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Macadamia

Carrier Oil

Macadamia integrifolia / Macadamia tetraphylla

Origin: Australia, Hawaii

About

Uniquely rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7) — a monounsaturated fatty acid that declines naturally with skin ageing — macadamia oil replenishes what the skin loses over time, making it one of the most skin-compatible carriers for mature complexions. It has a silky, medium-weight texture and excellent shelf stability.

Macadamia nuts are native to the subtropical rainforests of northeastern Australia, where they were a staple food of Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years. Commercial cultivation expanded in Hawaii from the late 19th century. The oil's unique palmitoleic acid content was identified in the 20th century, establishing it as a specialist carrier for mature skin.

Benefits

  • Uniquely high palmitoleic acid (omega-7) content
  • Exceptionally compatible with mature and ageing skin
  • Replenishes age-depleting skin lipids
  • Excellent slip and silky finish
  • Well-tolerated even by sensitive skin

Pairings (27)

Excellent
Frankincense

Macadamia's palmitoleic acid replenishes age-declining skin lipids while frankincense's boswellic acids reduce inflammation and support cellular regeneration — an outstanding combination for mature skin treatment.

Excellent
Sandalwood

Macadamia's palmitoleic acid content and silky texture make it a luxurious carrier that enhances sandalwood's skin benefits.

Excellent
Rose Otto

A premium anti-ageing luxury pairing — macadamia's palmitoleic acid compatibility with mature skin and rose otto's profound skin and emotional properties create an exceptional treatment blend.

Excellent
Cardamom

Macadamia's silky, light texture and slight nuttiness complement cardamom's warmth beautifully in a nourishing and easily absorbed massage oil.

Excellent
Bergamot

Macadamia is a light, skin-softening carrier with a mild scent that pairs beautifully with bergamot in anti-ageing or dry-skin massage blends.

Excellent
Lavender

Macadamia's high palmitoleic acid content and silky texture make it a superb carrier for lavender in mature skin, scar, and regenerative massage blends.

Excellent
Clove Bud

Macadamia's rich, skin-nourishing fatty acids make it an outstanding carrier for Clove Bud, supporting skin integrity against its potential irritancy.

Excellent
Cedar (Virginian)

Macadamia's skin-softening oleic acid content makes it a luxurious carrier that beautifully supports Cedarwood in nourishing massage blends.

Excellent
Cedar (Atlas)

Macadamia's skin-nourishing, palmitoleic-acid-rich profile pairs beautifully with Cedar for luxurious body and facial massage blends.

Excellent
Basil ct. methylchavicol

A beautifully silky carrier with excellent skin affinity that provides a luxurious base for this therapeutic oil.

Excellent
Clary Sage

Macadamia's high oleic acid content and silky skin feel make it an ideal carrier for clary sage in mature skin or hormonal massage blends.

Excellent
Black Pepper

Macadamia's rich palmitoleic acid content aids skin penetration and provides a luxurious base for warming black pepper massage blends.

Excellent
Olive

Macadamia's high palmitoleic acid content and skin-softening properties complement olive's oleic richness perfectly, creating a deeply nourishing yet slightly lighter blend.

Excellent
Common spruce

Macadamia's silky, skin-identical fatty acid profile makes it a premium carrier for spruce in body and deep tissue massage.

Excellent
Agarwood

Macadamia's rich, slightly nutty, deeply emollient nature is a luxurious carrier partner for Agarwood, particularly in high-end skin and body treatments.

Excellent
Sweet Almond

Macadamia's high palmitoleic acid content complements sweet almond perfectly, creating a deeply nourishing blend especially suited to mature skin.

Excellent
Neem

Macadamia's high palmitoleic acid content and silky, medium texture make it an excellent dilution base for neem in mature or dry skin massage blends.

Excellent
Pomegranate Seed

Macadamia's high palmitoleic acid content and smooth, medium consistency make it an ideal carrier to dilute and complement pomegranate seed for mature and dry skin work.

Excellent
St John's Wort

Macadamia's high palmitoleic acid content and silky texture pair beautifully with St John's Wort, enhancing spreadability and skin nourishment in therapeutic massage.

Excellent
Rosehip Seed

Macadamia's high palmitoleic acid content mirrors rosehip's skin-replenishing profile, making them an outstanding duo for mature skin massage.

Excellent
Sunflower Seed

Macadamia's rich palmitoleic acid content beautifully complements sunflower's linoleic profile, creating a balanced and luxurious skin-nourishing blend.

Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible

Properties

Aroma
very mild, faintly nutty
Consistency
medium
Absorbency
medium
Shelf Life
12 months

Contraindications

  • Nut allergy risk — patch test essential
  • Higher cost — often blended with lighter carriers to extend