Camellia Oil

Product Description:

Camellia Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the Camellia plant (Camellia oleifera), an evergreen tree native to East Asia and widely cultivated in China, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia. Often referred to as "Tea Seed Oil," it has been valued for centuries in traditional beauty and personal care practices due to its lightweight texture and exceptional skin compatibility. The oil is pale golden to light yellow in colour with a mild, delicate aroma and a smooth, non-greasy consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin and hair. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Camellia Seed Oil as a premium raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, skincare brands, hair care formulators, soap makers, and DIY creators seeking a versatile, nutrient-rich carrier oil for natural formulations.

Botanical and Local Names

Botanical Name: Camellia oleifera
English Name: Camellia Seed Oil / Tea Seed Oil
Hindi Name: Camellia Beej Tel
Tamil Name: Kameliya Vidhai Ennai
Telugu Name: Camellia Vittana Nune
Malayalam Name: Camellia Vithu Enna
Kannada Name: Camellia Beeja Enne

Key Properties

• Cold pressed from Camellia seeds without the use of heat or chemical solvents
• Lightweight, silky texture that spreads easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue
• Naturally rich in oleic acid, along with vitamins and antioxidant compounds that support cosmetic formulations
• Unrefined and supplied in its natural state without bleaching or deodorisation
• Highly compatible with sensitive skin formulations due to its gentle, skin-friendly profile
• Provides excellent emollient properties that help soften and condition both skin and hair
• Blends well with other carrier oils, essential oils, botanical extracts, and cosmetic butters
• Widely used in premium facial care, hair care, and anti-ageing cosmetic products

About Camellia Seed Oil

Camellia oil comes from the seeds of the camellia shrub, the same plant cultivated across China and Japan to produce tea, which is why it's also commonly called tea seed oil. It's important not to confuse it with tea tree oil, which is an entirely different plant with a completely different profile. The two species most commonly used for cosmetic oil production are Camellia japonica (also known as tsubaki or dongbaek oil) and Camellia oleifera, both of which have been used in skin and haircare across East Asia for centuries.

What makes camellia oil stand out is how closely it behaves on skin to jojoba oil, it absorbs quickly, penetrates well, and leaves no greasy residue. It functions as an emollient that actively reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and helps restore skin elasticity. Its triglycerides are exceptionally rich in oleic acid (72–87%), which is responsible for its excellent skin and hair conditioning properties. Research has also pointed to a promising effect on collagen, with studies showing it can increase the production of type-1 procollagen while slowing its degradation, a meaningful finding for anti-ageing formulations. It also carries antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory biological activity, making it useful across a broader range of skin concerns than its mild, unassuming appearance might suggest.

Working with Camellia Seed Oil in Your Formulations

Its fast absorption, near-neutral scent, and lightweight skin feel make it an easy fit across a wide range of product types like lip balms, haircare, nail care, anhydrous creams, balms, butters, scrubs, and emulsions. It works particularly well in products for problem skin and dull skin, and its antioxidant properties and collagen-supporting research make it a strong candidate for anti-ageing formulations.

Quality & Formulation Notes

One important label and sourcing note: camellia oil is sometimes listed under different INCI names depending on the species used, Camellia japonica and Camellia oleifera are both used commercially and have slightly different profiles, so it's worth confirming which species your batch is derived from. Do not confuse either with Camellia sinensis, which is a different plant entirely and not used for carrier oil production.

Applications

Hair Care Formulations: Hair oils, leave-in hair serums, scalp nourishing oils, hair masks, anti-frizz formulations, hair conditioners

Skin Care Formulations: Facial oils, moisturisers, anti-ageing creams, facial serums, body lotions, massage oils, lip care products

Cosmetic and Soap Making: Cold and hot process soaps, cleansing oils, facial balms, body butters, cream formulations, carrier base for essential oil blends

General Use: Bulk supply for cosmetic manufacturers, natural skincare brands, DIY beauty formulations, spa and salon products

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 aroma between batches is characteristic of a cold pressed, unrefined oil.

Caution

Patch test is recommended before use on skin. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or physician.