What Is Tamanu Oil? Origin, Extraction, Safety & Uses

The etymology of this tree belies its very nature.

Tamanu’s given botanical name is Calophyllum Inophyllum

• • Calo = Beautiful + Phyllum = Leaf - Beautiful Leaf
  • Ino = Fiber + Phyllum = Leaf - Fiber Leaf

We could call it a ‘Tree of Beautiful Fibrous Leaves’, and it is! Tamanu is a beautiful, statuesque evergreen tree that grows very tall and wide with strong and long arching branches. It has large, glossy, and attractive fibrous leaves.

Indigenous to Polynesia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. It was widely cultivated in communities; however, it has also been helped along by native bats. The bats simply love eating the fruit and dropping the seeds along the beaches in their droppings. Which are then carried on the tides to new and distant shores.

They established themselves readily on beaches because they are tough, resilient, and resistant to saltwater. They contribute to the lush and verdant landscapes that tantalise us from travel brochures, as they have colonised these beaches so effectively. Its resilience as a wood made it popular for boat making and ship building. Making it an important commodity for trade.

Yet, Tamanu was not just for trade. For many communities, it was considered a sacred tree and they planted it by temples and altars. This can be seen across Polynesia and Hawaii. Revered for its myriad of healing properties, it would have been an important tree and healing oil to these communities.

Sadly, the widespread cultivation of these trees dropped out of favor with the spread of Christian missionaries and Christianity. Today, demand for Tamanu oil is soaring as modern science backs up what the indigenous communities have been using Tamanu oil for for thousands of years. Tamanu is becoming more popular than ever, and personally, I absolutely adore it. 

The Flowers and Fruits of Tamanu Trees

Tamanu trees are quite unusual in that they have two distinct flowering periods, the first between April to June, and another later in the autumn between October and December.

The perfectly white flowers sitting amongst those glorious glossy leaves are small and attractive, and occur in small bunches or racemes of up to 15 waxy-looking flowers. They are popular flowers for making Polynesian leis.

After pollination, the fruit begins to form and appears, at first glance,  to look like a small crabapple as it is a small, round, green drupe about 2-4 cm in size. A single large nut grows at its centre, and it is from this that the oil is extracted. As the fruit ripens, a papery shell forms and hardens around the inner nut, which is smooth and creamy coloured. Indigenous communities also call this nut a Tamanu Almond.

Sadly, since it is defined as a nut, we recommend that people with nut allergies avoid using Tamanu oil.

Extracting Tamanu Oil

When the fruits have fallen from the tree, the shells and husk are removed from the nut. It is then left in the sun for a period of time to dry and harden. This is because the immature nuts can contain poisonous compounds, and they contain very little oil. By drying them under sun exposure, they mature and the oil intensifies, as does the color and the sweet aroma. The nuts will turn from that lovely smooth, creamy color to a dark chestnut brown.

At this point, the Tamanu nut is ready for extraction. We always recommend that your Tamanu or Calophyllum Inophyllum oil, extracted by the cold pressing method.

This video shows the Tamanu Oil Manufacturing Process. Why not see how it is done?

From a sustainability point of view, we need to consider that Tamanu trees are slow growers and may take many years to mature fully. Once mature, they fruit prolifically, but deliver a low yield of oil. 200lbs of Tamanu drupes may only yield around 4-5 liters of Tamanu Oil, so we need to source our Tamanu oil from sustainable and ethical producers.

For those of you who asked the question, ‘What is Tamanu oil made from?’, now you know. That gorgeous Tamanu oil is extracted from a tiny little nut that lives all its life in Paradise. 

What Does Tamanu Oil Look and Smell Like?

Tamanu makes for a distinctive carrier oil because of both its appearance and its aromatics, and I know some of you are asking questions like, ‘What color is Tamanu oil?’ So let’s explore that! 

Tamanu oil is usually a dark green to yellow-green in colour; occasionally, you might find it with a brown hue. It’s deliciously thick, but not quite as unctuous as Castor oil. At cooler temperatures and climates, your oil may appear solid, but a little warmth will soon have it fluid and flowing again.

