While Macadamia Oil has a long history of use as a moisturiser and emollient in skincare, it is finally getting the attention it deserves when it comes to controlling and smoothing dry and frizzy hair.

What makes it such a unique ingredient is its remarkable oil content, as Macadamia nuts can yield between 58% to 60% oil by weight.¹ In addition, its provenance and natural processing techniques tie in perfectly with growing consumer requirements for clean label ingredients and products that are sulphate, paraben, and mineral oil free.

Market forecasts back this up. It is estimated that hair care products containing natural oils will grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.7% from 2020 to 2027.² While Macadamia Oil is still one of the lesser studied natural oils, it is holding its own when compared to other popular hair oil treatments, including Argan Oil.

This is partly due to its incredible essential fatty acid and omegas 3, 6 and 7 content. Omega 7, also known as Palmitoleic Acid, is extremely effective at regenerating and restructuring hair and skin and could support the renewal of skin cells by impacting on scalp and hair health. When coupled with prominent levels of antioxidants and a significant quantity of phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E), Macadamia Oil emerges as a truly multifunctional powerhouse.³

Read on as we unpack some of the biggest benefits that should make Macadamia Oil part of your new product development strategy.

Control frizz

When it comes to controlling dry, brittle, and frizzy hair, look no further than Macadamia Oil. Its stellar moisturising properties work by coating hair strands with nourishing vitamins and fatty acids – helping them to return to their normal structure. The ingredient also offers a light coating that can function as a protective layer – reducing the amount of water vapour that is absorbed by hair follicles and preventing humidity from causing untameable hair.

Hydrate & moisturise

Palmitoleic Acid is a critical component in hair care ingredients as it can replenish lost moisture in both hair and on the scalp. As we grow older, the amount of Palmitoleic Acid produced by the human body is reduced. But the good news is that Palmitoleic Acid in Macadamia Oil can restore levels to the normal quantities required to hydrate and moisturise.

Put an end to free radicals

In addition to its omega and fatty acid profiles, Macadamia Oil is made up of antioxidants such as vitamin E and squalene. These compounds can assist in protecting hair from free radical damage.

Soft & healthy hair

When targeting breakage in the hair shaft and hair follicles, the deep penetrating properties of Macadamia Oil can result in stronger, softer, and healthier hair. Its high protein content can also repair damaged hair by penetrating the hair follicles – increasing elasticity and strength.

For new product developers, Macadamia Oil offers fantastic opportunities in the formulation of shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and weightless hydration treatments.

If you are looking to harness the incredible functional benefits of Macadamia Oil why not contact our research and development team today?

References:

1 African Oils – Quality, Ethically Produced Natural Oils – Fairoils

2 Natural Hair Care Product Market Size Report, 2020-2027 (grandviewresearch.com)

3 Macadamia Oil: All You Need to Know About This Active Ingred (typology.com)

4 Can You Use Macadamia Oil for Hair? Benefits, Risks, and How-To (healthline.com)