Macadamia vegetable oil obtained by pressing the nuts has brought all its benefits back with it from Australia. Its properties are close to those of Sweet Almond vegetable oil but it is more suitable for adults. Rich in palmitoleic acid, cell protector, it is the expert for fragile and damaged skin. An excellent vector for absorption of essential oils, it penetrates the skin cells, without leaving a greasy film, to nourish it deeply. Summer and winter, it protects you from external aggressions and gently soothes your skin. Latin name: Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche. Part used: nuts
This article was updated on 31/08/2023Main properties
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feeding :
this vegetable oil deeply nourishes the skin for maximum hydration. Indeed, it has a good quantity of palmitoleic acid, a rather particular fatty acid: it is in fact an omega-7, naturally present in membrane lipids. Present in sebum, it has strong antimicrobial activity, and its intake through a vegetable oil reinforces this activity. The reduction in sebum production in the elderly makes Macadamia HV all the more useful for them.
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softener :
this vegetable oil restores suppleness and elasticity to the skin, thus fighting against skin aging. It also fights against stretch marks and scars.
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soothing :
softening and calming, this vegetable oil relieves damaged and fragile skin. It is widely used to soften chapped and cracked hands from the cold.
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skin protector :
this vegetable oil protects skin cells from external aggressions such as pollution or the sun thanks to its light UV filter.
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penetrating :
this vegetable oil penetrates very easily and quickly into the skin because it is very fluid. It does not leave a greasy feeling and is a perfect massage base.
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tonic, vascular protector :
Known for its tonic action on the circulatory system, Macadamia oil can be used to promote microcirculation.
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restructuring :
its regenerative properties contribute to the healing and repair of weakened skin.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Skin type: dry, damaged, irritated, all skin types, oily, combination.
- Hair type: dry, damaged, colored.
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: oily mobile liquid
- Color: light yellow to orange
- Odor: characteristic hazelnut.
- Touch: dry.
- Taste: reminiscent of roasted nuts.
Characteristics for formulation
- Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, avenasterols.
- Comedogenicity index: 2 (=low comedogenic)
- Average saponification index: 195
- Oxidation stability: good
- Stability at high temperatures: good
- Inci name: macadamia integrifolia seed oil
Fatty acid composition
- palmitoleic acid (omega 7 MUFA): 18 to 28%
- palmitic acid (AGS): 5 to 11%
- stearic acid (SFA): 3 to 6%
- oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 50 to 60%
- unsaponifiable: ≤ 0.5%
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.910 to 0.930
- Peroxide value: 15
- Acid number: 2,000
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1.464 to 1.472
Botanical characteristics
- Botanical family: Proteaceae
- Country of origin: Australia, Kenya.
- Distilled part: nuts
- Obtaining process: first cold pressing
- Latin name: Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche.
Precautions for use
Attention !
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The people allergic to nuts should seek medical advice before use.
Authorized ways of use
Authorized users
Storage
Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.
Nutritional benefits
The Macadamia nut may be very cute with its round and smooth shape, but it is not very young: it was discovered 5000 years ago by the Aborigines, then rediscovered in 1858 by an English botanist in Australia , which will give it its name. Equipped with foolproof protection, you will need to equip yourself with powerful tools before enjoying a Macadamia nut since they are protected by an extremely rigid shell. You will even find tutorials to learn how to open a walnut without crushing it!
Its delicious smell of roasted nuts will seduce you and make your mouth water. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, notably oleic and palmitoleic acid, Macadamia oil, beyond its taste, will have positive effects on your health. Thanks to its invigorating action on the lymphatic and blood system, it will prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Very stable, it can be eaten both raw and cooked! In short, we only find positive points about Macadamia oil, which is attractive both in terms of taste and nutrition.
- Usage tips :
Macadamia oil is very interesting and will give a touch of originality to dishes that lack pep:
- In salad: replace the olive oil in your vinaigrette with Macadamia oil
- For dessert: in a fruit salad, to accompany caramelized fruit or ice cream in summer.
For the Colored hair
Efficiency: ++++
Macadamia oil is very good for your hair: as a hair mask, it will protect your hair and limit its aggression, and it is very useful in helping to maintain coloring. Macadamia oil acts by creating a protective film on your hair which becomes more resistant to various daily attacks (sun, wind, sand, colors, etc.). Indeed, its richness in oleic and palmitoleic acid gives it moisturizing properties for the hair and scalp. In addition, it stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, and will therefore promote local capillary microcirculation.
