The Science of Camellia Oil in Skin Care
Camellia oil, also known as tsubaki oil or tsubaki seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the flowering tree Camellia sinensis, which is native to East Asia.
Camellia oil has long been an integral part of Japanese beauty rituals, with its potent moisturizing and skin conditioning benefits due to its unique blend of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
One of the main benefits of camellia oil is that it is very low comedogenic, and unlike other oils, it will not clog pores or cause impurities.
In this guide, I will detail the unique benefits of camellia oil for the skin and give you advice on how to incorporate it into your daily skincare routine, depending on your skin type.
Camellia oil moisturizes, protects the skin, and improves the skin barrier function.
It is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
When used alone, camellia oil has few if any noticeable side effects.
What is Camellia Oil?
Camellia oil is extracted from the seeds of the Camellia sinensis plant, also known as Japanese camellia.
The oil has been an essential beauty product in East Asian cultures for centuries, especially in Japan, where it has been used for hair, skin, and nail care.
This lightweight, non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing oil is rich in bioactive compounds that improve the skin’s moisture balance, reduce irritation, and reveal a smooth, radiant complexion.
Active Ingredients in Camellia Oil
Camellia oil, also known as tsubaki oil, contains a variety of bioactive compounds that are particularly beneficial for dry or mature skin. These compounds include:
Fatty acids. Camellia oil contains oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic, and stearic acids, with oleic acid being the most abundant.
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that penetrates deep beneath the skin’s surface to provide deep moisturization.
Oleic acid strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier, reduces water loss, and helps soften and smooth dry or rough skin.
Vitamins A, B, D, and E. Tsubaki oil contains a range of vitamins that provide antioxidant protection, support cell repair, and improve skin texture.
For example, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that supports skin hydration, while vitamins A and D promote cell renewal to ensure a more even skin tone.
Polyphenols. These natural antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental pollutants. Polyphenols are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties.
Phytosterols. Phytosterols are plant compounds that can strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisturization.
The phytosterol beta-sitosterol, which is abundant in camellia oil, also has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.
Squalene. Squalene is a lipid that occurs naturally in the skin’s sebum and is therefore an important component of the skin’s barrier function (3).
This compound is also found in many plant seed oils, including camellia oil, where it provides additional moisture and promotes healthy barrier function.
Flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that are abundant in plants such as camellia.
These compounds help neutralize free radicals that would otherwise cause oxidative damage to the skin and lead to premature aging.
Saponins. Saponins are natural cleansers with mild antibacterial properties. They cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
For this reason, camellia oil is also suitable for sensitive skin. Saponins also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
Benefits of Camellia Oil
Benefits of Camellia Oil for Skin
Camellia oil contains a wide range of active ingredients that offer a number of important benefits for the skin:
Improves skin hydration and barrier function.
The oleic acid, vitamin E, and squalene naturally present in camellia oil can improve skin hydration and overall barrier function by supporting the skin’s natural lipid content.
Defends against free radicals and anti-aging. The antioxidants found in camellia oil give it anti-aging benefits.
Antioxidants scavenge free radicals that would otherwise cause cell damage and lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Supports collagen production. The vitamins A and E in camellia oil stimulate fibroblasts, specialized cells responsible for collagen synthesis.
This, in turn, promotes a youthful complexion by increasing the amount of collagen in the skin.
Reduces dark spots. Research shows that camellia oil can inhibit melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that plays a key role in melanin production (4).
As a result, camellia oil can help brighten your skin and improve uneven skin tone and dark spots.
Reduces inflammation. Camellia oil contains anti-inflammatory phytosterols, saponins, and other soothing compounds that can reduce redness and calm irritated or sensitive skin.
Side Effects of Camellia Oil
Most skin types are suitable for using camellia oil without significant side effects.
However, when using products with ingredients such as camellia oil, it is important to make sure the product is suitable for your skin type.
Best Skin Care Products with Camellia Oil
Due to its lightweight texture, non-comedogenic, and moisturizing properties, camellia oil is commonly used in moisturizers, anti-aging creams and serums, and facial oils.
When choosing camellia oil skin care products, look for cold-pressed or pure camellia oil as the main ingredient, as this process preserves the natural vitamins and antioxidants in the oil.
Below you can find some of the best skin care products containing camellia oil.
How to Use Camellia Oil in Your Skin Care Routine
Camellia oil can be used directly as a facial oil or mixed with other ingredients to enhance its effects.
For pure use, apply a few drops to cleansed skin and can be used in place of or in addition to moisturizer.
When using skin care products containing camellia oil, the method of application depends on the type of product.
For example, camellia oil is often an ingredient in barrier-repairing moisturizers and can be applied to dry, damaged skin as often as needed.
Anti-aging and eye serums containing this ingredient can be used in the morning or evening.
Since camellia oil has powerful antioxidant properties, this ingredient also works well during the day, providing additional UV protection in addition to sunscreen.
Conclusion
Camellia oil, also known as tsubaki oil, is a lightweight, nutrient-rich oil that can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients in skincare products.
Its high fatty acid content and antioxidant properties make this oil an effective barrier-repairing ingredient for dry or sensitive skin.
Camellia oil alone is generally suitable for most baumann skin types. However, make sure that a formula containing this ingredient and other ingredients is appropriate for your skin type.
If you don’t know your skin type yet, take a few minutes to take the following test to get personalized skincare recommendations.
