Let's Go Natural

Tamanu Oil

Botanical: Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil

Plant part & extraction: Cold-pressed oil from the dried seed kernels (unrefined green; refined available)

Primary category: Cosmetic/topical oil (external use)

Origin: Indigenous to the South Pacific and Indian Ocean tropics; cultivated in Madagascar, Polynesia, Southeast Asia

Health & Skin Benefits

A rich, deep-green, aromatic oil traditionally used to nourish and condition the skin. Tamanu supports the skin’s protective barrier, helps reduce moisture loss, and promotes the look of smoother, more even-toned skin. Favoured as a spot oil for dry, rough, or wind-exposed areas and to improve the cosmetic appearance of marks and uneven texture. Its cushiony feel also suits targeted hair/scalp care and restorative balms.

Detailed Benefits

Skin

  • Intensive emollient for dry, rough, and wind/sun-exposed skin.
  • Helps the skin feel more supple; supports a healthy-looking barrier and reduced moisture loss.
  • Traditionally used to improve the cosmetic appearance of marks and uneven tone/texture.
  • Useful in rich balms, salves, and night oils; a few drops go a long way.

Hair & Scalp

  • Adds slip and sheen to dry lengths; helps tame frizz.
  • As a pre-wash scalp treatment, provides a comforting feel to dryness/tightness.

Nails

  • Softens cuticles; conditions brittle-feeling nails.

Formulation/Carrier

  • Potent, viscous oil ideal at 10–50% in blends; can be dotted neat on small areas if tolerated.
  • Pairs well with lighter carriers (e.g., Jojoba, Squalane) to reduce heaviness and scent.

Herbal Energetics (topical)

  • Qualities: warm, rich, deeply emollient; protective.
  • Tissue state affinity: dry, rough, chapped, weather-exposed, appearance of uneven tone/marks.

How to Use

  • Targeted spot care: Apply 1–2 drops to clean, slightly damp skin; press in.
  • Facial oil blend: 1–3 drops Tamanu mixed with a lighter carrier (Jojoba/Squalane) after cleansing.
  • Body balm/oil: Use 10–30% Tamanu in a blend for elbows, knees, or dry patches.
  • Scalp pre-wash: ½–1 tsp; massage 5–10 min; leave 30–60 min; shampoo out.
  • Cuticles: 1 drop per hand; massage nightly.
  • Essential-oil dilution (if used): Adults 1–3% EO for general skin; sensitive skin/pregnancy/children 0.25–0.5%. Always patch test.

Ingredients

100% Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil.

Quality, Storage & Shelf Life

  • Look for cold-pressed, unrefined Tamanu for its characteristic green hue and nutty/earthy aroma; refined has lighter colour/scent.
  • Naturally viscous; may thicken or become semi-solid below ±20 °C—warm gently between palms to liquify.
  • Store tightly closed, away from heat and sunlight. Typical shelf life: 18–24 months unopened; 12 months after opening.

Cautions

  • External use only. Avoid contact with eyes.
  • Patch test first, especially on reactive or breakout-prone skin; discontinue if irritation occurs.
  • Contains nut-derived kernel oil; avoid if you have known nut/seed oil sensitivities.
  • Keep out of reach of children. Follow age-appropriate essential-oil dilutions when blending.

⚠️ Disclaimer (your wording)

Natural herbal supplement for general wellbeing. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Not evaluated by SAHPRA. Consult your healthcare professional before use.