Tamanu Oil Is the Multitasking Product Worth Adding to Your Skincare Routine
Dryness? Acne? Aging skin? It seems like every skin concern can be treated by slathering facial oil all over your complexion. But what if we told you there’s an under-the-radar multitasker that can combat all those skin issues in one? Enter tamanu oil. Sure, you’ve probably already heard of argan oil and marula oil, but this game-changing emollient is especially beneficial come winter, when harsh weather leads to dry skin. Not only can it offer major moisture against dryness, but it’s also your armor against anti-aging, thanks to its ability to boost collagen production and stop free radical damage in its tracks.
Read on for everything you need to know about tamanu oil, including our favorite products that contain this magical elixir.
Meet the Expert
Jessie Cheung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness in Chicago.
Joshua Ross is a celebrity aesthetician at SkinLab in Los Angeles.
What is tamanu oil?
Tamanu oil, (which also goes by Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil), is cold-pressed from the kernels of the tamanu tree fruit, which grows in southeast Asia. “The oil contains calophyllolide, which is anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing,” says dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD. The Polynesian oil is also beneficial for dry skin and anti-aging. “Tamanu oil promotes cell proliferation and production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans,” says Dr. Cheung. It also contains omega fatty acids for major moisturization, which have antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
Benefits of tamanu oil on the skin
It’s moisturizing. Tamanu oil contains both oleic and linoleic acids, which serve up a double-dose of hydration, making it ideal if you suffer from certain skin conditions (but more on that below). “The omega fatty acids are moisturizing, and have antioxidant and antimicrobial effects,” explains Dr. Cheung.
It can help with breakouts and acne scars. These properties are thanks to its antimicrobial anti-inflammatory properties. “Tamanu oil works against P. acnes bacteria and can help calm inflammatory acne, while also helping to fade acne scars due to its skin regeneration properties,” says Dr. Cheung.
It may help soothe eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis symptoms. Those anti-inflammatory effects extend to other skin conditions as well. “Tamanu oil is beneficial for conditions such as eczema and rosacea because of the high content of essential fatty acids, which help to strengthen the skin’s epidermal barrier as well as overall skin health,” explains celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross. “In addition, the oil can act as a salve to protect inflamed skin.”
It’s anti-aging. Because of the antioxidant content, tamanu oil also helps protect against premature signs of aging. “Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the skin helping to prevent sun damage,” explains Ross.
Who should use tamanu oil?
The beauty of organic tamanu oil is that it's suitable for most skin types. However, it's definitely worth trying if you suffer from dry skin or acne scars. It can also work wonders in your daily routine if you want to combat premature signs of aging. “The oil is thick but only slightly comedogenic, and can be applied anywhere to treat dry skin,” says Dr. Cheung.
Because it’s on the heavier side, some skin types may not want to apply pure tamanu oil directly. “Those with oily and congested skin may find this oil too emollient,” explains Ross. That said, tamanu oil can be added to other carrier oils, or be mixed into lotions, shampoo, or conditioner. And although it does have antibacterial properties which may calm blemishes, it’s always best to consult your dermatologist before adding anything new to your routine.
Side effects
Whether you're on the hunt for a dry skin remedy or an acne treatment, the limited side effects of tamanu oil make it appealing for a variety of skin types. But if you suffer from nut allergies, it's best to steer clear of it. “Anyone can benefit from using tamanu oil, but avoid it if you have a tree nut allergy,” says Dr. Cheung. If you are allergic to nuts, you can try argan oil as a moisturizing, anti-aging alternative.
Tamanu oil products we love
1. KATE MCLEOD Face Stone
This solid face moisturizer(!) melts right into skin, and features oils low on the comedogenic scale so it won’t clog pores. The base is nourishing kokum butter, and the tamanu oil and a touch of blue tansy add a pretty pale green color that helps neutralize redness as it’s massaged in.
2. KIEHL’S Daily Reviving Concentrate Face Oil
A blend of ginger root, tamanu and sunflower oils infuse skin with major antioxidant protection as it imparts that gorgeous, healthy-skin glow we love from facial oils.
3. SHEAMOISTURE 100% Tamanu Oil and Organic Shea Butter Extra Dry Skin Body Lotion
Of course, tamanu oil has serious skincare benefits from the neck down, too. Case in point: This body lotion, which features the ingredient along with another moisturizing all-star, shea butter. Slather it on right when you get out of the bath or shower to seal in moisture and protect against dryness.
4. SKYN ICELAND Berry Lip Fix
Soothe dry, chapped lips with this healing lip balm that protects the skin barrier to restore moisture, all thanks to a potent blend of tamanu oil, shea butter, and almond oil.
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