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