Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a warm, aromatic spice whose essential oil is used in small amounts in skincare and haircare for its soothing and stimulating properties. It brings a spicy, comforting scent to creams, balms and massage oils while helping to refresh and clarify the skin.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics, nutmeg essential oil and extracts are valued for their ability to gently stimulate circulation and support a healthy-looking complexion. The oil’s naturally occurring compounds help to cleanse and balance oily or combination skin, while its aromatic profile makes it a popular addition to warming balms, foot creams and hair treatments that aim to invigorate the scalp and add shine to hair.
Key benefits
- Helps clarify and balance oily or combination skin
- Gently stimulates circulation for a fresh appearance
- Soothes and comforts irritated skin in low concentrations
- Adds a warming sensation to massage oils and balms
- Supports a healthy scalp environment
- Imparts shine and freshness to hair
Best for
oily skin, combination skin, normal skin, dull skin
Where it comes from
Nutmeg is the dried seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, an evergreen native to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. The outer covering of the seed produces mace, while the inner kernel is ground or distilled to obtain the fragrant oil used in beauty formulations.