Macadamia
Macadamia Integrifolia
Macadamia Oil is a fatty and nutrient rich oil which is primarily used in skincare. It can be found in a number of anti-ageing products and face masks, and blends well with other essential oils to create home remedies to boost your skins elasticity and health.
History of Macadamia Oil
Macadamia Oil, botanical name Macadamia integrifolia is derived from the macadamia nut, and for thousands of years (before Europeans settled in Australia) native Aborigines would eat macadamia nuts as a source of nutrition, as well as using the oil as a medicine and skin and hair care remedy. Circa 1828 the macadamia plant was discovered by Allan Cunningham, one of the first Europeans on Australian soil. As the years progressed, the macadamia nut and oil rose in popularity, and in the late 1800's the first commercial plantation of macadamia nuts was made. Although this oil was only discovered around 200 years ago, it is one of the most well known nuts and oils, due to its nutritional content as well as benefits for the skin, hair, nails and facial complexion. It can be found growing in the north east, however there are a number of other countries across the world that now grow macadamia nuts as well as producing the oil.
It’s an oil which absorbs quickly into the skin, and overall has a pleasant texture and smell - making it the perfect companion to other essential oils on the market. Overall, it’s an oil which we think will only continue to rise in popularity, due to its accessibility and benefits when used on its own, or blended with other oils.
So, what does the future look like for Macadamia Oil?
The future looks incredibly bright! Although this isn’t a ‘new age’ oil, it’s still considered fairly new in comparison to other essential and carrier oils on the market. Its rich texture and beneficial properties means that Macadamia Oil is definitely one of our favourites when it comes to nourishing carrier oils. In addition to this, it’s an oil which has already been heavily commercialised, and can be found in oils, lotions, shampoos, conditioners and soaps! We can only assume that Macadamia Oil is going to continue to win the hearts of oil fanatics, and we’d go as far as saying that this should definitely be an essential carrier oil in your collection.
Extracting Macadamia Oil
Like most essential and carrier oils, Macadamia Oil is commonly extracted using a cold pressing method. This involves using the nuts and seeds of the plant, and using a cold press to extract the oil. Commercially, it’s the most popular way of extraction as although the yield isn’t that high, it’s the best way to get the highest quality oil. At present, there are other methods being trialled to extract Macadamia Oil, but cold pressing is the most commonly used, with the secondary method being using a solvent extraction. This involves using alcohol to draw the oil out from the nuts and seeds, however it’s a slightly more invasive process and goes against traditional methods of essential and carrier oil extraction. We assume that there will be other methods of extraction that will become more popular than the traditional cold pressed method, so stay tuned as we will update this blog as time goes on!
Can I make Macadamia Oil at home?
Unless you have enough macadamias and the tools to make the oil, then we’d suggest against making the oil at home. There are many essential and carrier oils on the market which you can replicate at home, but unfortunately, with Macadamia Oil, it would be a lot harder. When purchasing Macadamia Oil, please ensure that you’re buying from a reputable seller, and that the oil isn't mixed with alcohols or other oils that can damage the overall quality.
What do you think of Macadamia Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the team absolutely loves to hear how you’re getting the most out of your essential oil collection. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with us today.
Can I make Macadamia Oil at home?
Unless you have enough macadamias and the tools to make the oil, then we’d suggest against making the oil at home. There are many essential and carrier oils on the market which you can replicate at home, but unfortunately, with Macadamia Oil, it would be a lot harder. When purchasing Macadamia Oil, please ensure that you’re buying from a reputable seller, and that the oil isn't mixed with alcohols or other oils that can damage the overall quality.
What do you think of Macadamia Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the team absolutely loves to hear how you’re getting the most out of your essential oil collection. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with us today.
Macadamia Oil Varieties
Macadamia Oil Varieties
There are four main species of macadamia, however only two of these varieties are used to create the carrier oil. These two species are called Macadamia Tetraphylla and Macadamia Integrifolia. The other species either fall into the endangered category, or they are considered toxic. This means that you can’t ingest or use the oil topically without having an allergic, or potentially fatal reaction. Out of the two variations, Tetraphylla and Integrifolia, it isn’t clear which variety is considered the optimum variety, or whether their compositions are suited to particular uses. We can assume that as time progresses either more varieties will be discovered, or, more studies will be conducted to determine which variety is best suited to particular conditions or uses. Both seem to have similar compositions and benefits based on our research.
So, how should I pick my Macadamia Oil?
In this scenario, there isn’t a particular variety that is recommended. So, our advice would be to ensure that when you’re shopping for Macadamia Oil to purchase from a reputable seller who is open about the extraction process as well as where the oil comes from. If an oil seems a lot cheaper in comparison to the market range, ensure that you check the veracity of the seller, so you don’t end up buying a low quality oil, or worse, an oil which has been mixed with alcohols or bulking agents. We’re proud to stock high quality Macadamia Oil at Essentially Yours, which is ethically sourced and completely organic!
What do you think of Macadamia Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Is there a particular variety which you love the most? We love hearing from you and your stories, so, feel free to reach out and share them with one of the team today.
So, how should I pick my Macadamia Oil?
In this scenario, there isn’t a particular variety that is recommended. So, our advice would be to ensure that when you’re shopping for Macadamia Oil to purchase from a reputable seller who is open about the extraction process as well as where the oil comes from. If an oil seems a lot cheaper in comparison to the market range, ensure that you check the veracity of the seller, so you don’t end up buying a low quality oil, or worse, an oil which has been mixed with alcohols or bulking agents. We’re proud to stock high quality Macadamia Oil at Essentially Yours, which is ethically sourced and completely organic!