It can be a polarizing carrier oil because of its strong aroma. Personally, I love it; it smells like fresh Celery to me. You can describe it as green, nutty, and slightly earthy. I appreciate that the scent can be off-putting to some. Yet, when you consider that its aroma is likely due to its high antioxidant content and antimicrobial properties, I think I am inclined to overlook it!

I find that once applied to the skin, the aroma dissipates pretty quickly anyway, so it is rarely an issue for long! When you discover what a powerhouse of a carrier oil it is, you will want to get stuck straight into it, even if it does smell quite distinctive. 

Does Tamanu Oil Expire?

Yes, Tamanu oil will expire. However, when stored correctly, your Tamanu oil can see a shelf life of between one to two years.

Store your Tamanu oil in a dark glass bottle with an air-tight lid. Preferably in a cool, dark place, at a consistent and ambient temperature 

Do Not Ingest Tamanu Oil

Tamanu, as a carrier oil, should not be ingested orally.

While it is perfectly safe to use it topically for many things, we do not recommend that you ingest it. 

The people of Samoa consider every part of the fresh plant as poisonous. Were you to cut the branches of the tree, it would produce a milky sap. In the past, this sap has been attributed to causing blindness.  Historically, it was used in the South Pacific to coat poison arrows, which would cause death by poisoning the blood of the poor recipient. Ghastly!

However, this is the milky sap of the plant; you are in no danger at all using Tamanu carrier oil.

I am simply stressing to you that the ingestion of Tamanu Oil is not recommended.

What Makes Tamanu Oil So Potent?

This is one of the most important sections about Tamanu carrier oil. It is where we will take a look at its individual constituents and explore the properties attributed to those components.

The secret power lives in the complex properties of Tamanu oil, and these properties are thanks to a myriad of amazing, rich, and varied mix of fatty acids, resinous compounds, and unique bioactive molecules that make up Tamanu oil. 

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are often associated with being useful agents for skin nourishment & the healthy functioning and repair of the skin’s barrier function. 

Oleic Acid

Tamanau oil generally has 30–50% Oleic acid. It is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid and is a deeply moisturizing constituent. Oleic acid is widely used in the cosmetic industry to help transport other active compounds into the skin through absorption, like essential oils. It also supports the health of the skin’s barrier function mechanism Vaughn, (2018).

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid is an important polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid and makes up around 20–35% of Tamanu oil’s content. Vaughn (2018) supports that Linoleic acid helps protect the skin’s barrier function. The science around Linoleic acid supports its historical uses to regulate sebum production, for acne-prone skin, and to reduce inflammation. Making it useful in a range of skin conditions, as supported by McCusker (2010).

Palmitic Acid

This is what we call a saturated fatty acid, and Tamanu oil has around 10–15% of it. The cosmetic industry uses it to prevent moisture loss. However, the research by Zhou (2013) into using Palmitic Acid to reduce the inflammation associated with acne has had promising results.  

Stearic Acid

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Beloved by the beauty industry for its emollient actions that soften skin. It adds a wonderful thickness and viscosity to beauty preparations.

Tamanu oil has around 5–10% Stearic acid, which will boost lipid levels in the skin, soften the skin, and repair the skin barrier.

Research from Nip (2024) supports this, concluding ‘Topically applied Palmitic and Stearic acids can increase the production and transport of lipids into a repaired stratum corneum and thus rebuild an effective skin barrier’.

Calophyllolide

Calophylloide is a neoflavonoid which is almost exclusive to Tamanu oil trees and therefore, Tamanu oil. It is a unique and effective anti-inflammatory & healing agent.

Admittedly, the research is on healing the skin of mice, but Nguyen (2017) concludes that, ‘These findings may enable the utilization of calophyllolide as a potent therapeutic for cutaneous wound healing.’ (In humans)

Calophylloide has demonstrated abilities to reduce swelling, promote wound healing, and may help in the reduction of scarring through more effective wound healing.  Research into the potential of the anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects of Calophyllolide has also been carried out.

Inophyllums (A, B, C, D, E)

Inophyllums are specific antiviral & antioxidant compounds, found only in the Calophyllum inophyllum plant. These individual types of compounds, such as Calanolides, Inophyllums, and Coumarins, are well known and traditionally used for their antimicrobial, anti-viral, wound-healing, and antioxidant capabilities.

