Takamaka is considered sacred in many countries because it peaks 20 meters above the ground. Its cold-pressed almonds produce a well-known vegetable oil: Calophylle Inophyle vegetable oil, also called Tamanu. It is not only used to penetrate essential oils but also has very interesting therapeutic properties. Its potential will be used mainly for circulation problems, dark circles, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, but also for all inflammations in athletes. Its cosmetic properties are less important than other vegetable oils but should not be neglected. Latin name: Calophyllum inophyllum L. Part used: almonds

This article was updated on 06/07/2023

Main properties

  • tonic, circulatory, vascular protector :

    calophyll Inophyle vegetable oil will protect the capillaries, arteries and veins by toning them and will therefore limit circulation problems such as varicose veins or hemorrhoids. It is also widely used in cases of erythrosis and rosacea.

  • blood thinner :

    this vegetable oil will improve the body's blood circulation by thinning the blood and limiting the formation of blood clots. This property coupled with the first reinforces its effectiveness against varicose veins, heavy legs and hemorrhoids.

  • anti-inflammatory :

    calophyll Inophyl vegetable oil inhibits certain factors and mediators of inflammation (COX-2 in particular). Thus, this vegetable oil will be widely used by athletes who may suffer from muscle pain. It will also be ideal in cases of osteoarthritis or rheumatism.

  • antiseptic :

    thanks to different antibacterial and anti-infectious molecules, this vegetable oil will be recommended in cases of mycosis, herpes, shingles, even scabies or ringworm.

  • healing :

    calophylle Inophyl vegetable oil has a lactone (calophyllolide) with antibiotic properties which are responsible for these exceptional healing benefits. Studies have proven that Calophyll Inophyl vegetable oil accelerates the healing of wounds and burns. It is therefore healing for the mucous membranes and the skin. It can be applied to wounds, acne spots, eczema, shingles, stretch marks and bedsores.

  • anti-oxidant :

    rich in polyphenols and vitamin E, this oil helps limit the marks of time.

  • skin regenerating :

    this oil is often used for its regenerative properties thanks to its linoleic acid composition.

  • softener :

    oleic acid is one of the components of human sebum. This being one of the main fatty acids of this oil, it allows it to make the skin softer by strengthening the hydrolipidic film of the skin.

  • lymphatic draining :

    this vegetable oil helps stimulate lymph circulation and detoxify the body.

Characteristics and composition

Cosmetic features
  • Skin type: irritated, all skin types, fragile.
  • Hair type: all hair types.
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance: viscous liquid with waxy phase (20%) freezing at low temperature
  • Color: light green to dark green
  • Odor: sweet, light, nutty note.
  • Feel: bold.
Characteristics for formulation
  • Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, polyphenols, flavonoids, calophyllolide, calophyllic acid, inophylline.
  • Comedogenicity index: 2 (=low comedogenic)
  • Average saponification index: 197
  • Oxidation stability: good
  • Stability at high temperatures: good
  • Inci name: calophyllum inophyllum seed oil
Fatty acid composition
  • linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 17 to 39%
  • oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 30 to 55%
  • palmitic acid (AGS): 12 to 20%
  • stearic acid (SFA): 8 to 18%
  • unsaponifiable: ≤ 1.5%
Physical characteristics
  • Density at 20°C: 0.920 to 0.950
  • Flash point: 283
  • Peroxide value: 40
  • Acid number: 150,000
Botanical characteristics
  • Botanical family: Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)
  • Country of origin: Indonesia, Madagascar, Vietnam.
  • Distilled part: almonds
  • Obtaining process: first cold pressing
  • Latin name: Calophyllum inophyllum L.

Precautions for use

  • Seek medical advice before use for people on anticoagulant treatment.
  • The oral route is reserved for medical use on the advice of a health professional.
  • In case of sensitive skin, test the oil first in the crook of the elbow, and dilute to 20% in another vegetable oil if necessary.

Authorized ways of use

Dermal Dermal

Authorized users

Adults and Teenagers Adults and Teenagers
Children under 6 years old Children under 6 years old
Pregnant & breastfeeding women Pregnant & breastfeeding women
Babies under 3 years old Babies under 3 years old

Storage

Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.

