Common Name(s): Macadamia nut oil,macadamia oil,macadamia integrifolia/tetraphylla seed oil

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Nourishes skin with the omega-7 rich oil that most closely mimics natural sebum fatty acid composition.

Why It's Used: Macadamia nut oil (macadamia integrifolia and tetraphylla are the two cultivated species) is the world's richest plant source of palmitoleic acid (c16:1 omega-7, 16-22%); palmitoleic is the dominant mufa in human sebum making macadamia uniquely skin-compatible.

How It Works: Palmitoleic acid (16-22%) mimics sebum composition and declines with age; oleic acid (55-60%) provides emolliency; high mufa content provides skin-compatible penetration; natural tocopherols provide antioxidant stability.

Typically Found In: Luxury skin care,anti-aging formulas,sebum-mimetic products,natural hair care

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,antioxidant,sebum-mimetic

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Cold-pressed from macadamia integrifolia and/or tetraphylla (queensland macadamia) seeds; australian native; natural plant origin.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated; rare macadamia nut allergy.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Jojoba oil,squalane,sea buckthorn oil,other omega-7 sources

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Macadamia integrifolia and tetraphylla are the two cultivated macadamia species; m. integrifolia produces ~90% of commercial production; the oleic/palmitoleic dominant fatty acid profile is uniquely sebum-mimetic; used in premium anti-aging and sebum-restoring skin care.

Last Verified: 2026-03-28

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary