A light, silky oil from Australia's native nut, rich in palmitoleic acid and slow to go rancid.
What it is
Macadamia oil is pressed from the nuts of a rainforest tree native to south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. It absorbs readily and leaves skin and hair soft without heaviness. It contains palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid also found in skin's own oils.
Good for
Dry skinDry hairFrizz
How it works
The oil is mostly oleic acid plus palmitoleic acid, with very little fragile polyunsaturated fat. It forms a light film that softens skin, slows water loss and smooths the hair surface to reduce frizz.
Ratings
Evidence
3/5
Emollient action is well understood, but specific trials are few.
Gentleness
4/5
Very low irritation, though tree-nut origin may concern some.
Formulation difficulty
1/5
Simple oil-phase ingredient with good oxidative stability.
Cost
3/5
Above commodity oils, especially Australian cold-pressed grades.
Popularity
3/5
Steady, less trend-driven use in hair oils and body care.
Pairs and cautions
Pairs well with
In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.
Add 0.05–0.1% tocopherol for long shelf lives, though its oleic (about 55–65%) and palmitoleic (about 12–24%) acids and low polyunsaturated content already resist rancidity. Cold-pressed grades carry more colour and odour.
Regulatory, Australia
Cosmetic ingredient in Australia, with no restriction. CIR (2017) assessed plant-derived fatty acid oils, including macadamia, as safe in cosmetics.
Claims to take care with
Cosmetic claims include 'nourishes', 'softens' and 'adds shine', and say it contains a fatty acid found in skin's own oils rather than that it matches them. Consider tree-nut information on pack.