Against the Rosacea, redness, rosacea

Efficiency: ++++

Rosacea is a circulatory condition that affects the skin of the face in particular. It looks like simple redness, pimples or even plaques which are caused by the dilation of blood vessels on the surface of the skin. Those are the polyphenols contained in Calophyll Inophyl vegetable oil which will act by improving blood circulation. Directly massaging the areas at risk will allow decongestion and protection of vessels. However, it is important to know that tamanu oil does not cure rosacea but treats it preventively.

  • Application advice :

    massage your face with a few drops of Calophylle Inophyle oil morning and evening.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    in case of rosacea, you can combine Italian Helichrysum essential oil with a few drops of Calophyll Inophyle to benefit from its circulatory benefits.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    calophyll Inophyle is very effective against rosacea, but you can also use vegetable oil from Safflower or Daisy.

In case of Varicose veins

Efficiency: ++++

Varicose veins are primarily veins where blood has circulated poorly and which become damaged. They then take on a purplish to greenish color which makes them unsightly. Properties anti-inflammatory and circulatory calophyll will help deflate varicose veins and reduce their color. For prevention, massage with Inophyle calophyll oil will also help prevent vascular fragilities.

  • Application advice :

    massage your legs from bottom to top using a few drops morning and evening.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    if you have resistant varicose veins, do not hesitate to combine the essential oils of Pistachio Lentisque, Cypress de Provence or Patchouli in order to improve effectiveness.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    tHE Arnica oily macerate is also very interesting because it also stimulates blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties.

In case of Heavy legs

Efficiency: ++++

Its impact on circulation and the protection of blood vessels makes it a reference oil against heavy legs. L'calophyllic acid, inophylline, calaustralin and polyphenols will act directly on the legs. Calophyll Inophyl oil thus tones blood circulation. In massage, Inophyl calophyll oil will concentrate on your blood and lymphatic vessels so that you feel much lighter!

  • Application advice :

    massage your legs from bottom to top using a few drops morning and evening.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    for a more complete action to relieve heavy legs, dilute 1 drop of Pistachio Lentisk or Cypress de Provence essential oil in 4 of Calophylle Inophyle.

Against the Hemorrhoids

Efficiency: ++++

Causing inflammation, itching and pain, hemorrhoids are a problem that we prefer to get rid of rather quickly! Calophyll will calm inflammation while repairing and strengthening skin and vascular tissues thanks to its healing properties.

  • Application advice :

     soak a piece of cotton with Calophyll Inophyle and apply to the affected areas.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

     calophyll Inophyle vegetable oil is useful in cases of hemorrhoids, but it is recommended to combine it with the essential oil of Pistachio Lentisk or Cypress de Provence for an optimal effect.

In case of Dark circles

Efficiency: +++

Dark circles are often a sign of poor circulation, which is then responsible for an accumulation of blood substances in the lower eyelid. To remedy this, you can massage the skin under the eyes with a drop of oil morning and evening. Those are the circulatory and fluidifying properties of Calophyll Inophyle which will act and thus reduce your dark circles.

  • Application advice :

    a few drops of Calophylle Inophyle to apply to the eye contour morning and evening.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    effective in reducing dark circles, Calophyll Inophil can however be replaced by vegetable oil ofLawyer or Prickly Pear Seeds.

In case of Scar, Wound

Efficiency: +++

Particularly used in cosmetic repair creams, Calophylle Inophyl vegetable oil has many beneficial properties. healing and regenerating skin which will be very useful to promote good healing of the skin. As soon as it is damaged and inflamed, Calophyll Inophil is a very useful oil!

  • Application advice :

    a few drops to apply to the wound, 3 to 4 times a day.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    for optimal healing, dilute essential oil of Tea Tree, True Lavender or Rosat Geranium in Calophyll Inophyle.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    many vegetable oils are beneficial for the skin and allow good healing. Among them, you can use the shea Butter, vegetable oil RosehipCamelineBaobab or sea buckthorn seeds.

In case of'Acne, Acne skin

Efficiency: ++

Assets anti-infectious calophyll helps deal with skin conditions such as acne or eczema. Healing, it will regenerate damaged skin tissues. The calophyllolide and calophyllic acid in this vegetable oil have antibacterial properties which will help cleanse the skin. In addition, calaustralin has healing and restorative properties to restore skin like new.