What do you think of Macadamia Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Is there a particular variety which you love the most? We love hearing from you and your stories, so, feel free to reach out and share them with one of the team today.
Benefits of Macadamia Oil
For thousands of years prior to its discovery, Macadamia Oil was used by indigenous Aborigines as a medicine as well as a topical skincare treatment. Today, Macadamia Oil is a popular carrier oil, possessing a number of beneficial properties. It has been commercialised across beauty, skincare and haircare, as well as being used in cooking and baking.
So, what are the benefits of Macadamia Oil?
Emollient
The emollient properties of Macadamia Oil makes it well placed when making beauty and skincare products, as it works very well with other solids and liquids to create nourishing and moisturising products. This is why on a lot of sensitive skincare products or shampoos geared towards dry scalps, you’ll see that Macadamia Oil is used.
Moisturising
Used topically, Macadamia Oil will increase the moisture content of your skin, scalp and hair and leave you feeling soft and nourished.
Improves heart health
Macadamia Oil can help to improve your heart health and help to lower bad cholesterol in your body, however if you are looking to replace your current prescribed methods with a natural remedy like Macadamia Oil, please consult with a doctor beforehand.
Antioxidant
Macadamia Oil has a great amount of antioxidant properties, which is excellent if you’re looking to detoxify the body. This could be if you’ve chosen to improve your diet, or, you’re looking to clear a congested break out on your complexion.
Soothing and gentle
One of the main benefits of Macadamia Oil is how soothing and gentle it is on the skin. It is packed with essential vitamins and fats, and doesn’t irritate even incredibly sensitive skin.
Please note that the benefits of Macadamia Oil can vary from person to person, and what may work for you may not work for someone else. If you’re using prescribed topical creams, and you’re looking to switch to a natural remedy like Macadamia Oil, please consult with your dermatologist/doctor before use.
Uses of Macadamia Oil
There are a number of beneficial properties in Macadamia Oil, and although it was only discovered around 200 years ago, it has risen in popularity exponentially! It’s been commercialised and can be found in shampoos, conditioners, soaps, skincare products as well as being infused in make-up products such as concealers and foundations due to its emolient qualities.
So, what can I use Macadamia Oil for?
Skincare
Topically, you can use Macadamia Oil on its own or blended with other oils to create amazing blends that can moisturise and nourish the skin. Macadamia Oil absorbs beautifully into the skin, so you can use it either as a daily moisturiser or as an evening treatment.
Haircare
If you’re struggling with dry, brittle ends or a flaky scalp, then using Macadamia Oil either as a mask or as an oil spray can help to dispel both of these things. Try mixing Macadamia Oil with another nourishing oil such as coconut or almond, too!
Massage
If you are looking to dispel muscle and joint pain, or, you just feel a bit tense, then you can use Macadamia Oil as a massage oil. Mix with a pain relieving essential oil such as Clary Sage or Basil and thank us later!
Cooking
Along with being an excellent topical treatment, you can also purchase Macadamia Oil which can be a healthier option to vegetable or palm oils. It can be used for frying and baking, as well as creating dressings and sauces for salads and other dishes.
Homemade products
Due to its emollient properties, Macadamia Oil can be used to make a number of homemade products such as soaps and moisturisers which will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Styling
Along with being able to use it as a hair mask or hair product, Macadamia Oil can be used in the styling process on wet hair, to lock in moisture and protect the hair from damage when heat is applied.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we are passionate about sharing our knowledge on essential oils, so you can get the most out of your essential and carrier oil collection. Whether it’s understanding the beneficial properties that an oil has, or, understanding the history behind an oil - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Macadamia Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Jojoba Oil
Fast absorbing and light, this is an excellent blend if you struggle with acne-prone or sensitive skin. Jojoba Oil has similar properties to your skin’s natural oils, which is why this blend is perfectly placed for those who don’t have combination skin or skin types which respond well to other oils.
BUY NOWCoconut Oil
Thick and nourishing, this is an ideal blend for hair and face masks, as well as being used as a massage oil. If you struggle with very dry skin then we’d recommend using this as an overnight facial treatment. You could also use this as an overnight hair mask three times a week to improve the shine of your hair, as well as moisturise dry ends.
BUY NOWAlmond Oil
Sweet and vitamin-rich, this is a great blend either for massage, facial treatments or as an undereye oil before bed. You can apply this on fairly thick - it’ll focus on injecting moisture into your under eyes as well as smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
BUY NOWJasmine Oil
Fragrant and floral, this blend can either be used in the bath to help aid restful sleep whilst moisturising the skin, or as a massage oil. Jasmine Oil is a strong fragrance, so you’ll only need five or six drops in the bath.
BUY NOWClary Sage Oil
If you are looking to dispel muscle and joint pain, then massaging this blend into the desired area can help. Clary Sage Oil is a natural pain reliever and can be used for many different types of pains; the most notable is menstrual pain. You can also soak this solution in a cheesecloth and leave on top of the desired area if you prefer to not massage it in.
BUY NOWEucalyptus Oil
Cooling and refreshing, this is an amazing blend to either help clear the respiratory system, or if you want to use it during massage. You can also use this blend in the bath to aid restful sleep. We recommend this blend to either be used in the mornings, or, when you’re feeling unwell and need a pick me up!
BUY NOW