Kukui nut oil is gaining huge popularity in the beauty care industry for its remarkable cosmetic uses. It is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands and the benefits of kukui nut oil are credited to its potent moisturising and skin-repairing qualities. This wonder oil can help ease dry skin, avert premature ageing, prevent hair issues, and soothes sunburn. The treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fat present in the oil aids to manage and treat several skin and hair woes.

Dive into this article to know more about the skin healing benefits and properties of this nut oil.

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What Is Kukui Nut Oil?

Candlenut or Kukui as it is called in Hawaii is a tree nut species native to the Indo-Malaysian region. It goes with the scientific name Aleurites moluccanus and grows well in warm tropical climates and largely features as a key ingredient in Indo -Malaysian cuisines.

Kukui oil is extracted by the cold pressing method from the nuts of the kukui tree and nuts contain a high percentage of about 30-60% of oil. This oil is obtained by cold pressing the nuts or by solvent extraction process, each method yields varying amounts of nutrients. Its roots trace back more than a hundred years, Hawaiians used this oil for medicinal, culinary and beauty benefits.

Fat Composition Of Kukui Oil

• 1% saturated fatty acids
• 3% monounsaturated fatty acids
• 43% linoleate
• 33% linoleate

Well, pure organic kukui nut oil goes rancid quickly as it contains linoleate the unstable fatty acid component. Hence oil is stabilized before use in cosmetic products.

Also Read: Castor Oil: Therapeutic Benefits, Uses For Skin And Hair Health

Potential Beauty Benefits

Treats Dry Skin

Kukui nut oil contains a good amount of saturated fats that repair the skin layer (stratum corneum) and rejuvenates the skin from the inside out. The fatty acids aid to lock moisture in the skin and form semipermeable barriers to support the moisture diffusing into the deep layers of the skin and prevent dryness.

Hair Health

The natural moisturising quality of kukui oil works well in hydrating and locking moisture in the hair. The oil is applied to dry, brittle, and damaged mane to add extra lustre and softness. As it is a non-comedogenic agent kukui oil can be used for scalp treatment. Kukui oil works as a natural hair serum to detangle hair and lessen frizz.

Fades Stretch Marks

Kukui nut oil is largely used as a massage oil to avert stretch marks. Massaging with kukui oil aids to offer respite from joint pain.

Slows Down Ageing

Being a storehouse of antioxidants, kukui oil fight free radicals damage and slows down the ageing process. The goodness of skin-friendly vitamins B and E in kukui oil makes the skin look supple, plump and youthful. It promotes collagen production and supports the formation of new skin cells, thus mitigating fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Also Read: Collagen: The Protein Behind Healthy Skin And Joints

How To Use

Kukui oil can be directly applied to the skin to lock moisture and hydrate the skin from within. It can also be applied to the hair to make it voluminous, shiner and supple. Take a small amount of oil and smear gently on your face or massage your hair and scalp for the best results.

Strictly follow the instructions given in the package for the right usage. You can mix kukui nut oil with other natural compounds to make revitalising face masks and hair masks. In addition, it can also be blended with other essential oils and used as part of aromatherapy to hydrate the skin and hair.

Side Effects

There is not enough information on whether kukui oil triggers allergic reactions. A few people have experienced hives, itching and red bumps on the skin after using oil. Hence it is always advisable to do a patch test before applying it to the skin to prevent allergic reactions.