Research by Anjukam (2023) concluded, 

‘Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil exhibited good antibacterial activity against all tested gram-positive and gram-negative organisms’. 

The oil has effective antimicrobial properties that may help reduce microbial invasion and avoid subsequent infection.

Inophyllum B contains substances that can inhibit enzymes like lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, which suggests it has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.

These compounds may promote tissue regeneration and collagen production, elevating their potential as a wound healing agent.

With strong antioxidant actions from flavonoids and coumarins, it may help protect the skin from oxidative stress and the signs of premature skin aging. Cassein (2021) looked at how Resinous Ethanol-Soluble Extraction could positively strengthen the antioxidant qualities of Tamanu Oil. 

Resins

It is the presence of these resins that contributes to the raw oil having a distinctive odour, but they are also why the oil should not be ingested. Yet, these resins seem to have antimicrobial & skin regenerative properties that need further research, especially for their potential in healing scar tissue, as observed in Tamanau oil by Léguillier (2015).

The more recent research from Nguyen (2021) states that Tamanu oil, 

‘Is being used as crude oil, despite a variable but large amount of non-lipids (called resin) being entrained. Although these should not be seen as impurities owing to their known bioactivity in many fields, they are not only responsible for the poisonous nature impeding human consumption, in addition for the bad smell.

I would not go as far as to say Tamanu oil smells bad; I actually like that fresh green earthy aroma. But this research is about how to purify Tamanu oil to remove these resins, making it suitable for ingestion, to smell more attractive, and to improve its shelf life. But obviously, in doing that, you are removing those important resins and their potential additional benefits. 

Other Minor Compounds

Finally, you have a small range of other minor compounds that combine to provide synergistic skin protection. 

Sterols

Tamanu oil contains sterols, and research shows that phytosterols are known to contribute to maintaining membrane structure and displaying anti-inflammatory activity. Yalcinkaya (2011)

Triterpenes

Triterpenes are recognised to provide antioxidant actions. More importantly, they seem to contribute to Tamanu oil's wound healing efficacy.

Agra (2015) concluded, 

‘These findings show that the triterpenes are a class of molecules with significant promise that leads to the development of new drugs to treat skin injury’.

Vitamin E (Tocopherols)

Professional formulators often add Tocopherol to their cosmetic formulations. Being a natural antioxidant, it helps to protect both the oil and the cosmetic product from rancidity. Vitamin E is widely used to support skin repair and regeneration in the cosmetic industry. 

Beneficial Actions Of Tamanu Oil

We can draw on the traditional uses of Tamanu oil to give us an idea of the potential benefits, as well as look at the research on the individual compounds in Tamanu oil. We can surmise from both of these that Tamanu oil has the following beneficial actions for the skin.

• Moisturizing & Protects The Skin Barrier - We now know that Tamanu oil is rich in essential fatty acids like Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Stearic acid, and Palmitic acid, and that these fatty acids moisturize the skin and will help promote the health and function of the skin’s barrier. Along with Vitamin E

• Anti-inflammatory - Constituents like Calophyllolide, phytosterols, and Linoleic acid demonstrate anti-inflammatory actions that we can harness.

• Antimicrobial, Wound Healing & Scar Reduction - The Inophyllums and those resins that are responsible for odour, contribute to Tamanu antimicrobial & wound healing properties, as do those Triterpenes. Vitamin E and polyphenols may contribute to scar reduction.

• Antioxidant & Protective Actions - Many of the antioxidant actions come from the Vitamin E, Triterpenes, Inophyllums, and the polyphenols. Antioxidants fight the damage caused by free radicals and help to reduce the signs of premature skin aging.    

Traditional & Indigenous Uses Of Tamanu Oil

What is Tamanu oil used for? When we want to know its uses and benefits, it is well worth looking backwards and exploring how it has been used throughout history by indigenous people.

Tamanu oil has played an important role in the traditional medicines of the South Pacific. Historically, it has been widely used in Samoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, and Vanuatu. You can also find pockets of traditional healing practices in East Africa and Madagascar.

To this day, the Tamanu plant is still considered "sacred" in some South Pacific cultures. It seems to be experiencing a resurgence,  where it previously fell out of favor with the rise of Christianity, as its modern popularity across the globe increases.

