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Organic Tamanu Oil

Calophyllum inophyllum

You might need tamanu oil if…

Do you have scars or stretch marks that don’t seem to fade over time? Or perhaps wrinkles that you’d like to smooth out? If your skin is dry or damaged, tamanu oil might be good for you.

What is tamanu oil?

Tamanu oil is extracted from seeds of the calophyllum inophyllum tree that grows in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It has a bright yellowish/green color with a nutty smell. It is rich in fatty acids and has a comedogenic rating of 2, which means it has a low likelihood of clogging pores.


How is Tamanu Oil Made

The ripe tamanu nuts are collected from the tree and set out to dry for a few weeks/months. This allows their oil content to increase. Once the nuts are dry, they are cracked, and the seeds are harvested. Once harvested, the seeds are dried out more. Once they have achieved the right color that indicates maximum oil content, they are then cold pressed to extract the oil. The oil is filtered and bottled.


Benefits of Tamanu Oil

  • Supports wound healing and skin health: The fatty acids and antioxidants found in tamanu oil make a natural blend that supports the skin’s health. The oil provides a barrier that helps keep a balance of enough moisture (not too much to clog pores). The moisture balance is part of the healing process. The antioxidants in tamanu oil fight free radical damage, and the flavonoids support collagen production.
  • Antimicrobial: There have been multiple studies that show that tamanu oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and other antimicrobial properties (1).

Common Ways to Use Tamanu Oil

Topical: Tamanu oil can be used alone on the skin, or in a blend of skin creams, oils, balms, and serums.


Safety Concerns

If you have a tree nut allergy, you shouldn’t use tamanu oil. There are no concerns when applying topically. If you are considering applying to an open wound and are concerned, you can consult a medical professional.

Drug Interaction: If you are using topical prescription creams and are concerned with drug interactions, please consult your medical professional.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are not a lot of studies that show that tamanu oil has a positive or negative impact while used topically. If you are concerned, please consult your medical professional.

Other Concerns: None


Select Studies About Tamanu Oil


Potential of Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) Oil for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment - PubMed (nih.gov)

This is a summary of multiple in vivo and in vitro studies of tamanu’s benefits on the skin including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing.


Improving the Antioxidant Properties of Calophyllum inophyllum Seed Oil from French Polynesia: Development and Biological Applications of Resinous Ethanol-Soluble Extracts - PMC (nih.gov)

This study explores the different compounds (phenolics, flavonoids, pyranocoumarins, calanolide D, 12-oxocalanolide A and more) that give tamanu oil its antioxidant properties.


Biological Activity of Polynesian Calophyllum inophyllum Oil Extract on Human Skin Cells - PubMed (nih.gov)

This summary discusses the presence of neoflavanoids in tamanu oil and how it may contribute to its ability to stimulate collagen production and wound healing in the skin.


How Earthley Uses Tamanu Oil

Moisturize Me! Dry Skin

Moisturize Me is an all-natural and botanical moisturizer designed specifically for the face. Formulated with non-comedogenic oils and essential oils, this product hydrates and replenishes the skin, in addition to improving your complexion with our natural anti-aging ingredients.


Reviews:

“Being a person who has combination skin I was hesitant to try something that contains oil. I was afraid that it would break out my skin but I was wrong! Once the product soaks in my face feels amazing! A little goes a long way!”


“I Love this moisturizer! I got the Dry one because I tend to need a little more moisture on my face. I was worried I would be all oily and possibly break out, but my skin loves it! I wake each morning with the softest skin, no breakouts, and no remnant of oil on my pillow. I use it with the Rejuvenate Me drops and the combo is making my dark spots disappear! I am a happy customer.”

Some of our products using this ingredient