The Science of Neem Oil in Skin Care Products

Neem oil has become an increasingly popular natural oil in skin care. Derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), this ancient Ayurvedic ingredient contains a wealth of active compounds that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits.

Keep reading to learn all about neem oil in skin care – what makes it so effective, how to use it, and whether it’s right for your skin type. If you haven’t found your Baumann Skin Type yet, you can take the quiz for free by clicking the button below!

What is neem oil?

Neem oil comes from the seeds and fruits of the neem tree, native to India and Southeast Asia. Every part of the neem tree has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, from leaves to roots. In skin care, it is just the pressed oils from the seeds and fruits that are used. It is useful for most skin types (who aren’t extremely prone to acne) and is only increasing in popularity. Here are some of my favorite skin care products with neem oil:

What is neem oil made of?

Neem oil is cold-pressed from neem seeds, and retains the tree’s potent active compounds. These include: (3)

oxidized tetranortriterpenoids

Azadirachtin A – The most abundant and bioactive component

Azadirachtin B

Azadirachtin D

Azadirachtin H

Azadirachtin I

Azadirachtanin

Azadiriadione

Azadirachtolide

Nimbin

Nimbolin A

Nimbandiol

Nimocinol

Nimbinene

Nimbocinone

Nimbocinolide

Nimocin

Nimbolide

Salannin

Other Active Compounds

Fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acids

Sulfurous compounds

Carbohydrates like polysaccharides

Polyphenols including flavonoids, rutin, and quercetin

Carotenoids

Catechin

Ferulic acid

β-sitosterol

Steroids

Coumarin

Tannins

Ellagic acid

Lupeol

Saponins

Alkaloids

Resins

Gums

Margisine

Cyclic trisulfide

Ketones

This unique chemical profile gives neem oil various beneficial skin effects. Additionally, this ingredient is considered safe in skin care.

is neem oil safe

Is neem oil safe?

When used topically and appropriately, neem oil is generally very safe. The Environmental Working Group, for example, has graded neem oil as a “1” in safety, meaning very safe. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Test for allergic reactions before applying neem oil to the face or body. Patch testing on the inner arm can detect potential irritation or contact dermatitis.

Avoid getting pure neem oil in the eyes, as it can cause redness and swelling. Rinse immediately with water if this occurs.

Do not ingest neem oil, as the compounds that benefit skin can be toxic if swallowed. (12)

Monitor for any irritation, rashes, or skin reactions, discontinuing use if these develop.

Pregnant women should not use neem oil without medical approval, as it increases various antimicrobial processes in the body, which can be bad for pregnancies. (10,11)

While rare, there are some reports of neem oil causing headaches or nausea when applied topically. Discontinue use if this occurs.

Neem oil has demonstrated some spermicidal properties, meaning it can act as a weak prophylactic. (9)

Consult a dermatologist or doctor before trying neem oil if you have very sensitive skin, rosacea, or a medical condition. When used appropriately under guidance, neem oil is very beneficial for skin health for most people.

Benefits of neem oil in skin care

With regular use, neem oil can help address common skin issues including acne, inflammation, irritation, dryness and premature aging. The broad range of active compounds makes neem oil a versatile ingredient in skin care products, but more studies on its effects in skin care are needed. That being said, some of the benefits of neem oil that I am aware of include:

Antimicrobial activity

The azadirachtins and other active compounds in neem oil demonstrate antimicrobial effects against bacteria, viruses and fungi that infect or irritate skin. (5) Studies show neem is especially effective against:

Propionibacterium acnes – the acne-causing bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus – a common source of skin infections

Candida albicans – the fungus that causes yeast infections and thrush

Herpes simplex virus – the virus behind cold sores

Applying neem oil can help prevent breakouts, skin infections, athlete’s foot and more by inhibiting microbial growth.

neem oil for inflammation

Soothes inflammation

The triterpenoids in neem have an anti-inflammatory effect when applied topically. Additionally, neem provides soothing linoleic acid to the skin. By soothing inflammation, neem calms redness, swelling and irritation associated with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. (6)

Fights free radicals

Neem contains high levels of antioxidant compounds like catechin, ferulic acid, quercetin and more. These neutralize free radicals that would otherwise damage skin cells, accelerating visible aging. Using neem oil helps defend the skin against oxidative stress. (4)

Moisturizes dry skin

In addition to its medicinal effects, neem oil is also an effective moisturizer. The fatty acids and beta-sitosterol in neem help smooth and hydrate dry, flaky skin while restoring suppleness and a youthful glow. Beta-sitosterol is a lot like cholesterol, and similarly aids in maintaining the skin barrier as a part of the essential lipid matrix of the skin. A healthy skin barrier loses less moisture to transepidermal water loss. (8)

Promotes healing

Multiple studies attest to neem’s wound healing abilities. The oil stimulates collagen production, while the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity protects wounds and promotes faster healing.(7)

which skin types can use neem oil

Is neem oil right for your skin type?

To find out if neem oil suits your unique skin needs, check your Baumann Skin Type. My proven system classifies skin into one of 16 types based on oiliness, dryness, sensitivity, aging, and pigmentation concerns.

Here’s how neem oil matches up with each trait:

Aging skin: Neem oil helps eliminate free radicals that can cause wrinkles on the skin. This ingredient also has proposed collagen stimulating effects.

Dry Skin: The moisturizing fatty acids helps hydrating dry skin, and keeps the skin barrier healthy. It is a rich and moisturizing ingredient. As long as your skin is not too dry, the oleic acid in neem oil should not irritate your skin.

Sensitive Skin: Neem oil is generally well-tolerated, but acne breakouts are possible because neem contains comedogenic palmitic acid. If you are soothing inflammation, this is a good choice. If you are working to prevent clogged pores, not so much. That being said, neem contains potent antimicrobial compounds that can eliminate acne causing bacteria on the face.

Pigmented Skin: Neither particularly good nor bad. A safe ingredient to use in your routine, but not a particularly strong skin lightener.

Based on this breakdown, neem oil is an ideal ingredient for those with dry, somewhat acne prone, aging, and inflammation sensitive skin. People with very acne prone or extremely dry skin should speak to a dermatologist before using.

Figure out your Baumann Skin Type to determine if neem is right for your skin concerns.

Closing thoughts

With antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, neem oil is an Ayurvedic powerhouse for multiple skin care concerns. It’s especially effective for treating acne, soothing conditions like eczema and rosacea, and preventing infections and irritation. Plus, neem oil hydrates and protects skin from aging free radical damage.

Take the Baumann Skin Type quiz for free today to see if neem oil is right for your skin care routine!

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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