  • Application advice :

    a few drops to apply to the face in the same way as a day cream.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    alone, Calophyll Inophyle will not work miracles against acne, but it will eliminate impurities, and its action will be reinforced by the essential oil of Tea Tree or Noble Laurel

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    we can also benefit from the anti-acne benefits of vegetable oils.Sea buckthorn, of Neem or Nigella.

In case of Cellulite, Stretch marks

Efficiency: ++

Thanks to his circulatory properties, it will help stimulate blood circulation while dislodging fat accumulated in the buttocks and thighs. Circulation reactivated, skin tissue decongested, your skin will feel smoother! It is also thanks to omega 6 and omega 9 which are two fatty acids that improve the elasticity and suppleness of the skin. For better skin quality, you can use tamanu oil as an active massage on the buttocks and thighs from bottom to top three times a day.

In addition, its benefits are also useful in cases of stretch marks, whatever their location.

  • Application advice :

    massage the affected areas for a long time and effectively using a few drops of Calophylle Inophyle morning and evening.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

     against cellulite, dilute the essential oil of Atlas Cedar in Calophyll Inophyle, and that of Geranium Rosat in the case of stretch marks.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    calophyll Inophyle is suitable for cellulite and stretch marks, but it can be replaced by the oily macerate of Meadowsweet against cellulite, or vegetable oil RosehipMacadamiaBaobab or Daisy against stretch marks.

In case of Rheumatism, Muscle pain

Efficiency: ++

Calophyll Inophyl vegetable oil is a analgesic that is, it can soothe pain. It is also a anti-inflammatory which will help treat joint, muscle and nerve pain.

  • Application advice :

    massage the painful areas with a few drops of Calophyll Inophyle.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

     for greater effectiveness, dilute 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus or Fragrant Wintergreen essential oil in 4 of Calophyll Inophyle.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    if you do not have Calophyll Inophil, then you can replace it with vegetable oil HazelnutMeadowsweet, see arnica oily macerate to fight against these muscular conditions.

In case of Wrinkles, Age spots

Efficiency: ++

Against wrinkles and age spots, tamanu oil will act thanks to its properties antiseptic and healing. The cells will regenerate and thus protect your skin against the effects of aging. Furthermore, the vitamin E contained in this vegetable oil is a antioxidant which will help fight against wrinkles.

  • Application advice :

    a few drops to apply to the face in the evening.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    many vegetable oils have anti-oxidant benefits and can be used to fight against skin aging. Among them, Calophyll Inophil has nothing to envy of oils of Sea buckthorn seedsCassisPrickly pearBlackberry, or Daisy !

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Bibliography

Publication: Nguyen, V., Truong, C., Nguyen, BCQ, Vo, TV, Dao, T., Nguyen, V., . . . Bui, C. (2017). Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of calophyllolide isolated from Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. PLOS ONE, 12(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185674

Publication: TSAI, S., LIANG, Y., CHIANG, J., LIU, F., LIN, W., CHANG, S., . . . WENG, J. (2012). Anti-inflammatory effects of Calophyllum inophyllum L. in RAW264.7 cells. Oncology Reports, 28(3), 1096–1102. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2012.1873

Publication: Dweck, A.C., & Meadows, T. (2002). Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) - the African, Asian, Polynesian and Pacific Panacea. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 24(6), 341–348. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2002.00160.x

Publication: Crane, S., Aurore, G., Joseph, H., Mouloungui, Z., & Bourgeois, P. (2005). Composition of fatty acids triacylglycerols and unsaponifiable matter in Calophyllum calaba L. oil from Guadeloupe. Phytochemistry, 66(15), 1825–1831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2005.06.009

Publication: Yimdjo, MC, Azebaze, AG, Nkengfack, AE, Meyer, AM, Bodo, B., & Fomum, ZT (2004). Antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents from Calophyllum inophyllum. Phytochemistry, 65(20), 2789–2795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2004.08.024

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Work : Pobeda, M. (2011). The benefits of vegetable oils, learn to know them and use them, for health and beauty. Editions Hachettes Livres (Marabout).

Work : Clergaud, C. (2003). Vegetable oils: health and beauty oils. Amyris.

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