Kukui nut oil is derived from the state tree of Hawaii, the kukui nut tree, which is commonly known as the candlenut tree. Most commonly used as a massage oil, kukui nut oil is expeller-pressed from the large nuts of the tree, which bears the scientific name Aleurites moluccanus. [rx]
Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus), or kukui as it is called in Hawaii, is a tree nut species indigenous to the Indo-Malaysia region. It grows well in warm tropical regions and extensively features Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines (rx).
For thousands of years, the indigenous people of Hawaii have used this oil in religious ceremonies, paints, varnishes, and even candle-making. However, it has become known to the wider world because of its impressive topical benefits to the skin and hair, as well as the immune system and muscles.
The long list of benefits derived from kukui nut oil is attributed to its high level of poly and monounsaturated fats, linoleic and linolenic, as well as vitamins C, D, E and other powerful antioxidants.
| Health benefits of using Kukui Nut Oil Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Health benefits of using Kukui Nut Oil |
| Colors | Semi-clear- Light yellow |
| Health benefits | Treats constipation, chapped skin, sunburn, stretch marks, thrush |
Kukui nut oil is a refined and cold-pressed oil that is semi-clear to light yellow in color. This oil bears a light, pleasant, sweet, and nutty scent. It acts as a moisturizer that has balanced amounts of linoleic fatty acids and oleic fatty acids. It is loaded with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E, and A. It helps to treat the skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema as well as dry and chapped skin. It is used for generations to soothe as well as rejuvenate skin. Being non-comedogenic it does not clog the pores of the skin. It penetrates the deep layers of the skin by creating a protective shield that helps to lock in the moisture.
Kukui nut oil facts
Kukui nut oil possesses healing properties that help to soothe the skin which is exposed to wind, sun, and saltwater.
| Name | Health benefits of using Kukui Nut Oil |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name of Kukui plant | Aleurites moluccana |
| Common/English Name of Kukui plant | Candlenut, Varnish tree, Indian walnut, Kukui |
| Name in Other Languages | Hawaii: Kukui; Philippines: Lumbang; Indonesia: Kemiri; USA: candlenut; Tonga: tuitui; Samoa: Iama; Tahiti: ti’a’iri; Marquesas: ‘ama; Austral Islands: tutu’s; China: shi li; Papua New Guinea: group; |
| Method of extraction | Refined, cold-pressed |
| Color | Semi-clear- Light yellow |
| Flavor/aroma | Light, pleasant, sweet, nutty |
| Texture | Thin |
| Traditional uses |
|
| Precautions |
|
| Other Facts | It is also used for manufacturing conditioners, lotions, balms, hair serums, soaps, and candles. |
Health Benefits
People often use kukui nut oil when they struggle with joint pain, a weak immune system, arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, dandruff, wrinkles, and premature signs of aging, blemishes, burns, scars, fresh wounds, split ends, hair loss, stretch marks, and sunburn.
Source of Vitamin
It’s also well-known for its vitamins! A, C, and E. These nutrients help moisturize the skin without leaving it greasy. If you’re especially sensitive to greasy products but know the benefits of moisturizing, this is just for you.
Excellent Source of Fatty Acid
Kukui nut oil contains healthy fatty acids like linoleic acid and omega-3, which can help calm the skin and reduce inflammation. Due to the blend of rich fatty acids, the oil can easily be absorbed into the skin and help relieve aches and pains from aching muscles and joints too.
Erase Eczema
While it can’t make skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis completely go away, kukui nut oil is great for reducing inflammation and preventing discomfort and itchiness. If you have scaly patches, this would help soothe and smooth the skin out over time. One of the most difficult skin conditions to keep under control is eczema, but kukui nut oil is not only able to deliver moisture to the skin, but can also hold it there, effectively soothing inflammation and preventing itchiness. This nut oil is also effective against symptoms of psoriasis and rosacea. [rx]
Fights Against Fungal Infections
Kukui nut oil can be used to treat fungal infections like candida, jock itch, and athlete’s foot (rx). Cold-pressed Kukui nut oil can be applied to the affected area or mixed with other anti-fungal items like garlic. The infections can also be treated by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to Kukui nut oil. To prevent infections from recurring, these remedies should be regularly applied. The anti-fungal properties of the nut help in fighting against acne as well.
Prevent Dry Skins
Keeping dry skin moisturized is difficult and sometimes painful. If your hands are cracked, you may be susceptible to infections, especially if you work with your hands. Applying the oil promotes the growth of new skin cells and stronger skin.
Aging
Aging is unavoidable, kukui nut oil can help you move into aging with grace by applying it to your wrinkles and crow’s feet around your eyes. When applied, the kukui nut oil boosts collagen production and, like noted above, stimulates new skin cell growth. The oil is also perfect for stretch marks—it will minimize their appearance over time.
Boost Immuno System
On a daily basis, everyone’s skin is exposed to numerous irritants. If you apply kukui nut oil daily, especially to your hands and feet, you can bolster your immune system to fight infections. This is due to the antioxidants that are great for the immune system.
