Tamanu oil is a mysterious, tropical oil discovered by Melanesian and Polynesian people centuries ago, and is only now beginning to attract attention from the beauty industry. Tamanu oil is at the cutting edge of emerging skincare products–and for good reason–its benefits are truly remarkable!
Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is different than any other oil available, as it contains three unique and powerful compounds: calophyllic acid, calophyllolide, and lactone. These compounds drastically improve the appearance of scars, and skin blemishes. The effects are so powerful that natives believed the tamanu tree to be a sacred gift of nature and that gods hid in its branches. Fiji islanders call the oil dolno, which translates to “no pain.”
The tamanu tree bears its inedible fruit once a year and inside the fruit is a pale-colored nut kernel. After 1-2 months the nut kernel dries and turns a deep, chocolate brown releasing a sticky, rich oil. The nut kernels are sun dried and cold pressed ensuring the highest quality oil is produced. Essential sources tamanu oil from Madagascar.
Rarely used as a carrier oil due to its ultra-thick consistency, tamanu works well in blends with other carrier oils. It’s highly beneficial as a facial oil, either alone or with essential oils added. Tamanu oil may naturally separate or solidify at cold temperatures but can be liquefied at 85F. Since this is a rather thick oil, you should always stir well before using to ensure the constituents of the oil are well blended. Tamanu is known for its rapid and complete absorption preventing any residual greasy feeling.
Tamanu oil has a rich, pleasant, nutty scent with a bold dark color and will lend both color and aroma to your formulations. Have fun formulating with this amazing and multi-beneficial oil!