Its status as a sacred oil reflects its deep roots in the local culture and its intrinsic nature and importance in traditional medicine and healing practices. 

Irritating Skin Conditions

Traditionally, it was used to improve skin conditions with irritated and inflamed skin, like dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. This is most likely thanks to its high content of essential fatty acids.

Modern science backs that up, Vaughn (2018) says,

‘Differing ratios of essential fatty acids are major determinants of the barrier repair benefits of natural oils. Oils with a higher linoleic acid to oleic acid ratio have better barrier repair potential.’

Traditionally, it was used for sunburn relief, to soothe and heal sunburned skin. It was also used to treat blisters and boils on the skin and bring welcome relief.

Tamanau oil would have been used as a simple, but valuable, massage oil to moisturize and nourish both the skin and hair in these indigenous communities. Much like Coconut oil or Avocado oil are used today. 

Wounds & Burns

You can find historical evidence of Tamanau oil being used to treat cuts, scrapes, and other skin wounds and burns. This comes as no surprise when modern science and research support it having analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, Pribowo, (2021). Making it a popular remedy for pain relief, infection prevention, and skin regeneration. 

Pain Relief

Traditional use shows Tamanu oil was used for soothing minor muscle and joint aches and pains. It was also used for its analgesic properties to reduce the pain associated with nerve inflammation. Pribowo, (2021)

Neuropathy

Anecdotal evidence demonstrates that Tamanu oil was used to treat conditions where there might be neuropathy, such as Leprosy and Shingles. Capitalizing on Tamanu oil’s constituents' analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

What Can I Use Tamanu Oil For?

To find the best ways to use Tamanu oil, it helps us to know what Tamanu oil is good for, and we have explored some of those benefits and properties, thanks to its individual constituents.

We have discovered some of the historical ways Tamanu oil has been used by indigenous people in their medicine and in their healing practices. Now, let's zoom right back into the present and take a look at how you can use Tamanu oil to care for your skin in the modern world.

Moisturizing & Barrier Repair

We know that Tamanu oil is rich in fatty acids, and we can harness these to deeply nourish dehydrated, dry, rough, and chapped skin. The fatty acids help to lock in hydration, and they assist in restoring the skin’s lipid barrier. McCusker (2010) says of fatty acids, ‘Their roles are diverse and include maintenance of the stratum corneum permeability barrier’.

We can use Tamanu oil for dry skin to moisturize and soften the skin, all while improving the skin barrier function and encouraging new cells and skin regeneration. A balanced barrier function protects the skin from damaging agents like environmental pollutants. This enables you to improve skin hydration, moisturization, and appearance for healthy skin that glows with vitality and radiance. 

Use Tamanu Oil In…

For moisturizing the skin and barrier repair, use Tamanu oil with other skin care ingredients to make skin care products like:

• • Lip balms
  • Moisturizers and nourishing creams
  • Dry skin salves
  • Hand creams
  • Serums
  • Liquid Soaps

Eczema, Psoriasis & Dermatitis

Traditional usage shows us that Tamanu oil’s skin benefits have long been used to alleviate and soothe skin irritations, like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

A compromised barrier function that is not functioning correctly can cause skin irritation, increase allergic inflammation. and exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions, like Atopic Dermatitis. van den Bogaard (2023)

If we use Tamanu oil for skin barriers that are compromised, we might be able to soothe inflammation and itching thanks to those useful Calophyllolides and Sterols.

The Oleic and Linoleic fatty acids strengthen the skin barrier, reducing the likelihood of it being compromised to cause skin irritation.

We harness these constituents and use them for their anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair properties to reduce scaly skin, inflammation and redness, and dryness.

Use Tamanu Oil In…

For eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, use Tamanu oil with other skin care ingredients to make skin care products like:

• • Face scrubs
  • Cleansers
  • Moisturizers
  • Serums
  • Liquid Soaps

Anti-Microbial Protection

When we appreciate that we can use the Triterpenes, Inophyllums, and resins in Tamanu oil for their antimicrobial properties in our skin care, it will give us a great deal of scope for dealing with a range of annoying skin issues.

