Macadamia Seed Oil
Macadamia seed oil is a lightweight yet nourishing plant oil prized in UK skincare and haircare for its silky feel and excellent moisturising properties. Extracted from the nuts of the macadamia tree, it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it a favourite in facial oils, body butters, lip balms and hair serums.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, macadamia seed oil acts as an emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin while reinforcing the skin’s natural lipid barrier. Its unique fatty acid profile, particularly high levels of monounsaturated oleic acid and palmitoleic acid, allows it to mimic the skin’s own sebum, enabling rapid absorption and a non-greasy after-feel. It is commonly used to improve product texture, enhance spreadability and deliver a healthy, supple appearance to both skin and hair.
Key benefits
- Deeply moisturises and softens dry skin
- Helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier
- Absorbs quickly with a non-greasy finish
- Conditions and adds shine to dry or frizzy hair
- Suitable for sensitive and mature skin
- Helps improve skin softness and elasticity
Best for
dry skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, dehydrated skin
Where it comes from
Macadamia seed oil is obtained by cold-pressing the nuts of the macadamia tree (Macadamia integrifolia or Macadamia tetraphylla), native to Australia but now widely cultivated in suitable climates.