If you’ve been seeing camellia oil listed on high end skincare products everywhere, it’s not just your imagination. As a nutrient-packed super-oil, camellia is rightfully enjoying its moment in the spotlight as one of skincare’s most effective secret weapons. Hailing from East Asia, camellia oil has been used for hundreds of years to keep skin flawless and hair silky and shiny.
In fact, the famed Geisha of Japan swear by the power of camellia oil to soften, moisturise and hydrate the skin against damaging UV and free radicals. Obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of the camellia oleifera plant, camellia oil is also known as “tsubaki” in Japanese or “rose of winter”. The sweet, aromatic oil is used abundantly in Chinese traditional medicine and other Asian countries where there are over 250 variations of the genus Camellia, which also happens to be related to the tea producing varieties.
What makes camellia oil such an effective remedy for skincare?
Camellia seed oil contains major fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6, linoleum fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 as well as a high level of antioxidants. It is also high in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E to improve skin elasticity and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, camellia oil has a similar molecular weight and composition to sebum, the oil your skin naturally produces, making it more bioavailable and penetrable to the skin.
One other unique property of camellia oil is its ability to curb the production of melanin in the skin to minimise dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Camellia oil is vegan, gluten-free and ideal for all skin types, particularly skin that is prone to irritation or inflammation. For skin with conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, camellia oil can help soothe and fade redness to help restore the skin. Also known for its anti-ageing properties, camellia oleifera is related to the green tea shrub which has been heralded for its high polyphenol content. The tea extract acts to inhibit UV damage by inhibiting enzymes from attacking collagen and elastin molecules in the skin.
How to use camellia oil
Paul Vallier photography, product photography
With its astonishing profile, it’s no wonder camellia oil is being incorporated into beauty regimes everywhere. Non-greasy and light, camellia oil is not just limited to the face, hair and lashes – it can also be used to keep the whole body moisturised and hydrated. Suitable for use night or day, camellia oil can be easily used in combination with other serums or products or as one ingredient in a superblend of powerful skincare ingredients. You can find this amazing addition in our best-selling Renewal Serum or La Tropica Body Serum.
Dispense 3-5 drops of Renewal serum over the back of hands and pat over the cheeks, forehead and under the eyes morning or night.
Use La Tropica Body serum all over the body to obtain a soft, healthy glow or smooth over flyaway hair.
