Macadamia Oil (Cold-Pressed) - Macadamia ternifolia
Macadamia oil, extracted from the nuts of the Macadamia ternifolia tree, is highly valued in natural cosmetics for its nourishing properties and ability to deeply hydrate both skin and hair. Native to Australia, this oil is a botanical treasure due to its high content of fatty acids and antioxidants, and its ability to blend seamlessly with the skin’s natural oils. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy, macadamia oil is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and mature skin, as well as for revitalizing dry or damaged hair.
Properties of Macadamia Oil
Macadamia oil is known for its exceptional fatty acid profile, particularly its high content of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), which closely resembles human sebum, allowing it to penetrate the skin easily and nourish it from within. It is also rich in oleic acid (omega-9), which contributes to deep hydration, and linoleic acid (omega-6), which helps restore the skin's barrier and improve elasticity.
This oil is also a natural source of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which protects the skin against free radicals and premature aging. Its ability to hydrate without clogging pores makes it a perfect ally for oily or combination skin, balancing sebum production while providing lasting moisture.
Organoleptic Description
- Color: Macadamia oil has a light golden color, reflecting its purity and nutrient richness.
- Texture: It is a lightweight, silky oil that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, ideal for those seeking hydration without heaviness.
- Aroma: It has a mild, nutty fragrance that is pleasant but not overpowering, making it perfect for use on its own or blended with essential oils.
Benefits of Macadamia Oil
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Deep yet Light Hydration: Thanks to its high concentration of fatty acids and its similarity to the skin’s natural oils, macadamia oil deeply hydrates without clogging pores or leaving a greasy feel. It is perfect for dry, dehydrated, and mature skin that needs intense nourishment.
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Anti-aging Properties: With its palmitoleic acid (omega-7) and natural antioxidants like vitamin E, macadamia oil is a powerful ally against the signs of aging. It helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin elasticity and firmness.
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Regenerative and Healing: Macadamia oil is ideal for treating damaged or irritated skin due to its unique ability to promote cell regeneration and heal minor wounds, scars, or sunburns.
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Controls Excess Sebum: Despite being an oil, its light and non-comedogenic composition makes it suitable for combination or oily skin. It balances sebum production, helping to prevent acne breakouts and other skin imperfections.
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Hair Care: Macadamia oil provides intensive treatment for nourishing, repairing, and strengthening damaged strands. It helps tame frizz, deeply hydrates, and improves hair elasticity, leaving it more manageable, shiny, and soft.
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Antioxidant Protection: It protects the skin against free radical damage, helping to prevent premature aging. It is also effective at protecting hair from environmental damage, such as sun exposure and pollution.
Cosmetic Uses of Macadamia Oil
Macadamia oil is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of cosmetic products, from facial serums to body oils and hair treatments. Due to its light texture and fast absorption, it is ideal for both skin and hair, providing hydration and nourishment without leaving a heavy residue.
For skin care, it can be used as a daily moisturizer, especially for dry or mature skin. It is also excellent as a massage oil, penetrating deeply and leaving the skin soft and supple. For hair care, it can be applied as a pre-wash treatment or as a leave-in conditioner for dry or damaged hair.
Three DIY Recipes with Macadamia Oil
1. Hydrating and Anti-Aging Facial Serum
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of macadamia oil
- 1 teaspoon of rosehip oil (regenerative)
- 3 drops of frankincense essential oil (anti-aging)
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil (soothing)
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a dark glass bottle.
- Apply 2-3 drops to clean skin at night, gently massaging until absorbed.
Benefits: This serum deeply nourishes the skin, combats the signs of aging, and improves elasticity, leaving the skin soft and rejuvenated.
2. Repairing and Smoothing Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of macadamia oil
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (nourishing)
- 5 drops of rosemary essential oil (stimulates hair growth)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients well in a bowl.
- Apply to dry hair, from mid-lengths to ends, and massage into the scalp.
- Leave on for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
Benefits: This mask nourishes the hair, tames frizz, and adds shine and softness, making it ideal for dry or damaged hair.
3. Hydrating and Softening Body Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of macadamia oil
- 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil (softening)
- 5 drops of geranium essential oil (toning)
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil (relaxing)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a dark bottle.
- Apply to damp skin after a shower, gently massaging in circular motions.
Benefits: This body oil deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it soft, radiant, and protected.
Macadamia oil (Macadamia ternifolia) is a gem for natural skin and hair care, thanks to its rich composition of fatty acids, antioxidants, and its ability to mimic the skin's natural oils. Its hydrating, anti-aging, and regenerative properties make it a perfect ally for those looking to keep their skin soft, nourished, and protected. Not only is it ideal for dry or mature skin, but it is also light enough for combination or oily skin, balancing sebum production while leaving a smooth, luminous finish. Additionally, its ability to repair and revitalize hair makes it indispensable in intensive hair treatments. A true luxury to include in your daily beauty routine.