There are many benefits for the skin when we turn to Tamanu oil’s constituents for targeting bacteria, fungi, and some viruses effectively.

We can use Tamanu oil for skin affected with athlete’s foot, ringworm, shingles, and herpes sores, just like traditional people have been using for centuries. 

Use Tamanu Oil In…

For antimicrobial protection, use Tamanu oil with other skin care ingredients to make skin care products like:

• • Foot & Hand creams
  • Salves & Balms
  • Bath Oil

Acne & Blemish Control

We can capitalize on those antimicrobial properties and use Tamanu oil for your skin if you suffer from acne or blemishes.

The anti-inflammatory effect, thanks to Linoleic acid and Calophyllolide, will help to calm those red and inflamed acne lesions and spots.

The antibacterial activity from the Inophyllums and resins fights those pesky acne-causing microbes that can cause so much distress.

Thankfully, all those wound healing properties from Calophyllolide can help to prevent post-acne scarring, which is a blessing when it comes to improving the skin condition and appearance in the long term. 

Use Tamanu Oil In…

For acne and blemish control, use Tamanu oil with other skin care ingredients to make skin care products like:

• • Face scrubs
  • Cleansers
  • Moisturizers
  • Serums

Anti-Aging & Skin Regeneration

Tamanu oil is brimming with antioxidants like Vitamin E, triterpenes, and polyphenols, making it a rich minefield to exploit in neutralizing the free radicals that cause skin cell damage and oxidative stress that contribute to the signs of premature skin aging.

Antioxidants used on sun-damaged skin may reduce oxidative damage somewhat. Oresajo (2012) cites, ‘Topically applied antioxidants constitute an important group of pharmacologically active agents capable of preventing the occurrence and reducing the severity of UV-induced skin damage and skin aging’.

You can harness antioxidants to stimulate collagen synthesis, promoting smoother skin texture and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Use these antioxidant qualities to protect and improve the appearance of both the skin and hair.

Use Tamanu Oil In…

For anti-aging and skin regeneration, use Tamanu oil with other skin care ingredients to make skin care products like:

• • Face Scrubs
  • Cleansers
  • Moisturizers
  • Nourishing creams
  • Serums
  • Hair oils and treatments
  • Body butters and lotions
  • Hand creams

Wound Healing & Scar Care

One of the most exciting aspects of the medical research community is the positive effect of Tamanu oil on wound healing. Research suggests Tamanu oil has skin regeneration properties, Krishnappa (2024) says,

‘The oil has wound-healing and skin-regenerating capabilities and encourages the growth of new skin cells, all of which help fade scars and hyperpigmentation, as well as promote an all-around glow. ’

There is plenty of other research, including Ansel (2016), to suggest that Tamnau oil speeds up healing of abrasions, cuts, and wounds to the skin and burns, thanks to the presence of Calophyllolide and various resins. Remember, those useful antimicrobial properties reduce the chance of developing additional skin infections.

We can also use Tamanu oil to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks by stimulating components of your skin and encouraging skin cell regeneration.

Indigenous cultures have traditionally applied to ulcers and chronic wounds to heal the skin.

The research from McCusker (2010) on the structural and immunologic roles of the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids supports the role of Linoleic acid as one of the fatty acids showing promise as a safe treatment for many skin disorders, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne, but also for the promotion of wound healing. Linoleic acid makes up anywhere between 20 and 35% of the composition of Tamanu oil. 

Use Tamanu Oil In…

For wound healing and scar care, use Tamanu oil with other skin care ingredients to make skin care products like:

• • Salves & Balms
  • Scar Serums
  • Body Butters
  • Dry Body Oils

Sunburn

Traditionally, Tamanu oil was used for heat rash and skin irritation associated with heat and sun. After all, Tamanu is a plant that lives and grows in what most people would call a sun lover's paradise! Therefore, it is not surprising to find that it has constituents with properties that suit that environment.

You can use the constituents of Tamnau oil to relieve the pain associated with too much sun on your skin, sunburn! It makes a valuable addition to any aftersun product to promote the skin’s recovery.

