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 Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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