Since I have never used Macadamia Nut Oil, I used it in one of my skincare formulations after knowing about it.
Let's know why!
INCI: Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) nut oil
Extraction: Cold pressing the nut.
Fatty Acid Profile: Palmitic acid 9%, stearic acid 3%, oleic acid 58%, palmitoleic acid 18-22%, linoleic acid 2%. Vitamin E. Mineral - magnesium and thiamine.
Quality & Absorption Rate: Thick and dry oil. Medium absorption rate.
Appearance: Clear, light yellow
Aroma: A slightly nutty flavour
Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Skin Type: Mature, dry and sensitive.
Shelf Life: 3years shelf life.
Contraindications: Avoid if you suffer from a nut allergy.
Substitution: Avocado oil, Peanut oil, Safflower oil and Grapeseed oil
It's a popular ingredient in cosmetic products because of its affluence in fatty acids, potassium and nutrients, particularly in palmitoleic acid. This oil is meant to smooth skin and add shine to hair, particularly when applied topically.
This oil comes from the nuts of Macadamia trees, native to Australia and predominantly found in Hawaii. Macadamia oil is famous for its authentic, cold-pressed form. It is used as cooking oil, hair-styling product, hair masks for conditioning, skin lotions, and face creams for moisturization.
It is one of the best modes of essential fatty acids. This fatty acid content is the real winner for skin and hair.
Benefits of Macadamia Oil
For smooth and healthy hair and skin
Macadamia nut is a fruit oil like Coconut oil and shares this quality of penetrating the hair follicles more efficiently than some other oils. Most commercial oils contain mineral oil which builds up on your scalp and, with time, makes your hair feel more decadent and look duller.
It binds to the hair shaft and imbues it with fatty acids, where hair follicles may be left more potent and healthier. Because of its emollient properties, hair treated with this oil regularly becomes softer, shinier, and retains its sheen. It restores moisture to the hair shaft, provides natural protein, and seals it in.
This oil is prevalent for curly hair because it manages curly hair more effectively. Such hair types are vulnerable to damage, especially from the environment that makes them dry and easily breakable. Therefore, if curly hair is adequately moisturized, it makes it easy to untangle and to style.
Macadamia is a lightweight oil and gets absorbed quickly that hydrates hair and skin without feeling heavy or greasy. It also contains antioxidants, which help hair and skin recover from environmental exposure like harsh rays of sun and pollutants in the air by preventing moisture loss. It also prevents wrinkles and skin damage and makes it a good moisturizer for dehydrated, irritated and flaky skin.
Health Benefits of Macadamia Nut Oil
This oil is also used for cooking as many people agree that Macadamia oil has a range of possible health benefits when eaten as part of a well-balanced diet.
Therefore, this oil can be substituted with other oils in many dishes. Since it has a higher smoke point than other oils (such as olive oil), it is suitable for roasting, grilling and sautéing. Its mild flavour makes this oil a good alternative for baking and ideal for salad dressings and marinades.
Heart health - Its high monounsaturated fat content will reduce harmful cholesterol levels, lowering a person's risk of heart attack and stroke. As a result, consuming this oil can aid heart health.
Antioxidants - Oxidative stress is caused by the free radicals in the body, which has a significant impact on ageing and the emergence of many illnesses, including cancer. As Macadamia oil is a rich source of antioxidants, so consuming it may help counter these free radicals.
It also contains a lot of oleic acid, which is an unsaturated fatty acid with antioxidant properties. Therefore, consuming oleic acid supplements can effectively safeguard against the damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin E – Tocotrienol is a substance found in Macadamia oil. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects against cancer and various other health issues, primarily neurological and cardiovascular diseases.
Is Macadamia Nut Oil Safe?
Though this oil is safe for almost everyone for use in both cooking and self-care. However, if you're allergic to nuts, you may be allergic to Macadamia oil. Applying it directly to the skin may cause a rash.
Macadamia oil contains fewer tree nut proteins. Hence, there's also a probability that you won't respond to the provocation of a reaction.
If you are still in doubt and have a record of allergies in the past, a patch test of the oil would be helpful before applying directly on your skin. If there's no reaction in a day, it should be safe to use. Discontinue using it if you develop any symptoms of allergy.
Be aware, just not to be used on oily or acne-prone skin directly to the skin. It may clog pores and alleviate breakouts of acne.
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