Product Description:
Groundnut Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea), also widely known as peanut oil or arachis oil. It has a long history of use across cooking, cosmetics, and traditional skin care practices in India and many other parts of the world. The oil is pale yellow in colour with a mild, nutty scent and a slightly thicker texture that absorbs gradually into the skin. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Groundnut Oil as a raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY formulators, and skin care product developers looking for a dependable, nourishing carrier oil from India.
Botanical and Local Names
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogaea
English Name: Groundnut Oil / Peanut Oil
Hindi Name: Mungfali Tel
Tamil Name: Verkadalai Ennai
Telugu Name: Veru Senaga Nune
Malayalam Name: Kappalandi Enna
Kannada Name: Kadlekai Enne
Key Properties
- Cold pressed from peanuts with no heat and no chemical solvents involved
- Slightly thicker texture with gradual absorption into the skin
- Naturally rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E
- Unrefined and supplied in its natural state without bleaching or deodorisation
- Mild, characteristic nutty scent
- Well suited for dry skin and massage oil formulations
- Compatible with other carrier oils, butters, and oil-phase ingredients
About Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil, also known as peanut oil, is cold-pressed from the kernels of Arachis hypogaea, a legume originally from South America that has been extensively cultivated across India for centuries. India is today one of the largest producers of groundnut in the world, with major cultivation concentrated across Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. In cosmetic formulation it is valued as a reliable, affordable emollient with a well-rounded fatty acid profile that makes it suitable across a broad range of product types.
Groundnut oil is rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid in roughly equal measure depending on the variety, alongside palmitic acid and smaller amounts of stearic and arachidic acid. This composition gives it good emollient and skin-softening properties with a medium absorption rate that sits comfortably between lighter and heavier carrier oils. It contains meaningful amounts of vitamin E in the form of tocopherols, which contribute both to its moderate oxidation resistance and to its skin-conditioning properties. It also contains phytosterols that support skin barrier function. Historically it has been widely used in traditional Indian massage practice, where its availability and skin feel have made it a standard base oil.
| Property |
Detail |
| INCI Name |
Arachis Hypogaea Oil |
| Sourced From |
South America in origin; widely cultivated across Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, India |
| Processed & Packed |
Processed & Packed in India |
| Function |
Emollient, skin conditioning |
| Absorption Rate |
Typically medium; may vary slightly between batches and grades |
| Recommended Usage Amount |
Typically up to 100%; works well as a standalone or blended base oil |
| Heat Stability |
Generally good to moderate; best kept below 40°C for cosmetic applications to preserve tocopherol content |
| Colour |
Typically pale yellow to golden yellow; colour may vary slightly between batches depending on processing |
| Scent |
Mild characteristic peanut scent; intensity may vary between cold-pressed and refined versions |
| Oxidation Stability |
Generally moderate; tocopherol content provides some natural protection; cool dark storage recommended |
| Restrictions |
Important: people with peanut allergies should avoid products containing groundnut oil; always include a clear allergen declaration on finished product labels |
| Substitution |
Sweet almond oil or sesame oil can serve as alternatives in most formulations |
Working with Groundnut Oil in Your Formulations
Groundnut oil works well across a wide range of product types including massage oils, body oils, balms, butters, emulsions, and haircare products. It is a particularly popular choice for massage formulations in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, where its skin feel, availability, and affordability make it a practical base oil. The peanut allergen declaration is a non-negotiable label requirement for any finished product containing this oil.
Quality & Formulation Notes
The peanut allergen is the single most important formulation and labelling consideration for groundnut oil. This must be clearly declared on any finished product label regardless of usage percentage. Cold-pressed versions are preferable for retaining the oil's natural tocopherol and phytosterol content. Refined groundnut oil will have a milder scent but lower levels of active compounds. Batch variation in colour and scent is normal for cold-pressed oil and does not indicate a quality concern.
Applications
Skin Care Formulations: Body lotions, massage oils, moisturising creams, dry skin balms
Hair Care Formulations: Hair oils and scalp oil blends in combination with lighter carrier oils
Cosmetic and Soap Making: Soap making, lotion and cream oil-phase ingredient, carrier base for aromatherapy and massage oil blends
General Use: Bulk supply for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY skin care kits, salon and spa product formulations
Packing and Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in active use. Recommended storage temperature below 25°C. Refrigeration is acceptable for extended shelf life. Best before 12 months from packaging date. Natural variation in colour and scent between batches is characteristic of a cold pressed, unrefined oil.
Caution
Groundnut Oil is derived from peanuts and may not be suitable for individuals with a peanut or tree nut allergy. As this is an unrefined, cold pressed oil, natural peanut proteins may be present. Patch test is recommended before use on skin. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist or physician.