Camellia Seed Oil

INCI Name: Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil

VEGAN

METHOD OF EXTRACTION: The oil is obtained by mechanical pressing of the seeds of Camellia oleifera

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION: It is characterised by a very high content of unsaturated fatty acids, predominantly oleic acid, followed by palmitic and linoleic acids

ACTIVE COMPOUNDS: The oil contains valuable unsaponifiables, notably squalene, phytosterols (such as beta-sitosterol), tocopherols (Vitamin E) and polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids)

SUSTAINABILITY/TRACEABILITY: First cold-pressed, followed by filtration, decolourisation and deodorisation; organic, 100% pure and natural

Camellia oil has a multifaceted action on the skin’s integrity and beauty. Its high content of fatty acids and squalene enables it to form a protective film on the surface of the epidermis, which helps to maintain the function and to reduce insensible water loss (dehydration).

In the dermis, it promotes youthful skin by stimulating the synthesis of type I procollagen. Its phenolic compounds give it soothing properties, ideal for alleviating the signs of skin stress and the discomfort associated with sensitive or redness-prone skin. 

Finally, it helps to brighten the complexion by regulating the melanogenesis process, thereby helping to prevent pigmentation irregularities.

Scientific studies* highlight quantified results on the efficacy of this oil, including:

In terms of anti-ageing care, in vitro tests show that using a concentration of 1mg/mL activates the collagen promoter by 125% and doubles the level of type I procollagen, while reducing the secretion of the MMP-1 enzyme, which is responsible for its breakdown, by 50%.

With regard to hydration and barrier function, the application of a lotion containing 1% of the oil helps to retain water in the tissues by reducing water loss by 20% one hour after application, although this effect is no longer significant after two hours.

By contrast, a cream containing camellia oil has been shown in in vitro tests to have a water-retention capacity of +40% over a 12-hour period, thus demonstrating performance equivalent to that of glycerine.

Its soothing properties are also documented in in vitro tests: a concentration of 10mg/L of its glycosylated polyphenol fraction reduces the secretion of skin stress markers, such as NO and TNF-alpha, by more than 80%.

Finally, to promote a radiant complexion, in vitro tests show that a 5% concentration of the oil helps to regulate pigmentation by reducing melanin levels by 20% and moderating the activity of the tyrosinase and TRP-2 enzymes involved in this process.

*Please refer to the Scientific Bibliography for further information.

A Note from Adeline Nalin, Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist at Aroma-Zone

“Camellias have been cultivated in China for millennia, particularly for the production of tea from Camellia sinensis. Camellia oleifera oil is exceptionally well-tolerated by the skin and is one of the oldest edible oils in the Middle Kingdom. Cold-pressing preserves its antioxidant compounds, allowing it to offer the skin and hair its protective and regenerating properties. Known as the geishas’ beauty secret, it is distinguished by its fine, light texture, which penetrates deep into the skin to leave a silky, satiny finish.”

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

A Note from Our Aroma-Zone Toxicologist

“This seed oil is considered safe for health. It has a very favourable safety profile, reinforced by its traditional use in food.”

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

A Note from the Dermatologist

“Oleic and linoleic acids are the main components of camellia oil, making it particularly suitable for dry skin, with no risk of comedogenicity. Its unsaponifiable fraction includes squalene, which strengthens the skin barrier, and numerous antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E), which are beneficial in combating photoageing.”

Dr Dima Haidar – Dermatologist

Camellia seed oil is particularly suitable for dry and dehydrated skin, thanks to its ability to help strengthen the skin barrier and limit transepidermal water loss. Its gentle, soothing properties may also make it suitable for sensitive skin or skin prone to discomfort, such as redness. Mature skin may benefit from its nourishing properties, which help maintain skin suppleness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Its lightweight texture also makes it a useful addition to daily skincare routines focused on comfort and protection.

This plant extract provides a targeted solution to several documented skin concerns.

For skin showing signs of ageing, it helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote facial firmness by stimulating collagen production. It is particularly recommended for relieving dry skin. Indeed, it forms a protective film on the skin’s surface, which limits water loss through the skin and helps to restore the skin barrier.

Sensitive skin prone to discomfort, tightness or redness, benefit from its soothing properties, which restore comfort to everyday life. Furthermore, it helps restore a more even complexion by addressing pigmentation irregularities and the appearance of dark spots.

Camellia Seed Oil offers numerous benefits for the skin: 

• Protective: It forms a protective lipid film on the skin’s surface that locks in moisture, with a water-retention efficiency comparable to that of glycerine for 12 hours

• Restructuring: Deep within the skin, it acts as a genuine structural support by promoting the synthesis of type I procollagen. It also helps to preserve the skin’s youthful appearance by reducing the activity of the MMP-1 enzyme, which is responsible for collagen breakdown, by 50%

• Soothing: It provides a deep soothing effect by modulating skin stress signals

• Skin-Evening: It helps restore a more even and radiant complexion by regulating melanin production

You can find camellia seed oil as an ingredient in your homemade preparations:

Organic Camellia Oil

Long used as a beauty oil by Japanese women, this protective and easily absorbed oil is ideal for preparing skincare products for dry skin. It is also used as a strengthening ingredient for soft and brittle hair as well as nails.

Camellia oil is recognised for its safety in use and its non-irritating properties on normal skin.

Delphine is a biological engineer specialising in cosmetology. Passionate about cosmetics for almost ten years, she began making her own skincare products with Aroma-Zone ingredients to address her skin concerns. She then trained as a cosmetologist before creating her own bespoke cosmetics brand to address each person’s individual skin concerns.