Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, also known as Tsubaki oil, is derived from the seeds of the Camellia japonica plant, an evergreen tree native to Japan, South Korea, and China. This plant-derived oil is a favorite in Korean antiaging skin care products. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins, it provides anti-aging properties, protects the skin from pollution, and preserves skin elasticity. Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is widely used in anti-aging serums and creams for sensitive skin, where it helps to moisturize, reduce inflammation, and shield the skin from environmental damage.
Protects skin from free radicals and pollution
Moisturizing
Rich in oleic acid
Noncomedogenic and safe for sensitive skin
What is Camellia Japonica Seed Oil?
Camellia Japonica, also known as Tsubaki oil, is derived from the seeds of the Camellia japonica plant, an evergreen tree native to East Asia, particularly Japan, South Korea, and China. This oil has been used traditionally in East Asia for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits, notably to enhance skin health and elasticity.
Products with Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Skin Care Products
Found in anti-aging and creams to protect skin from pollution, these products contain Tsubaki oil:
Active Compounds
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is rich in several bioactive compounds, each contributing to its beneficial effects on the skin:
Oleic Acid: Deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin, enhancing its smoothness and reducing dryness.
Polyphenols: Powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.
Vitamins A, C, D, and E: Offer antioxidant protection, boost collagen production, and enhance overall skin health.
Terpenoids: Provide anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing redness and irritation.
Saponins: Natural cleansers that gently purify the skin without stripping its natural oils.
Antioxidants
Tsubaki oil is rich in various antioxidants that contribute to its skin-protective properties. Among these, polyphenols play a significant role by neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. The oil also contains high levels of vitamins A, C, D, and E, which not only offer robust antioxidant protection but also support collagen production and overall skin health. Additionally, the presence of quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin, and kaempferol enhances the oil’s ability to combat environmental damage and aging effects. These antioxidants work synergistically to shield the skin from harmful pollutants and free radicals.
Fatty acids
Here’s a list of the fatty acids and their percentages in Camellia Japonica Seed Oil:
Oleic Acid : 82.0%
Linoleic Acid : 7.0%
Palmitic Acid : 8.0%
Stearic Acid : 2.0%
Arachidic Acid : 1.0%
As you can see, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is particularly rich in oleic acid, which contributes to its moisturizing and skin-penetrating properties. Oleic acid is great at helping other ingredients absorb more efficiently into the skin.
Benefits
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is a noncomedogenic oil that has many skin benefits including:
Anti-aging : Stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity.
Anti-inflammatory : Decreases inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory gene expression.
Moisturizing : Enhances skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss.
Antioxidant : Protects skin from oxidative stress and environmental pollutants.
Pollution protection : Shields skin cells from urban pollutants like cigarette smoke and heavy metals.
Skin barrier function : Strengthens the skin barrier, promoting better moisture retention and protection against external aggressors.
Antimicrobial- Has activity against bacteria and fungi
Safety
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil generally has a low hazard rating with a score of 1 from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), making it safe for most skin types. Side effects are rare but may include mild irritation for extremely sensitive skin types. During pregnancy, it is generally considered safe; however, no pregnancy safety studies have been done.
Use in Skin Care Routines
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is fat-soluble, which makes it compatible with other oil-based ingredients. It is generally compatible with most skincare ingredients, but care should be taken when mixing with highly acidic products or ingredients such as low pH Vitamin C serums.
Research Studies
Several studies (3) have explored the dermatologic benefits of Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, highlighting its potential in skincare. In 2005, Lee et al. determined that Camellia japonica leaf and flower extracts display significant antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial activities, with a stronger effect against gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative ones. Piao et al. (2011) reported that ethanol extracts from Camellia japonica flowers exhibited strong scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species in human HaCaT keratinocytes, enhancing the expression and function of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Yoon et al. (2017) found high concentrations of vitamin E and rutin in Camellia japonica leaf extract, which demonstrated antioxidant and anti-hyperuricemic activities in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In 2019, Kim et al. demonstrated that Camellia japonica flower extract effectively protected cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts from urban air pollutants-induced reactive oxygen species synthesis. Their ex vivo results showed that the extract suppressed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression, promoted collagen production, and decreased levels of pollutants-induced malondialdehyde. These findings suggest that Camellia japonica flower extract holds promise as a protective agent against pollutant-induced cutaneous damage. Furthermore, Jeon et al. (2018) identified that extracts from Camellia japonica fruit and stems improved induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation in mouse and human skin and enhanced wound healing in an in vivo mouse wound model, indicating potential for developing clinical-grade iPSCs and advanced wound healing therapies.
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.