your-skin-some-love
Australian Macadamias Blog 2017, Spring beauty is skin deep, Australian Macadamia, 10 October 2017, viewed 25 February 2021,
New Directions Aromatics Blog 2017, All About Lavender Carrier Oils, New Directions Aromatics Blog, 16 August 2017, viewed 25 February 2021, https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-carrier-oils.html
New Directions Aromatics 2017, Macadamia Refined Carrier Oil, New Directions Aromatics, viewed 25 February 2021, https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/products/carrier-oils/macadamia-refined-carrier-oil.html