Very nourishing for hair damaged by coloring, vegetable oil Macadamia acts deeply, without leaving a greasy feeling after rinsing. And, above all, it protects the hair fiber from external aggressions to keep hair healthy.
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Application advice :
as a hair mask, leave on for at least an hour then shampoo. Can also be used as a conditioner.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
you can also use thecoconut vegetable oil, of Safflower or Cassis to strengthen your damaged hair and maintain coloring.
In case of Cracks, Cracks, Damaged skin
Efficiency: +++
Macadamia vegetable oil is extremely rich in molecules good for the skin. Oleic and palmitoleic acids deeply nourish the skin, moisturize and protect it. In addition, in massage, it facilitates local microcirculation and tones the lymphatic system, which helps facilitate good skin regeneration, for problems where the hands are often cold and blood circulates poorly.
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Application advice :
a few drops morning and evening massage on your hands.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
to combine the moisturizing and protective aspect of Macadamia oil, you can add essential oil of Spike lavender, rose geranium or Cistus in order to benefit from their healing properties.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
against chapping, cracks or frostbite, the Shea Butter is also very beneficial, as iswheat Germ vegetable oil.
In case of Dry skin, Irritated skin
Efficiency: +++
Macadamia oil has a particularity that few oils have: it can adapt to almost all skin types! It will bring a second youth to your skin thanks to its moisturizing and softening properties. Often compared to Sweet Almond oil which is mainly used for babies, Macadamia oil will have similar properties but is more suitable for mature skin. Thanks to its richness in oleic acid, Macadamia will strengthen the hydrolipidic barrier to maintain the skin's hydration, elasticity and protect it. Macadamia oil is therefore ideal for dry, damaged, even atopic skin.
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Application advice :
a few drops morning and evening on dry and damaged areas.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
if your skin is very damaged, then you can also benefit from the healing properties of essential oils of True Lavender, Cistus or Geranium Rosat.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
many vegetable oils are beneficial for the skin, but when it is very dry, then favoravocado vegetable oil or that of Raspberry seeds.
Against the Stretch marks
Efficiency: ++
Macadamia vegetable oil constitutes an ideal massage base, it penetrates very easily and quickly into the skin. It restores suppleness and elasticity to the skin and fights against the appearance of stretch marks. It is therefore preferable to use it for prevention.
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Application advice :
to prevent stretch marks, a few drops on the areas most at risk (hips, stomach, etc.) morning and evening.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
to fight against their appearance, Macadamia is very good, but once the stretch marks are there, it is appropriate to combine essential oils such as Geranium Rosat, THE Cistus or theItalian Helichrysum for greater efficiency.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
tHE Shea Butter, l’rosehip vegetable oil or Baobab, where the oily daisy macerate are also very useful against stretch marks.
In case of'Acne, Acne skin
Efficiency: ++
Thanks to that rich in palmitoleic acid, which is naturally present in human sebum, Macadamia vegetable oil prevents the overproduction of sebum and exerts a welcome antibacterial action for acne-prone skin.
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Application advice :
a few drops in the evening on pimples or the T zone.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
for greater effectiveness, combine 1 drop of Tea Tree with your Macadamia vegetable oil.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
in case of acne, vegetable oils Jojoba, Sea buckthorn seeds, Neem or Karanja are also very useful.
Biodiesel for transport?
Surprisingly, Macadamia vegetable oil is being studied for use as a biodiesel. So, yes, it has nothing to do with aromatherapy or cosmetics, but in a societal context where pollution is very present, natural, sustainable and eco-responsible transport alternatives should not be neglected.
Thus, several studies have been carried out around a biodiesel made with Macadamia vegetable oil (mostly in Australia, where this tree originates). To make this biodiesel, crude vegetable oil undergoes transesterification with potassium methoxide for one hour at 60°C. Studies have thus been able to show that with this biodiesel, a significant reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide and fine particles is observed.
Promising results therefore, but more in-depth studies on the mechanical performance, on combustion and on the wear linked to this biodiesel will have to be carried out before considering marketing. And, maybe one day, the clouds of pollution will be replaced by a sweet smell of nuts!
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Bibliography
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Publication: Azad, A.K., Rasul, M., Khan, M.M., & Sharma, S. (2017). Macadamia Biodiesel as a Sustainable and Alternative Transport Fuel in Australia. Energy Procedia, 110, 543–548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.03.182
Publication: Maguire, L.S., O'Sullivan, S.M., Galvin, K., O'Connor, T.P., & O'Brien, N.M. (2004). Fatty acid profile, tocopherol, squalene and phytosterol content of walnuts, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and the macadamia nut. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 55(3), 171–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637480410001725175
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