May Increase Hair Strength
A popular traditional use of kukui nut oil is to apply it to the hair in the form of a hair mask, mixing it in with shampoos or conditioners, or simply massaging it into the scalp and tips of the hair. The linoleic and linolenic fatty acids that may be found in this oil are able to coat the hair, delivering key nutrients, moisturizing it, preventing breakage, and even improving the appearance and luster of hair. [rx]
The kukui nut tree in Hawaii has played an important plant in traditional culture and lifestyle. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Might Prevent Dandruff
As an emollient substance, kukui nut oil is able to coat the skin and lock in moisture, thus preventing dry skin and dandruff that inevitably follows. This possibly moisturizing quality of the oil also helps keep the hair follicles healthy and functioning, which can help prevent premature hair loss. [rx]
May Moisturize Dry Skin
Dry, cracked skin of the hands and other parts of the body is not only painful but a perfect breeding ground for infection. If you regularly work with your hands or are often exposed to the elements, applying a sheen of kukui nut oil can prevent easy breakage of the skin, and promote the growth of new cells. [rx]
Heal Wound
If you experience a scrape, scratch, bruise, cut or abrasion, you can apply a diluted form of kukui nut oil to the wound in order to speed healing, relieve pain and eliminate swelling, while also protecting the wound from possible infection. [rx]
Minimize Appearance of Wrinkles
As we age, there are certain things that are unavoidable, such as wrinkles and age spots, but this potentially antioxidant-rich oil is able to counter those effects, boosting collagen production and stimulating the sloughing of dead skin cells to make room for healthy new ones. In the case of stretch marks, for pregnant women or people experiencing rapid weight fluctuations, applying this oil daily can help minimize their appearance.
Lower Inflammation
The most popular use of kukui nut oil is in massage and is still widely used today for this purpose. The rich blend of fatty acids, which have possibly anti-inflammatory effects, can be absorbed into the skin and help soothe sore muscles and joints, which is also why this oil is commonly used by people who suffer from arthritis. [rx]
Can Act as Analgesic
If you suffer from chronic pain or have recently experienced surgery or injury, the use of this oil is recommended in moderate amounts. Kukui nut oil is also a popular choice for burn relief, as it can quickly inhibit pain receptors and numb inflamed areas. [rx]
Can Boost Immune System
With possibly rich amounts of vitamin E and vitamin C, this oil is packed with antioxidants and immune-boosting potential. Your skin is exposed to countless pathogens and irritants every day, but if you regularly apply kukui nut oil, particularly to the hands and face, you can give your skin an advantage when it comes to fighting infections. [rx]
Improved Digestive System
Adding Kukui nut oil to your diet can be very beneficial for the GI tract. Regular use can help facilitate the digestive process. Consuming them on a regular basis also helps promote regular bowel movement because the oil serves as mild laxatives (9).
Improves Sleep
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can be caused by stress, depression, a lot of thinking, or a fear of something. It is rich in melatonin, a hormone that aids in the regulation of the body’s internal clock (10). Kukui nut oil has been deemed as a remedy to make you relax and quickly fall asleep.
Side Effects of Kukui Nut Oil
There are few reported side effects of kukui nut oil, but some people report skin irritation and stomach upset, often when the oil is used in large quantities.
- Stomach issues: Kukui oil may be versatile and packed with nutrients, but it is also extremely susceptible to heat. Although kukui oil is rarely consumed internally, it is not generally considered toxic, but if the oil has already passed its shelf life, or has been exposed to excess heat, it can cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and other unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects.
- Skin inflammation: As with any potent natural oil, kukui nut oil can cause inflammation on the skin, particularly for people with sensitive skin, or those who have an allergy to the kukui nut tree. In order to avoid this, apply a small amount of this oil to a patch of skin and wait a few hours to see if any redness or itching appears before putting it on a larger area of your body.
Uses of Kukui nut oil
- It is used to treat constipation, chapped skin, eczema, dysentery, sore throats, sores, skin fungus, sciatica, and minor skin abrasions.
- It lowers the appearance of sunburn, stretch marks, tonsillitis, thrush, tumors, toothache, and ulcers.
- It moisturizes the skin and also prevents sun damage.
- It lowers the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- It provides relief from the pain of burns caused due to radiation therapy.
- It could be added to the bathwater.
- It softens the crow’s feet.
- It is used to treat burns, wounds, and minor skin irritations.
- It prevents and softens crow’s feet.
- It is used to treat sunburns, eczema, windburns, psoriasis, chapped skin, dry skin conditions, scars, acne, lesions, and maturing skin.
- It treats itchy scalp and prevents dandruff.
Kukui Nut Oil vs. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has also been traditionally used for skincare purposes. While more research has therefore been carried out on the benefits of this oil for skincare, preliminary research on kukui nut oil suggests the two may share similar properties.
Both oils are effective emollients. Coconut oil can enhance the skin’s barrier function, locking in and protecting moisture. Research shows that coconut oil, much like kukui nut oil, has antibacterial properties. Topical application of coconut oil can reduce eczema symptoms, and kukui nut oil is purported to also have this potential.
