Macadamia Seed Oil
Macadamia integrifolia / Macadamia tetraphylla
Macadamia Seed Oil is a cold-pressed cosmetic lipid oil obtained from macadamia nuts grown and processed in South Africa.
Characterised by its high oleic acid content, naturally occurring palmitoleic acid and excellent emollient properties, Macadamia Oil is particularly suited to skincare, haircare and conditioning formulations requiring a rich but elegant lipid profile.
Origin & Sourcing
- Botanical: Macadamia integrifolia / Macadamia tetraphylla
- Raw material: Macadamia nut kernel
- Origin: South Africa
- Cultivation: Commercially cultivated
- Extraction: Mechanical cold pressing
- Refining: Unrefined
- Additives: None
Macadamia is native to Australia but has become an established commercial crop in South Africa, particularly in the subtropical growing regions of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
Afrika Botanicals sources locally produced Macadamia Oil for cosmetic applications through established South African producers.
Unlike many of the indigenous wild-harvested oils in our portfolio, Macadamia is a cultivated crop. We include it because of its established South African production base and its useful formulation characteristics.
Performance Profile
Macadamia Seed Oil is distinguished by its monounsaturated fatty acid profile, particularly its high oleic acid content and naturally occurring palmitoleic acid.
This composition gives the oil excellent emollient and conditioning properties and differentiates it from more linoleic-rich African lipid oils.
Key formulation characteristics include:
- High oleic acid content – provides substantial emollience and conditioning
- Palmitoleic acid content – a distinctive characteristic of Macadamia Oil
- Rich, elegant skin feel – suitable for nourishing skincare and body-care formulations
- Good oxidative stability – supported by its predominantly monounsaturated fatty acid profile
- Hair-conditioning properties – useful in treatment oils, conditioners and masks
- Versatile formulation profile – readily incorporated into emulsions and lipid blends
Technical Information
- INCI: Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil / Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, depending on supplied material
- Extraction: Cold-pressed
- Refining: Unrefined
- Appearance: Pale yellow to golden liquid oil
- Odour: Mild, characteristic
- Typical shelf life: 24 months under recommended storage conditions
Natural variation in colour, odour and analytical values can occur between cultivars, growing regions and harvests.
Applications
Macadamia Seed Oil is suitable for a broad range of cosmetic formulations, including:
- Facial oils and serums
- Creams and lotions
- Body oils and balms
- Hair conditioners and masks
- Scalp and treatment oils
- Lipid blends
- Soaps and other personal-care formulations
It is particularly useful where emollience, conditioning and a predominantly monounsaturated fatty acid profile are required.
Conventional Supply
Afrika Botanicals currently supplies conventional South African Macadamia Seed Oil.
Certified organic Macadamia is not part of our standard portfolio. Please get in touch with us if a particular certification or specification is required.
Quality & Documentation
Macadamia Seed Oil is supplied with appropriate technical documentation, including:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Origin and traceability information
Representative documentation is available during product evaluation, with batch-specific documentation supplied where applicable to commercial orders.
Samples
Samples are available for formulation and commercial evaluation.
When requesting a sample or quotation, please provide your anticipated order quantity, annual volume and destination..
or
Buy a sample now!
Packaging & Commercial Supply
Available formats depend on specification and volume and can include:
- 1 litre
- 5 litre
- Approximately 20–25 kg bulk containers
- Approximately 180–200 kg drums
Larger commercial requirements can be planned according to availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Macadamia indigenous to Africa?
No. Macadamia is native to Australia but is now an important commercial crop in South Africa. Afrika Botanicals supplies South African-produced Macadamia Oil.
Is Macadamia Seed Oil refined?
Our standard Macadamia Seed Oil is cold-pressed and unrefined.
Is certified organic Macadamia available?
Our standard Macadamia Seed Oil is conventional. Organic certification is not currently part of our standard Macadamia supply.
What distinguishes Macadamia from other lipid oils?
Its fatty acid profile is particularly notable for high oleic acid and the presence of palmitoleic acid, giving it strong emollient and conditioning characteristics.
What is the shelf life?
Typically 24 months when stored correctly in unopened packaging. Refer to the applicable product documentation for the supplied material.
Can you supply technical documentation?
Yes. COA, TDS and SDS documentation is available.
Can you supply commercial volumes?
Yes. Please provide your required quantity and anticipated annual volume so that we can confirm availability, specification and pricing.
Citation:
Garner, L. C., Muir, B., & Byrne, P. F. (2007). Macadamia: Botany, Production and Uses. CABI.