Uses and Benefits of Amla Oil

Amla oil is an oil extracted from the Amla plant (Emblica officinalis L.).1 Amla is a native Indian plant often used as an herb in Ayurvedic medicine.2

Amla plants are known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The oil, in particular, has been used to nourish and strengthen hair.1 Some limited data suggests that amla oil may help with hair growth, with similar effectiveness as medications like Rogaine (minoxidil).3

Uses and Benefits

Amla oil is most well-known as a hair care product, and it’s mainly sold as that. Besides hair care, other products containing components of amla plants have been known to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as cardiovascular benefits.

Hair Loss

The oil of amla plants is most commonly used as a hair care product. It’s often touted as a product that can help reduce hair loss. However, the research on this is limited.

For example, one study examined the use of a blend of herbal extracts, including amla oil, compared with products containing Rogaine (minoxidil), one of the most common medications for treating hair loss. The study concluded that this mix of herbal extracts containing amla oil was about as effective as products containing 3% minoxidil in treating hair loss. However, the herbal blend was tested on human hair cells in a lab and mice, not live humans.3

An older study found similar results: products containing amla oil were as effective as 2% minoxidil at treating the hair growth of rabbits.4

One human study looked at the effects of amla plants on female androgenetic alopecia (hair loss in people assigned female at birth). However, this study looked at oral products containing amla plants—in this case, an amla syrup. It did not look at amla oil applied topically to hair. Still, the study showed promise: people who took amla syrup had increased hair growth. Specifically, amla syrup increased the growth phase of hair growth in study participants.5

Hair growth phases are as follows:6

Anagen: Active growth phase, which generally lasts about 2-8 years

Catagen: Transition phase (hair growth slows), lasts several weeks

Telogen: Resting phase (new hair develops), which lasts 2-3 months

Exogen: Shedding phase (newly developed hair pushes old hair out)

Other Uses of Amla Plants

Although there is limited research on the benefits of amla oil in particular, several studies have found promising roles for using amla plants to treat certain medical conditions. Here’s what to know:

One study found that amla powder can lower blood glucose levels in non-diabetics and diabetics.7

One study also concluded that amla powder could lower blood glucose levels in healthy people and people with diabetes. Lower total cholesterol triglyceride levels were also noted.8

One study saw improved platelet function among people with diabetes who took amla plant extracts.9 Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting.

How To Use

Amla oil is typically sold as a hair oil or an ingredient in a hair product, such as a shampoo or conditioner. Amla oil products are often used topically on the hair and scalp and aren’t meant to be ingested. However, some amla plant products, such as amla powder, juices, syrups, and pastes, are taken orally.2

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve cosmetic products like amla oil before they go to market. Therefore, they don’t regulate the dosage or concentration of these products. The only exception is hair color products, which require FDA approval before going to market. As such, you must rely on the companies selling amla products to determine the recommended concentration and dosage.10

The study that looked at amla oil for hair growth tested a mixture of herbal oils that included amla oil. Each formulation contained 1-10% of each drug. Formulations that contained 7.5% of each drug showed the best results in terms of hair growth.4

One study looked at amla powder and its effect on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health. Study participants consumed capsules with 125 milligrams (mg) of amla powder four times a day, for a total of 500 mg daily. This dose was well-tolerated, improved vascular health (how effectively blood vessels transport blood and oxygen), and reduced oxidative stress.7 Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of harmful free radicals and beneficial antioxidants in your body.

Safety and Side Effects

There are no studies on the safety or side effects of amla oil. If you are using it for the first time, it’s best to contact a healthcare provider. You can also do a “patch test” on a small skin area to ensure the oil doesn’t cause irritation.

There is a little more research on the oral ingestion of amla plants. One clinical evaluation of amla found no significant negative effects or complications among people who took capsules containing up to 500 mg of amla powder daily. Some study participants experienced mild gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, including diarrhea, loose bowel movements, and constipation.7

It’s not known how amla oil might affect specific populations, such as pregnant people, breastfeeding individuals, or children.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your OB-GYN or midwife before using amla oil.

Contact your child’s pediatrician before using amla oil on your child.

Never ingest amla oil sold as a hair or beauty product.

Choosing an Amla Oil

Many products on the market contain amla oil. In most cases, it’s mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Often, amla oils are mixed with other plant extracts and sold as a hair oil blend. Amla oil may also be sold as an ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, and skincare products.

As the FDA notes, people might assume that a “natural product” means it is safe. However, products like amla oil aren’t regulated or tested by organizations like the FDA. That’s why it’s important to do your due diligence when choosing an amla product.11

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Look at all the ingredients in any amla oil you are considering purchasing. If any of the ingredients have caused you skin irritation before, choose a different product.

Do a “patch test” with any new amla product you try. Place a small amount of the product on a small area of your skin and wait a day or two to see if you have any reactions.

Follow the instructions on products carefully and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions or concerns.

Purchase the product from a well-known company with a track record for safety.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions, contact your healthcare provider before using.

A Quick Review

Amla oil is an oil made from the amla plant. The plant has been used in traditional Indian medicine for decades and shows promise in treating various conditions, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.7

Amla oil is usually used to nourish hair and reduce or reverse hair loss. Limited data show that it has similar effects on hair loss as minoxidil.3

Amla oil appears to be safe for usage, but use it with care, and contact your physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or considering using amla oil on a child.7

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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