Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

What it is

Macadamia oil is pressed from the nuts of the Australian macadamia tree and is mostly oleic acid, but it is one of very few plant oils with a substantial share of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), which is also present in human sebum and declines with age. That composition gives it a cushioned, quickly absorbed feel that formulators favour in richer facial products. It is reasonably stable for a monounsaturated oil.

What it does well

• Absorbs faster than most rich oils

  Its palmitoleic and oleic acid profile is close to the composition of skin surface lipids, which is the usual explanation for its light after-feel relative to its richness. This is a well-observed formulation property rather than a clinically tested benefit.

  Limited evidence

Worth knowing

• Derived from a declarable tree nut

  Macadamia is one of the eight nuts EU food law requires to be labelled as an allergen. Cosmetic macadamia oil is a refined fat with very little residual protein and reactions are not commonly reported, but people with a confirmed macadamia allergy may reasonably prefer to avoid it, especially on broken skin.

  Matters most toPeople with a diagnosed macadamia or tree-nut allergy.

Where the EU stands