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We wouldn’t be shocked if you’ve never heard of camellia oil, but we’d be surprised if you’ve never inadvertently used a product with this ingredient. This unsung hero is especially popular in Asian skincare, but has found its way into many products outside of J and K beauty. The powerful antioxidant is ultra-nourishing while also being super light, which is a tricky balance. Learn more about the hero ingredient from the experts and pick up a few of our recommended products to experience the benefits firsthand.
Selected experts
- Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu are cosmetic chemists
- Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist
- John Scarchilli is Director of Scientific and Brand Communications at P&G Beauty Care
- Emer Gillen is a skincare expert and brand ambassador for Elemis
What is camellia oil?
Camellia oil is an oil usually extracted from the seeds of the evergreen Camellia oleifera, cosmetic chemists Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu tell us. The camellia flower itself is known as the winter rose and is commonly found in Asia, adds cosmetic chemist Ginger King.
“Camellia oil is pressed from the seeds of the camellia plant, which is native to East Asia and is accustomed to cooler climates,” says John Scarchilli, Director of Scientific and Brand Communications at P&G Beauty Care. “Interestingly, it is the cooler growing climate that is responsible for high levels of lightweight components that protect the seeds from freezing in the winter and nourish them for growth. These same compounds also make it the perfect ingredient to condition hair without weighing it down.”
Camellia oil in beauty
Scarchilli says the oil has long been used in high-end beauty products, largely due to its lightweight properties. The luxurious, moisturising oil nourishes skin, nails and hair, leaving them soft, supple and smooth, says skincare expert and Elemis brand ambassador Emer Gillen.
The benefits of camellia oil for the skin
“Camellia oil acts primarily as an emollient, providing nourishment and shine to the skin and hair,” say Fu and Lu. King points out that it also has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that make it beneficial as a topical agent.
“This oil has long been used to promote healthy, radiant, youthful-looking skin,” says Gillen. “It’s very nourishing and contains lots of vitamins, essential fatty acids, and natural antioxidants like tocopherols (vitamin E) and polyphenols. It strengthens the natural lipid barrier function, providing protection from environmental aggressors. It can improve skin healing and prevent the thickening of scar tissue.” She adds that while it’s loved by those with dry skin, it’s suitable for all skin types.
The benefits of camellia oil for hair
King says the oil nourishes hair, adds shine and tames frizz without being too greasy. Herbal Essences found that 76 percent of women worry about their hair feeling weighed down, so it chose the lightweight oil, Scarchilli says. “Camellia oil has a similar structure to natural hair oils, which are important for softness and flexibility,” Scarchilli explains. “Hair needs to regularly replace the oils it loses, and its composition gives it the ability to absorb quickly and avoid buildup and weight.”
Products with camellia oil that we love
Fu and Lu note that camellia oil has a really nice texture. “It absorbs quickly while still providing nourishment to the skin. It’s often used in blends with other oils in facial oils and balms.” Here are some of our favorite skin and hair products with camellia oil.
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