Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil

Derived from the seeds of the famous Hawaiian kukui nut tree, this oil is a great emollient and occlusive moisturizer that is rich in fatty acids.
Moisturizing
Soothing
Other functions
Origin
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil

What is Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil?

Aleurites Moluccanus seed oil, also known as candlenut oil, or Kukui seed oil, is derived from the seeds of the candlenut tree (also called the kukui nut tree, the state tree of Hawaii). It has been a valued part of Hawaiian culture and skincare for centuries. Candlenut trees are also found in tropical regions like Asia and Australia.
 
This oil has a rich history, traditionally used in cooking in Indonesia and Malaysia. It contains a notable composition of linoleic acid (35-40%), linolenic acid (24-40%), oleic acid (10-35%), and palmitic acid (5-8%)​​.

Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil in Skincare

In the world of skincare, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil is celebrated for its multifaceted roles. It serves as a potent moisturizer due to its occlusive properties, forming a barrier that helps skin retain moisture. As an emollient, it softens and smoothens the skin, enhancing its texture. Additionally, its soothing attributes are beneficial in calming skin irritations.

Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil Benefits For Skin

 
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil is a versatile and beneficial ingredient in skincare, offering moisturizing, emollient, and soothing benefits:
  1. Moisturizing (Occlusive): The oil's occlusive nature helps in locking in moisture, thereby ensuring skin hydration and combating dryness. Like most other seed oils, it helps moisturize the skin by reducing TEWL (transepidermal water loss).

  2. Emollient: Known for its smoothing effects, it aids in improving skin texture and softness without clogging pores.

  3. Soothing: It has been known to soothe and treat dry, sunburnt, and prone-to-eczema skin, although more research needs to be done in this perspective.

Is Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil Safe for Skin?

The safety of Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil in skincare has been thoroughly assessed. The FDA has listed it as safe for indirect food additives and in resinous and polymeric coatings on food contact surfaces.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, which includes independent experts in various scientific fields, concluded that this ingredient is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. The oil is generally mild and well-tolerated by the skin, with a considerable body of information supporting its safety.

Science

1
Mindaryani, A., & Rahayu, S.S. (2010). Epoxidation of candlenut oil. 2010 International Conference on Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 102-105.
2
Cesca, T. G., Faqueti, L. G., Rocha, L. W., Meira, N. A., Meyre-Silva, C., de Souza, M. M., … Bresolin, T. M. B. (2012). Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing features in animal models treated with a semisolid herbal medicine based on Aleurites moluccana L. Willd. Euforbiaceae standardized leaf extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143(1), 355–362.