What can the best camellia oils for the face do for you? This J-beauty secret is a prized moisturizer for the skin and hair. It’s been used for centuries by Japanese women because it’s lightweight and doesn’t clog pores. Legend has it that geishas used camellia for healthy skin and hair – plus, it easily removes theatrical makeup.
Camellia is also known as Tsubaki oil because that’s the name of the tree it comes from. You can recognize the tree because of the shining leaves and beautiful blossoms. No wonder it was a favorite of Coco Chanel.
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Camellia oil for face benefits
If you use camellia oil for your face, it guards against premature aging while keeping the skin supple. It boosts collagen production and it’s non-comedogenic. This is because it’s rich in polyphenols that are potent antioxidants to neutralize free radicals from sun damage and environmental pollution. It’s also packed with vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids like oleic acid. This crucial component seals in moisture while reducing inflammation (1).
Moreover, you can use the oil to remove long-wear makeup before cleansing. It’s also helpful for calming frizzy hair and fixing rough cuticles.
Which camellia oil is best for skin?
However, there’s something you should know about camellia oil. There’s more than one kind, but they are different from each other.
First, Tsubaki face oil is made with Camellia japonica. This is the original Japanese camellia oil from the tree with the famous pink and red blooms that appear in winter and springtime. In Japan, it’s called tsubaki-abura. This is the most popular type used to moisturize the skin and hair because it’s quickly absorbed and full of perks for a beauty routine.
Next, there’s Camellia oleifera which primarily comes from China and is used for cooking oil. It’s very similar to olive oil and usually less expensive than japonica. Sometimes it’s referred to as tea-seed oil. It can be used as a moisturizer because it’s also full of fatty acids and nutrients.
And that brings us to the third type, Camellia sinensis. This is the tea plant that produces black, oolong, and green tea.
How to use camellia oil for the face
It’s straightforward to use camellia on your face or anywhere else on your body. It absorbs best if applied to clean, dry, or slightly damp skin.
Put a few drops in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together to spread the oil across the palms. Now, pat the oil into the skin of the face and neck – there’s no need to use a lot of pressure or scrub. But feel free to use a gentle, circular massage (2).
If you have leftover oil, massage it into your hands, cuticles, elbows, kneecaps, etc.
As long as you put on only a light layer, the oil will take anywhere from two to fifteen minutes to absorb completely.
How to choose the best camellia oil
If you’re going to use camellia oil for your face, we suggest going with cold-pressed, unrefined oil. It’s the purest and most potent as it retains the maximum quantity of nutrients.
On the downside, cold-press extraction only pulls out a partial amount of the oil available from the seeds. Heat extraction and solvent extraction retrieve more of the oil but they diminish the nutritional value and antioxidant levels.
Manufacturers that don’t explicitly state that the oil is cold-pressed may be using these less desirable methods to cut costs. If the oil seems too cheap, it probably is. After all, a bottle will last a long time because you only need 3 or 4 drops each time.
Now, we hope you find these camellia oils for face reviews helpful:
| The best camellia oils | The best camellia oils |
|---|---|
| 100% Pure Japanese Camellia Seed Oil – by Oleo Botanicals |
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| Cocojojo Japanese Camellia Seed Oil |
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| Camellia Seed Organic Carrier Oil by Dr Adorable Inc |
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| Sweet Essentials Organic Camellia Seed Oil |
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| Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil |
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| Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil |
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Best Camellia Oils in 2023
100% Pure Japanese Camellia Seed Oil – by Oleo Botanicals
Let’s start off with Tsubaki oil made in Japan. It’s pure, undiluted, cold-pressed Camellia japonica, produced in small batches. It has a very faint floral aroma and a lightweight texture that leaves the skin soft but not greasy.
Since it’s extracted without heat or chemicals, it retains maximum levels of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols. It’s perfect for using all by itself as a moisturizer because it leaves the skin dewy. Still, you can mix it with your regular face cream and wear it underneath makeup, too.
Although it can’t replace sunscreen, the antioxidants in it provide some protection against damage caused by UV rays and harsh environmental conditions like smog.
It’s packaged in a glass bottle with a dropper and ready for immediate use.
Pros:
- Cold-pressed Camellia japonica from Japan
- Produced in small batches for maximum freshness and potency
- Very slight floral scent
- Absorbs quickly into the skin and can be worn under makeup
- Comes in a glass bottle with a dropper
Cons:
- None
Cocojojo Japanese Camellia Seed Oil
Pay close attention – this isn’t Camellia japonica. Instead, it’s Camellia sinensis, cold-press-extracted from the tea plant. That’s one of the reasons why it’s less expensive than japonica. Still, it’s a popular moisturizer because it’s also nutrient-rich and non-greasy.
The oil is unrefined and packaged in the USA. Unfortunately, it comes in a pop-top plastic bottle with no dropper. But it’s almost completely unscented and has no additives or diluents.
Pros:
- Cold-pressed from Camellia sinensis, the tea plant
- Unrefined and undiluted, little to no scent
- Packaged in the USA
Cons:
- Not Camellia japonica but more affordable
Camellia Seed Organic Carrier Oil by Dr Adorable Inc
This is also Camellia sinensis, cold-pressed from seeds harvested in Japan. It’s an excellent carrier for essential oils because it doesn’t have an aroma of its own. For example, if you want to clear up acne, add two drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of this oil and use that as a moisturizer.
