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Tamanu Oil

Dark green oil from Pacific islands. Contains calophyllolide and inophyllin – compounds with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing action. Used for acne, scars and post-acne marks.

INCI: Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil

Evidence by route

C

Topical application

In vitro and small observational data show anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects, especially on superficial wounds. RCTs are limited and mostly cover blends.

  • Léguillier T et al. PLoS One. 2015;10(9):e0138602. PMID 26406588
How to read tiers A–F
  • CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus

Tolerability and safety

Irritation potential
Low
Allergen risk
Moderate
Pregnancy
Caution
Suitable for
Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
Use with caution
Sensitive

About this ingredient

Tamanu Oil (INCI Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil) is a dark-green fatty oil from seeds of the Polynesian tamanu tree (Calophyllum inophyllum). Used in traditional Polynesian medicine for wound healing. Mechanism. Contains calophyllolide and inophyllin – unique triterpenes with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing action. Plus fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic) and tocopherols. On skin it lowers inflammation and accelerates erosion healing. Where applied. Anti-acne and post-acne products, scar balms, night serums. In Spain it features in natural lines from Naobay, Freshly Cosmetics, Mádara. Evidence base. Léguillier 2015 in vitro showed antibacterial effect against C. acnes and wound-healing activity in fibroblast culture. Clinical RCTs in acne or scar patients are scarce. Positive reports are mostly empirical. Safety. Patients with nut allergy may show contact reactions (Calophyllum is related to nut trees). Comedogenic in some acne patients (rating 2). The dark oil colour can stain fabric. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Direct data are limited. Acceptable on small face areas, avoid on large areas (body, breast, abdomen).

Frequently asked questions

Is Tamanu Oil safe during pregnancy?

Tamanu Oil should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.

What skin types is Tamanu Oil for?

Tamanu Oil suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.

What is Tamanu Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?

Dark green oil from Pacific islands.

Is Tamanu Oil comedogenic?

On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.

What's the INCI name for Tamanu Oil?

The INCI name is Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil. It may also appear as: Tamanu Oil, Foraha Oil, Tamanu Seed Oil.

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