It is also worth mentioning that thanks to the Triterpenes and antioxidants, Tamanu oil does have a very mild UV-protective effect. Please use your common sense, though, and always use it in conjunction with a high-factor sunscreen.

Use Tamanu Oil In…

For sunburn, use Tamanu oil with other skin care ingredients to make skin care products like:

• • After sun and body lotions
  • Dry body oil
  • Face serum

Answering Your Questions About Tamanu Oil

Is Tamanu Oil Good For Skin?

Olivia from Madison, Wisconsin, asked, ‘Is Tamanu oil good for skin?’

Yes, Tamanu oil is wonderful for any skin type, even the most sensitive skin. Its properties make it best suited to acne-prone, dry, and mature skin.

Tamanu oil brings moisture and hydration to dry skin, and a low comedogenic rating (2) makes it unlikely to cause your pores to clog.

For those of you with irritated or inflamed skin, it is ideal as it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial constituents like Calophyllolide and Inophyllums to soothe and calm your skin.

I always recommend Tamanu oil for skin that is irritated or inflamed in some way, or dehydrated. I also find it useful for reducing the look of stretch marks and promoting wound healing to reduce the appearance of scarring.

Cold-pressed Tamanu oil is wonderful for keeping skin healthy and moisturised. Thanks to the high fatty acid content, it repairs and maintains the barrier function of the skin. 

How To Use Tamanu Oil On Skin?

Holly of Portland, Maine, wanted to know, ‘How to use Tamanu oil on skin’

Well, Holly, you can simply combine;

• • 10ml of Tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum L) with
  • 35ml of Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) and
  • 5ml of Rosehip oil (Rosa Canina) in a 50ml bottle to make an amazing face serum.

Use it as it is, or add a few drops of your favourite essential oils. Just take care not to get it in your eyes, and don’t forget to label your bottle for safety.

Simply use a couple of drops and work them into your skin in small upward circular motions. Use 3-4 times a week for very dry skin and 2-3 times a week for normal to oily skin. It will leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and soothed. 

Is Tamanu Oil Good For Acne?

Isabella from San Angelo, Texas, wants to know, ‘Is Tamanu oil good for acne?’

Yes, Isabella, it is! All those useful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an extremely useful oil in creating skin care specifically for acne.

Those wound healing and scar reduction properties, thanks to Calophyllolide and various resins, are also very helpful in the care and treatment of acne.

It gives me a great chance to address another question from Dylan in Michigan, ‘Does Tamanu oil clog pores?’ It has a very low comedogenic rating of 2, giving it a very low likelihood of clogging your pores. So even those with acute acne can feel assured in using Tamanu oil for acne.

I cover how to use Tamanu oil for acne in the Revolutionary Acne Kit: Essential Oils for Clearer Skin!

Try This Easy Face Scrub

Simply mix;

• • 3 drops of Grapefruit essential oil (Citrus paradisi) and
  • 3 drops of Tea Tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) into
  • 20 ml of Tamanu carrier oil (Calophyllum inophyllum L).
  • Then mix your oil blend into ¼ cup of Caster Sugar (Sucrose) and
  • ¼ cup of fine-ground Sea Salt (Sodium chloride). Mix it all really well and store it in a jar for a week or so.

Simply dampen your face and scoop out some of the scrub with a spoon and work it into your skin, using small upward circular motions. Massage very gently to clean and exfoliate the skin, and then rinse well in warm, clean water for a rejuvenated and refreshed complexion. 

Safety: Grapefruit Specific - Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood-thinning medication. It is suggested you cease use of Grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery.

Is Tamanu Oil Good For Hair?

Bobby from Fresno, California, asked, ‘Is Tamanu oil good for hair too?’

Great question, Bobby, and one that is often overlooked with all of Tamanu’s wondrous benefits for skin!

Research shows that historically, Tamanu oil was ‘used in Tahiti as hair oil to promote healthy and long hair, whether on its own or mixed with coconut oil’. Hughes (2020)

Hughes’s research goes on to conclude,

‘B. pilosa, C. inophyllum, and F. berteroana showed interesting hair growth properties by inducing cell proliferation.  Furthermore, analysis of the extracts revealed several compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins, that are known to have hair proliferative activities, which could explain their traditional use in hair treatment.