What’s nice is that it behaves similar to its cousin, Camellia japonica, in that it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin soft and smooth.
One bottle will last quite a while, but keep in mind that the shelf life is approximately 2 years. Store it close tightly in a cool, dark place away from high humidity and it will last longer.
Pros:
- Cold-pressed from seeds harvested in Japan
- Works well as a carrier for essential oils
- Absorbs quickly, leaves skin smooth
- Little to no scent
Cons:
- Not Camellia japonica but still a good moisturizer
Sweet Essentials Organic Camellia Seed Oil
Did you know you can use Camellia oil to prevent stretch marks? It fixes cuticles to prevent hangnails. Also, as a conditioner, it leaves hair glossy but not oily. All of these benefits come from the high amount of oleic acid and Omega 9 plus antioxidants and plant collagen.
If you’ve ever used grapeseed oil, you’ll find that camellia absorbs about as quickly and about as well. Furthermore, it’s practically scentless.
This particular oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Camellia oleifera plant. It has a pale golden color and lightweight texture. Use it to remove makeup and keep your complexion hydrated and healthy. Unless you have a specific allergy to the plant, camellia is mild enough for sensitive faces.
Lastly, it’s packaged in amber-colored plastic (specifically, PETE) with a pop-top lid.
Pros:
- Cold-pressed from Camellia oleifera plant seeds
- Similar to grapeseed oil in texture, absorbs quickly
- Little to no scent, makes a good carrier for essential oils
- High amounts of oleic acid, antioxidants, and plant collagen
Cons:
- Packaged in a plastic bottle, but it’s PETE, which is typically used for food containers
Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil
Camellia is such a delightful and friendly oil that it’s often blended with other helpful ingredients like superfoods. For instance, Tatcha’s camellia oil includes algae, green tea, licorice, and 23-karat gold flakes.
It’s specifically designed to smooth lines and wrinkles and brighten the complexion to turn back time. I mean, who doesn’t look good with a little sparkle? (Not that the gold flakes are chunky. This is an elegant cosmetic product that promises to deliver youthful radiance).
The camellia oil is extra-extra virgin, cold-pressed from seeds of plants grown on the Goto Islands. It’s paired with the famed Tatcha Hadasei-3 Complex of rice, green tea, and algae so that it works behind the scenes to repair the skin.
Happily, the dermatologist-tested formula is suitable for all skin types, even oily faces and sensitive skin. It has no artificial fragrance or mineral oil. Of course, since it’s part of Sephora’s Clean Beauty lineup, it’s also completely free of formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, phthalates, and other problematic ingredients.
Pros:
- Designed for a radiant complexion regardless of skin type
- Blend of extra virgin camellia oil with anti-aging ingredients like licorice, green tea, and gold flakes
- Free of artificial fragrances and harsh ingredients
Cons:
- A little pricey, but the bottle will probably last for months
Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil
Our reviewer calls this a splurge because of the cost. That may be so, but a bottle of oil like this will likely last longer than a jar of face cream and it’s overflowing with rejuvenating goodness.
Sure, you could with up a DIY camellia oil moisturizer with some essential oils you have laying around the house, or you could trust the experts who created this little miracle worker. Using it daily repairs dry skin, helping it feel softer, look smoother, and retain moisture better. At the same time, it guards against pesky free radicals that damage collagen and lead to wrinkles.
It features camellia and tamanu oils, both of which have bioactive ingredients that fix the skin’s natural barrier. Then, there are chia seed, rice bran, and orchid to shield against environmental damage and smooth lines.
What’s more, it’s not just a moisturizer. You can apply it over foundation so that your face is dewy and your makeup doesn’t leave your skin looking like the desert.
The good news is that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. The only bad news is that you have to remember how to use the bottle properly. The brand suggests holding it upside down for a couple of seconds to dispense drops. Just keep an eye on it so you don’t overdo it.
Pros:
- Miracle-working blend of camellia and tamanu oils with botanicals
- Cruelty-free, vegan, with no parabens
- Serves as a moisturizer and can be worn over makeup for a radiant finish
Cons:
- Not as affordable as pure camellia oil
Conclusion
Camellia oil is one of the best face moisturizers. It’s kind to sensitive skin and suitable for all skin types, allowing those with oily or acne-prone complexions to include natural solutions in their beauty routines.
We hope our reviews helped you discover what you need today. If your purchase is providing pleasing results, we’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave us a comment below.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6270245/ Feás, X., Estevinho, L. M., Salinero, C., Vela, P., Sainz, M. J., Vázquez-Tato, M. P., & Seijas, J. A. (2013). Triacylglyceride, antioxidant and antimicrobial features of virgin Camellia oleifera, C. reticulata and C. sasanqua Oils. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 18(4), 4573–4587. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules18044573
2. https://wawaza.com/pages/how-to-use-japanese-camellia-tsubaki-oil/ How to Use Japanese Camellia (Tsubaki) Oil
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