The first thing a lot of us think of when we hear camellia is Chanel’s iconic camellia flower. The bloom doesn’t just look pretty, though. It’s fast becoming a popular beauty ingredient thanks to the skin-perfecting properties of camellia oil.
Camellia oil, or tsubaki oil as it’s sometimes known, comes from the nut of the camellia flower. While it is starting to gain attention in beauty circles in the West, it has long been a staple in Japan for geisha. According to Holly McWhorter, co-founder of PLANT Apothecary, camellia oil is beneficial because of its moisturizing properties. “Its molecular makeup and weight are similar to sebum, the oil our skin produces by itself, and this similarity allows it to be easily and quickly absorbed deep into the lower layers of the skin,” she explains. This also means that the oil will not leave a greasy residue on skin. Making it a great option for oily or acne-prone skin.
Another benefit is that it’s packed with skin-perfecting antioxidants, including omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, plant collagen and squalane. McWhorter says squalane is especially important because it’s an essential part of skin’s hydration and protection system, but the body produces less of it as we age. The oil also helps soothe irritation, increase healing and fight bacteria.
Its benefits have applications beyond skin care. The oil can also be found in body and hair products. It’s even used in makeup — mascaras in particular. Camellia oil helps condition lashes so they don’t get that dreaded crispy finish.
Other oils like coconut and jojoba have earned glowing reputations. But it’s worth expanding your oil collection. Shop the best camellia oil beauty products below.
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #1
Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil, $48 at Sephora
Discover the amazing cleansing properties of oils. This two-in-one camellia oil-infused product removes makeup and cleanses without stripping skin. When applied to the face, it emulsifies into a milk that balances and hydrates. It then rinses away without leaving behind a sticky residue. Plus it's cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, noncomedogenic and nonirritating.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #2
Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil, $46 at Boscia
The antioxidant-rich facial oil inside this purple bottle will leave skin brighter and healthier-looking. The camellia oil is mixed with rice bran oil and wakame (a Japanese sea kelp) to moisturize skin and fight the signs of aging. The dermatologist-tested product is suitable for all skin types. Work a few drops into skin in the morning and evening. It can even be mixed with moisturizer or foundation.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #3
Captain Blankenship Blue Chamomile & Lemon Oil-Based Cleanser & Makeup Remover, $42.50 at Land Sky Sea
Camellia oil's nourishing composition helps pack skin with amazing things like omegas and antioxidants and it's great at removing makeup. This makeup remover harnesses the power of six organic plant oils, including the aforementioned camellia, jojoba, sunflower and blue chamomile. It takes away stubborn makeup and leaves behind a glowing finish. What's more, it doubles as an eye serum.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #4
Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow Cleansing Balm, $60 at Nordstrom
Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury's skin care products create the perfect base so makeup looks even better. The multitasking product works as a cleanser, mask and remedy balm. No matter how it's used, the result is beautiful, baby-soft skin. The three-in-one formula has camellia seed oil, frangipani flowers and sea buckthorn seed oil to regenerate skin and smooth fine lines.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #5
Herbivore Botanicals Orchid Antioxidant Beauty Face Oil, $64 at Herbivore Botanicals
After cleansing apply this nourishing product to skin. Camellia oil, orchid extract and jasmine sambac oil deliver superior hydration while fighting free radicals. The oil penetrates deep — no sticky film here.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #6
Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil, $76 at Nordstrom
Wear this one solo or under foundation. Either way, it's sure to give your face a lit-from-within glow — and a dewy finish sans greasy residue. The secret is a three-phase formula. First, it restores skin's barrier. Then it hydrates and smooths fine lines. Last but not least, it produces a luminous shield that also protects complexions from free radical damage. Now that's good science.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #7
Darphin Youthful Radiance Camellia Mask, $99 at Amazon
Sheet masks get all the glory thanks to their fun delivery, but this cream mask is just as effective in plumping skin and minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It's formulated with camellia oil, hyaluronic acid microspheres and pomegranate extract to take skin from dull to luminous in one application. Apply it to your face or neck as often as needed.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #8
Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream, $50 at Aesop
There's a fine line between hydrated skin and greasy skin. A dab of this cream leaves skin softer and more plump, but without a shiny finish. It also has a woody floral scent that smells anything but medicinal. It's formulated with camellia, rosemary leaf, chamomile bud and sandalwood.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #9
PLANT Apothecary SUPERFACIAL Organic Oil Moisturizer for Normal, Combination and Mature Skin, $65 at Macy's
An oil moisturizer without a greasy, need-to-wash-my-face feel? Yes, it's possible. This organic moisturizer contains camellia oil, avocado oil, hazelnut oil, sea buckthorn oil and vitamin E yet it's surprisingly lightweight. The formula is especially beneficial to dry, combination or mature skin because it functions as a protective, restorative serum.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #10
Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Day Cream: Camellia, Geranium Blossom, $49 at Grown Alchemist
Geranium blossom and camellia come together in this nongreasy day cream. The effective formula nourishes dry to normal skin while visibly improving tone and texture. A couple of squeezes is all you really need each day so expect the tube to last.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #11
By Terry Cellularose Cleansing Oil, $68 at Revolve
By Terry's makeup products have quite the cult following, but this cleansing oil is another splurge-worthy option. Olive, jojoba and camellia oils remove stubborn makeup — even waterproof formulas. And yes, the oil is gentle enough to be used on eyes. Gently massage it into dry skin, then wipe and rinse off. The oil conditions skin without leaving it feeling slick.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #12
Chanel Hydra Beauty Crème Riche Hydration Protection Radiance, $87 at Macy's
This luxurious cream's main ingredient is Camellia Alba PFA, a potent poly-fractioned active created by Chanel using an exclusive purification technique. It's mixed with antioxidant-rich Blue Ginger PFA and shea butter to quench parched skin. It's particularly effective on those with dry to normal skin.
-
This Is Why You Should Be Using Camellia Oil #13
Kypris Antioxidant Dew, $90 at Kypris
Get dewy, healthy-looking skin without a trip to an esthetician. This wild-crafted elixir is formulated in Arizona with organic ingredients. It features good-for-skin aloe leaf juice, sunflower seed oil, camellia seed oil, algae and radish root ferment filtrate. The ingredients revitalize, hydrate and protect skin from irritation and environmental stress. The lightweight formula can be used in combination with other moisturizers and serums.