Unlike kukui nut oil, coconut oil has been demonstrated to increase collagen production, which can aid in wound healing. Coconut oil products also tend to be more easily accessible than kukui nut oil products. “The two ingredients are very similar,” says Dr. Downie, “however, formulations of coconut oil are far more available and tested in mainstream products like Olay and Aveeno.”
Lastly, coconut oil typically leaves a greasy residue on the surface of the skin, while kukui nut oil does not. This makes coconut oil more likely than kukui nut oil to clog pores and lead to breakouts, particularly in acne-prone skin.
| Kukui Nut Oil | Coconut Oil | |
| Moisturizing properties | Yes | Yes |
| Antibacterial properties | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces eczema symptoms | Purported | Yes |
| Products readily available | Through specialized vendors | Yes |
| Helps wounds heal | No | Yes |
| Free of greasy residue | Yes | No |
How to Use Kukui Nut Oil
Kukui nut oil can be applied to any area of the body by applying a small amount directly onto the skin.
You can use kukui nut oil on your face to moisturize or lightly massage it into your scalp and hair as an oil treatment. Lotion formulations of kukui nut oil should be applied to your skin while it is still damp from a bath or shower to help lock in moisture.
Kukui nut oil can also be used as a bath oil. A few drops can be poured directly into bathwater for added fragrance and a moisturizing effect.
Some people add this oil directly to other skin care products, as this is said to enhance the fragrance or moisturizing effects of those products. However, the combined effects of kukui nut oil and other emollients have not been studied.
Kukui Nut Oil DIY Recipe
Kukui nut oil can be combined with other ingredients to make a hydrating face mask formula that soothes dry skin.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp kukui nut oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp plain yogurt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and blend to form a paste
- Apply the paste to your face
- Wait 1–15 minutes; wash off with warm water.
Combining kukui nut oil with honey, which is antimicrobial and antioxidant-rich, may help soothe some of the inflammation and irritation that accompanies dry skin.
Precautions
- People with diarrhea and pregnant women should not use it.
- Allergic people to nuts should also avoid it.
Other Facts
- It is also used in conditioners, lotions, balms, hair serums and soaps.
- It is used to manufacture candles.
From Where To Buy
- Kukui nut oil is a natural moisturizer that has been used for centuries in Hawaii. It is produced by pressing oil from the Kukui nut (or candlenut) tree, and it contains essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that help to soothe dry skin and heal wounds. The word 'Kukui' means 'light' in Hawaiian.
- Kukui nut oil was also used to massage members of royalty, who were sometimes massaged for seven or more hours! Kukui nut oil is an excellent oil to add to your body care products, especially your creams, lotions, and massage oils. Kukui nut oil should not be exposed to high temperatures. You can also use it for an oil treatment on dry hair and scalp, or add a few drops to your bath water for a luxurious treat.
- Skin Benefits: Kukui Nut Oil is a fabulous moisturizer, and quickly penetrates the skin leaving a silky-smooth non-greasy feeling. It is often used for dry or damaged skin, immediately relieving symptoms because of its quick absorption into the skin. It can leave even the roughest and driest skin feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated. Kukui Nut Oil contains Vitamins A, C, and E, providing anti-oxidants that help to protect the skin.
- Hair Benefits: Hawaiians make use of Kukui nut oil on dried out hair that has been damaged through overexposure to components such as the sun as well as wind. The proteins and essential fatty acids contained in Kukui nut oil penetrate the actual hair shaft and leave hair searching healthy and replenished with water. Kukui nut oil can be used as the treatment for an itchy head or dandruff.
- It's the same regenerative results on the hair and head as it does for your skin. According to an article, the gamma-linoleic acidity present in Kukui nut oil causes it to be useful as a leave-in treatment which conditions, imparts shines, as well as restores moisture in order to hair.
or
- USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC TAMANU SEED OIL: Organic Tamanu Oil is cold-pressed from the nut kernels of the Tamanu Tree and is known for its incredible beauty and skin benefits. Tamanu oil contains Calophyllicacid (a unique fatty acid), Lactone & Calophyllolide that help with skin issues, improve the elasticity of the skin & promote healthier skin naturally
- SKIN REJUVENATING PROPERTIES: Tamanu oil is a fast acting skin rejuvenating agent with its unique ability to penetrate all three layers of the skin which may help to accelerate healing.
- CLINICALLY TESTED FOR NON-IRRITATING TO SKIN BY AMA LABORATORIES INC, USA: You can apply Our Tamanu oil all over your skin with confidence,Tamanu oil works exotically on the skin and may help with signs of aging. With its moisturizing properties and ability to penetrate three distinct layers of skin
- HEALTHY HAIR AND NAILS: The richness of fatty acid and multiple nutrients makes it an ideal for beautiful hair and nails. It nourishes, moisturizes and softens hair while making scalp healthier. When massaged on nails, it leaves shiny and healthy nails.
- SIZE 120ML (4OZ) WITH PUMP & DROPPER: Packaged in a high-quality dark amber glass bottle with a pump, glass dropper, and tamper-proof seal cap. The dropper will allow controlled oil dispensing for easy oil dropping for measurement without spilling.
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