Camellia Oil – The Japanese Beauty Secret!

You may have heard of the cherished Camellia japonica oil, commonly known as Tsubaki oil or tea seed oil. This oil has been an integral part of beauty rituals in Japan for centuries. 

No wonder, considering the benefits and properties!

Rich in oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, camellia oil is valued for strengthening the skin’s natural barrier and maintaining moisture levels. 

This oil, extracted from the seeds of the Camellia japonica flower, stands out for its nourishing properties and offers a light, silky texture that many find non-greasy.

What is Camellia Oil?

Camellia oil’s multi-purpose extract is used for both skin and hair care. Its hydrating qualities deeply moisturise without a greasy feel, which is excellent news for those who battle dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. 

Beyond hydration, camellia oil is infused with antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which are crucial in fighting the signs of ageing. These natural defenders neutralise free radicals, diminish the look of fine lines and contribute to a more youthful complexion.

But the benefits don’t stop here, so let’s take a closer look at what makes camellia oil an integral part of the Japanese beauty industry and its growing demand.

Camellia Oil Properties

Camellia oil contains nutrients that can rejuvenate and protect your skin and hair. This luxurious oil is abundant in moisturising oleic acid and packed with a spectrum of vitamins, each playing a pivotal role in maintaining skin health.

Let’s see exactly what vitamins and nutrients are found in the oil.

Vitamin Content

You’ll find Camellia Oil to be rich in vitamins, most notably vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant. It contains both tocopherols and tocotrienols, forms of vitamin E that work to protect your skin from environmental stressors. Its vitamin E content is comparable to other oils, such as olive oil.

In addition, it contains vitamin A, which plays an important role in skin health.

Oleic Acid Content

The primary fatty acid present in Camellia Oil is oleic acid, which makes up over 80% of the total fatty acids. Oleic acid is a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that contributes to the oil’s stability and shelf-life.

Smaller amounts of palmitic and linoleic fatty acids add to the moisturising and nourishing properties.

Antioxidants

Among its key features, Camellia Oil exhibits antioxidant properties due to compounds like catechins, squalene, and phytosterols. These antioxidants support your skin’s defence against oxidative stress, which can contribute to skin ageing. 

Studies have highlighted Camellia japonica’s unique composition, noting its high content of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), which are beneficial for health.

Camellia Oil Benefits

Knowing the properties of camellia oil is a good start, but to truly understand its benefits, we need to dig deeper!

Let’s dig into its unique properties and explore how it can enhance your complexion:

Minimises Dark Spots (Hyperpigmentation) 

• Camellia oil helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting melanin production, the pigment that gives skin its colour.

Improves Elasticity

• Camellia oil contains squalane, a natural emollient that helps to improve skin elasticity. This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Moisturising

• Camellia oil is rich in oleic acid and vitamin E, which are excellent for moisturising the skin. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain skin hydration by preventing water loss from the skin. The oil’s molecular weight is similar to that of the skin, which allows it to be absorbed quickly and deeply, providing effective hydration.

Anti-Ageing

• Camellia oil is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it’s unlikely to clog pores, which makes it suitable for all skin types. It is especially a valuable addition to your skincare routine if you’re struggling with oily and acne-prone skin. The light texture makes it a good option for those who prefer a less heavy oil for their routines.

Reduces Redness and Inflammation

• Thanks to fatty acids and antioxidants, camellia oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm irritated skin. This is beneficial for people with conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

Suitable for All Skin Types

• The vitamins in camellia seed oil stimulate collagen production, which can help tackle fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen is a crucial protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin, and its production decreases with age. 

How to Use Camellia Oil in Your Skincare Routine?

We learned about the properties of camellia oil, and we’ve seen the benefits.

And given these benefits, it’s easy to see why it has been an important part of Japanese life for centuries.

Now it’s time for you to learn how to incorporate this amazing oil into your skincare routine, too.

To begin with, camellia oil can be used as a stand-alone moisturiser.

After cleansing and toning your skin, warm a few drops of camellia oil between your palms and gently press it onto your face and neck. Its fast-absorbing nature won’t leave you feeling greasy, making it perfect for both morning and nighttime use.

Even though the oleic acid in camellia oil is a great moisturiser, you might still require additional moisturisation if your skin type is very dry.

Can You Mix Camellia Oil With Other Oils and Moisturisers?

Yes, camellia oil can be used with other oils to create a blend suited to your specific needs.

Its versatility allows it to be mixed with heavier oils for dry skin or lighter oils for oily skin:

• For Dry Skin: Combining camellia oil with oils like jojoba or rosehip can provide extra moisture and hydration. Jojoba oil is known for its similarity to the skin’s natural sebum, which helps it to deeply moisturise without feeling heavy. Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, which are great for tackling dryness and promoting a healthy glow.

• For Oily Skin: For oily skin types, mixing camellia oil with lighter oils like grapeseed or tamanu oil can be effective. Grapeseed oil is non-comedogenic and known for its light texture and mattifying properties, which can help manage excess sebum. Tamanu oil, while a bit thicker, has skin-regenerative properties and can help with nourishing the skin. It is generally considered non-comedogenic, meaning it has a very low chance of clogging pores. However, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so do a patch test before using it on your face.

If you have a favourite face cream or lotion, simply add a few drops of camellia oil to your moisturiser in the palm of your hand before applying it to your face. This can be especially beneficial in the colder months or if you have dry skin that needs an extra boost of moisture.

Must-Have Japanese Skincare Products with Camellia Oil

You’ve been reading about the benefits and properties of camellia oil as well as how to incorporate it into your skincare. 

Now, you might be wondering, “What kind of camellia oil products are out there?”  

This section explores some of the most popular options available to help you decide if camellia oil might be a good fit for your routine.

Before we jump in, remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person might not be the best for you. So, before you try any new product, do a patch test on a small area of your skin.

OSHIMA TSUBAKI – 100% Camellia Oil

This is the most versatile form of camellia oil and can be used on both hair and skin.

Fushi’s Organic Camellia Oil

Fushi’s Organic Camellia Oil is a multi-purpose oil for skin and hair. This 100ml bottle contains cold-pressed camellia oil, rich in vitamins and helps with dryness, dullness, and even stretch marks.

Dr. Feelgood 

Dr. Feelgood oil, extracted from the seeds of Japanese camellia, contains several vitamins and minerals that prevent premature skin ageing, wrinkle formation, and loss of firmness.