ingredient focus: kukui nut oil

the bottom line

We believe in keeping life simple, especially when it comes to skincare. Occasionally, we find a star ingredient that lets us do just that. Meet the kukui nut, a little nugget of beauty. Kukui nut oil contains its own layers, from vitamins to fatty acids, which provide a tremendous number of benefits for the skin, particularly as we age. Sneak in a bit of kukui nut oil for wrinkles and whatever else ails you. Read on to learn more about the many kukui nut oil benefits for skin.

first layer: antioxidants

Kukui nut oil contains vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A and its retinoid derivatives have demonstrated clear benefits in photoaged skin, including reduced fine wrinkles, improved skin texture, and decreased pigmentation.

Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants*, which help to stabilize free radicals* capable of injuring the skin. A quick review about oxidation: as we age, we’re exposed to injuries in the form of ultraviolet radiation, pollution, smoking, and alcohol, all of which can produce free radicals. Free radicals create oxidative stress and an inflammatory response which in turn can damage DNA and result in injury to the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. In the skin, this manifests as premature aging with decreased elasticity leading to increased wrinkling, age spots, and decreased skin tone. Antioxidants stabilize these free radicals, which in turn limits their ability to damage the body.

second layer: moisturization

Kukui nut oil also offers powerful moisturizing at multiple levels. With 35-45% linoleic fatty acid and 24-34% linolenic fatty acid, it is capable of skin barrier* repair as well as decreasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Oleic acid at a rate of 15-30% provides moisture to help soften the skin. The result – less dry skin and fewer wrinkles.

third layer: wound healing

The traditional use of kukui nut for sunburn is well-known to Hawaiians, who still use the oil to soothe skin following damage to the skin from sun, chemicals, and even radiation. It’s been shown scientifically to have analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties, as well as anti-microbial action against the bacteriae Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroguinosa.

fourth layer: how we do it

We love both the tradition and science of kukui nut oil for wrinkles. With the tremendous benefits of protecting from oxidation, moisturizing skin, and healing wounds, kukui nut oil was a natural choice for incorporation into our blue lotus body oil and bakuchiol & pomegranate facial oil.

references:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleurites_moluccanus

2. Cesca TG, Faqueti LG, Rocha LW et al. Antinocioceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing features in animal models treated with a semisolid herbal medicine based on Aluerites Molucca L. Wild. Euforbiaceae standardized leaf extract Semisolid Herbal. J Ethnopharmacol 2012; 143: 355-362.

3. Locher CP, Burch MT, Mower HF et al. Anti-microbial activity and anti-complement activity of extracts obtained from selected Hawaiian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol 1995; 49(1): 23-32.

4. https://www.absolutely-natural.com/blogs/behind-the-scenes/benefits-of-kukui-nut-oil

5. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-A

6. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-D

definitions:

antioxidant: an antioxidant is a compound that inhibits oxidation. free radicals create oxidative stress and an inflammatory response which in turn can damage DNA and result in injury to the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. in the skin, this manifests as premature aging with decreased elasticity leading to increased wrinkling, age spots, and decreased skin tone. antioxidants stabilize free radicals, which in turn limits their ability to damage the body. some of our favorite ingredients are notable for their antioxidant effects, including elderberry, plum, and lychee.

free radical: an unstable molecule created during normal cell metabolism. free radicals can accumulate in cells, causing damage to other structures including DNA, lipids, and proteins.

skin barrier: the skin barrier protects against external agents including mechanical and chemical insults, heat, pathogens, water, and radiation.

faq: kukui nut oil for wrinkles

is kukui nut oil better than coconut oil?

the battle is on: kukui nut oil vs coconut oil. we’re putting our money on the kukui nut, which acts an antioxidant, moisturizes skin, and helps to heal wounds. there’s some data to suggest the use of kukui nut oil for acne, although robust studies are lacking.

does kukui nut oil go bad?

every oil has its (shelf) limit, beauty. kukui nut oil shelf life is generally considered to be two years after opening as long as the bottle is kept in a cool, dark place.  

is kukui nut oil good for dry skin?

as a “dry” oil, kukui nut oil is able to penetrate the skin easily and is rapidly absorbed. by slowing the exodus of water from the skin, it helps to moisturize and protect even very dry, damaged skin. layer onto damp skin immediately after showering to retain moisture.