Macadamia Oil

Product Description:

Macadamia Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the nuts of the macadamia tree (Macadamia integrifolia), native to the subtropical regions of Australia. The oil is golden yellow in colour with a fine, nutty scent and a rich yet fast absorbing texture, often described as a dry oil because it sinks into the skin quickly despite its nourishing feel. Macadamia Oil is particularly notable for containing palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid that is naturally present in human skin but relatively rare among plant oils. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Macadamia Oil as a raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY formulators, hair care brands, and skin care product developers looking for a nourishing, fast absorbing carrier oil.

Botanical and Trade Names

Botanical Name: Macadamia integrifolia
English Name: Macadamia Oil / Macadamia Nut Oil
INCI Name: Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Other Common Names: Macadamia Nut Carrier Oil

Key Properties

• Cold pressed from macadamia nuts with no heat and no chemical solvents involved
• Rich yet fast absorbing texture, often referred to as a dry oil
• Naturally contains palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid closely matching human skin sebum
• Unrefined and supplied in its natural state without bleaching or deodorisation
• Fine, nutty scent and a golden yellow colour
• Well suited for dry, mature, and sensitive skin formulations
• Compatible with other carrier oils, butters, and oil-phase ingredients

About Macadamia Oil

Macadamia oil is obtained from the nuts of the macadamia tree, native to the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, from where it was brought to Hawaii at the end of the 19th century. The nut itself is a rich source of nutrients including a range of vitamins and minerals, and the oil pressed from it is notably resistant to rancidity, giving it a practical shelf life advantage over many other carrier oils.

What distinguishes macadamia oil in formulation is its unusually high palmitoleic acid content, sitting at 16 to 23%. This is higher than virtually any other known plant oil. Palmitoleic acid is a fatty acid that is also naturally present in human sebum, and its concentration in sebum decreases as we age. This is why macadamia oil is particularly relevant in anti-ageing formulations, as it can help replenish something the skin produces less of over time. The oil is a rich carrier that penetrates the top layers of the skin rapidly and makes a pleasant, non-greasy massage oil. In vitro studies have also shown that isolated palmitoleic acid has potential antimicrobial activity and can decrease melanin synthesis by inhibiting the enzymes tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1, suggesting that acne-prone and hyperpigmented skin could both benefit from its use.

Working with Macadamia Oil in Your Formulations

Macadamia oil works well in anhydrous products such as balms, masks, butters, and scrubs, and can also be used in emulsions and haircare products. Its rapid skin penetration and pleasant, non-greasy feel make it a particularly good fit for massage oils, anti-ageing serums, and facial oils targeting mature or hyperpigmented skin.

Quality & Formulation Notes

No adverse effects or formulation restrictions are documented for macadamia oil. Its good oxidation stability and resistance to rancidity give it a reliable shelf life compared to many other carrier oils. No specific substitute exists, as its palmitoleic acid concentration is unique among commercially available plant oils.

Applications

Skin Care Formulations: Facial oils, anti-ageing creams, body lotions, massage oils, lip balms, baby care formulations

Hair Care Formulations: Hair oils, leave-in conditioning treatments, scalp serums, smoothing hair serums

Cosmetic Formulation: Carrier base for essential oil blends, lotion and cream oil-phase ingredient, lipstick and lip care formulations

General Use: Bulk supply for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY skin and hair care kits, salon and spa product formulations

Packing and Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in active use. Recommended storage temperature below 25°C. Refrigeration is acceptable for extended shelf life. Best before 12 months from packaging date. Natural variation in colour and scent between batches is characteristic of a cold pressed, unrefined oil.

Caution

Patch test is recommended before use on skin. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or physician.