I would imagine it has been used across the South Pacific and across the East African coasts and islands to look after people’s hair and skin for centuries.  

How To Use Tamanu Oil For Hair Growth?

Ginny of Brooklyn, New York, asked me, ‘How to use Tamanu oil for hair growth’.

Very easily, Ginny! You can apply directly to your hair to smooth split ends and flyaways. Try it in hot hair oil treatments. Why not swap out the Coconut Oil for Tamanu oil in the ‘’Essential Oil Recipe for Hair Growth’ in this article, Boost Hair Growth Naturally: Top Essential Oil Recipes.

Try This Quick & Easy Hair Oil 

Simply combine;

• 10ml of Tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum L) with
• 25ml of Argan oil (Argania Spinosa),
• 10 ml of Castor oil (Ricinus communis) and
• 5ml of Rosehip oil (Rosa Canina) in a 50ml bottle to make a versatile hair oil.

You can use it as it is, or warm it up a little and use it as a hot hair oil. My favourite way to use it is as a finishing oil to add gloss, shine, and tame flyaways for a perfectly sleek and stylish look.

How Much Tamanu Oil Should I Use in a Blend?

Tamanu oil is rich and potent; it would not be dangerous to use more, but as a rule of thumb, use a maximum of 5% in a blend. I like to use grapeseed or jojoba to make up the rest. 

Final Words

I feel like we have been on a wondrous journey of discovery through the South Pacific together. We have explored where Tamanu oil comes from in the world - paradise!

Together, we discovered that the Tamanu tree has amazing glossy and fibrous leaves, contributing to its name. The Tamnau trees are highly valued and considered sacred among some of the indigenous cultures and communities where they grow.

Tamanu oil is usually cold-pressed for extraction, which leaves in the resinous compounds that contribute to its characteristic smell and color. Sadly, because of these resins, we should not ingest this carrier oil, and we should store it correctly, as they can cause it to go rancid more readily. 

Active and Potent

We have unearthed and delved into the individual constituents and compounds that make Tamanu oil so potent, like fatty acids, Calophyllolide, Inophyllums, resins, and other minor compounds like Vitamin E, Sterols, and Triterpenes.

Collectively, we looked at how these active constituents give us the beneficial actions of Tamanu oil that soothe and soften our skin, help us prevent infections and assist in wound healing, and acne and scar care.

Traditional and Modern Usage Of Tamanu Oil

Hand in hand, we explored the traditional & indigenous uses of Tamanu oil and how it was used for centuries to soothe irritating skin conditions, wounds & burns, offer pain relief, and relieve neuropathy.

We explored how we can use Tamanu oil in the modern world, and how we can use it for moisturizing skin and promoting barrier repair, alongside capitalizing on the antioxidants that help against premature aging and promote skin regeneration.

We can also use it to help relieve irritating and bothersome skin issues like sunburn and to soothe skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis & dermatitis. The constituents that offer anti-microbial protection can be harnessed for acne and blemish control and to promote more effective wound healing by reducing the chances of developing infection.

Talking of wound healing, we can use Tamanu’s components to promote better wound healing of the skin and hopefully reduce the appearance of any residual scars. We discovered we can also use it for stretch marks. 

I Answered Your Questions About Tamanu Oil

We looked at the following questions:

• • Is Tamanu oil good for skin?
  • Is Tamanu oil good for acne?
  • Is Tamanu oil good for hair?

Finding the answers to be a reassounding YES, YES, YES!

Tamanu oil is an amazing carrier oil that you can use in your homemade skin care products. Or do it the easy way and simply use it as it is to improve the appearance and condition of your skin and hair. I think in no time at all, you will love Tamanu oil as much as I do! 

What Else Can I Learn About Tamanu Oil?

Over the next few weeks, I will be concentrating my efforts on bringing you a small series of articles on Tamanu oil. Why not join me and explore how you can use Tamanu oil to its maximum potential and create a range of tailor-made skincare products perfectly suited to yours and your family’s needs?

I will take you on a deep dive into using the potent active constituents in Tamanu oil and how you can use them to create exciting and effective recipes. I’ll also provide you with plenty of quick and easy ideas that you can try for yourself at home using the amazing and versatile Tamanu oil.