Tamanu Oil for Skin Care: Benefits & Uses

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What is Tamanu Oil?

Tamanu oil is a skin care oil that is cold-pressed from the seeds of a tropical evergreen tree called tamanu nut tree, or Calophyllum inophyllum. The tamanu tree is native to certain regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, and the oil has been used by cultures in those regions for hundreds of years. Aura Cacia Tamanu Oil is organic, making it a clean and responsible choice for both your skin and the planet.

Tamanu Oil Benefits for Skin

Tamanu oil has a rich history of use in skin care, with applications and benefits across skin types. It can be used as-is, or in combination with your favorite essential oils for skin care.

Dry Skin

Tamanu oil is incredibly rich in oleic and linoleic acids that are nutritious and fortifying for the skin. Oleic acid is rich and moisturizing, making it a perfect choice to hydrate skin prone to dryness.

Oily and Combination Skin

The linoleic acid found in tamanu oil is astringent and toning, making it a perfect choice for both acne-prone and combination skin and mature skin alike. Tamanu oil has a comedogenic rating of 2, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores.

Mature Skin

The unique fatty acid and resinous composition of tamanu oil gives it an amazing capacity to strengthen, tighten, and revitalize skin. Massaging a small amount of tamanu oil into clean, slightly damp skin will help to lock in moisture and leave skin looking smooth, firm and radiant.

Clear Skin

Another great use for tamanu oil is spot application to soothe blemishes or skin irritations, and reduce the appearance of new or old marks on the skin. It can also be used to deliver essential oils safely and effectively to hard-to-reach areas for targeted application, such as under and around toenails.

Tamanu Oil Benefits for Hair

The same rich, nutritious fatty acids in tamanu oil that benefit the skin also encourage strong, healthy and luxuriant hair growth. Applying tamanu oil to hair will help hydrate the strands, bring out beautiful shine, and tame unwanted frizz. Tamanu oil massaged into the scalp will even help hydrate and nourish dry, flaking skin.

How to use Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil can be used on its own or blended with other skin care oils and essential oils for added benefits. Massage a small amount into clean, damp skin to increase skin hydration and tone, or apply to your hair as an overnight mask to help moisturize and thicken. You can even add some tamanu oil to your conditioner for daily use!

While tamanu oil is very gentle and well tolerated, if you're new to using this oil it's always a good idea to test a new skin care oil or essential oil on a small patch of skin first. Tamanu oil is considered low comedogenic, however, it's texture is thicker than some other carrier oils so anyone with extremely oily skin may feel more comfortable with a lighter carrier oil, such as jojoba or apricot kernel.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes to help you experience all of the amazing benefits tamanu has to offer:

Toning Tamanu Oil Facial Serum

Ingredients

1 ounce Aura Cacia Organic Tamanu Oil

1 ounce Aura Cacia Jojoba Oil

5 drops Aura Cacia Sandalwood in Jojoba Oil

3 drops Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil

2 drops Aura Cacia Sweet Orange Essential oil

2-ounce Aura Cacia Amber Glass Bottle

Directions

1. Combine all oils in the amber glass bottle.

2. Cap the bottle, and shake well to fully mix.