| What is it? |
Kukui nut oil is a liquid oil pressed from the seeds of the kukui nut (or candlenut) tree. It has a long history of use in Hawaii for skin care and as a light source (hence the name candlenut!). |
| INCI |
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil |
| Appearance |
Clear yellow liquid |
| Usage rate |
Up to 100% |
| Texture |
Rich, smooth oil |
| Scent |
Typical of plant oils |
| Absorbency Speed |
Average to slow |
| Approximate Melting Point |
Liquid at room temperature |
| Solubility |
Oil |
| Why do we use it in formulations? |
Kukui nut oil is a beautiful, rich emollient. I love it in lip products and skin care products that are designed to be protective. |
| Do you need it? |
No |
| Refined or unrefined? |
I’ve only ever used refined and it’s lovely. |
| Strengths |
Rich emollient that is excellent for irritated skin. |
| Weaknesses |
Can be harder to find, can be more expensive than other carrier oils. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions |
I’d try rice bran oil. |
| How to Work with It |
Include kukui nut oil in the oil phase of your formulations. It can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life |
Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, kukui nut oil should last up to two years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks |
The alternative name for the kukui nut tree—the candlenut tree—comes from a history of the nuts being burned as candles due to their high fat content! |
| Recommended starter amount |
50mL (1.69fl oz) |
| Where to Buy it |
Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
Kukui nut oil
Originally published on March 26, 2019