What Is Tamanu Oil?
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Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni, RD
Tamanu oil comes from the nut of the Calophyllum inophyllum plant, which is an evergreen plant sometimes called oil-nut, laurelwood, mastwood, beach calophyllum, or beautyleaf. Traditionally, the oil from this plant is used for hair- and skin-related conditions.
There is little research supporting the use of this oil and few studies have been conducted in humans. However, several in vitro (test tube) studies show promise of the oil's benefits, and research on the use of the plant for treating skin diseases continues to grow.
Currently, tamanu oil is thought to have strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. However, the lack of research means many of the risks and side effects of the oil are unknown.
Benefits of Tamanu Oil
The research on tamanu oil is limited, though the interest in its uses is causing more researchers to explore the oil's unique properties. There is evidence supporting several potential benefits of the oil.
Has Antibacterial Properties
Some research shows tamanu oil has antibacterial qualities, which may make it a useful treatment for acne and other similar conditions. An in vitro study found that tamanu oil has high antibacterial activity against the bacteria found in skin infections. The oil was also able to able to combat a variety of skin-based staph infections.
May Stimulate Collagen Production
Research shows that tamanu oil may boost collagen production in certain situations. In vitro studies have found the oil promotes new cell growth and encourages the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)—polysaccharides that help create collagen and elastin.
Collagen is a protein that's important for skin, bone, muscle, and tissue health. It provides structural support, meaning it helps maintain your skin's firmness and elasticity—preventing, and in some cases, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Aids in Wound Healing
Because tamanu oil encourages collagen production, it may also be helpful in treating scars on the skin. Cell- and animal-based studies have shown tamanu oil to accelerate the wound-healing process. One study found it was more effective at facilitating wound healing than vitamin C.
Researchers from the animal-based study also suggested the oil's anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to its wound-healing abilities. However, research in human trials is needed to support these claims.
Serves as an Anti-Inflammatory
Tamanu oil contains calophyllolide, a powerful anti-inflammatory molecule that researchers indicate is as strong as hydrocortisone (a common topical steroid that reduces pain and inflammation). For this reason, tamanu oil may be useful in treating inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. However, there is not yet research on the direct use of tamanu oil for these skin conditions.
Provides Protection From the Sun
Tamanu oil has powerful antioxidant properties, meaning it helps fight against free radicals and oxidative stress, a process in the body that can cause cellular damage, accelerate aging, and lead to disease. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can produce free radicals, which antioxidants like tamanu oil can help offset.
Research has also shown tamanu oil can absorb UV light, which may help prevent damage from the sun. Both the oil's antioxidant and UV-absorption properties suggest it can offer a certain amount of protection from the sun.
However, following safe sun practices is still the best way to prevent sunburn and skin damage from UV exposure. This includes staying in the shade, wearing hats and long sleeves, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher.
Other Potential Uses
Tamanu has a long history of use in African, Asian, and Pacific countries and has only recently been studied by researchers in the United States. Typically, tamanu oil is recommended for a variety of skin conditions. Here are some other ways tamanu oil may be used:
Alleviating burns
Treating diabetic sores
Reducing pain of hemorrhoids
Moisturizing dry skin
Minimizing sciatica pain
Alleviating rheumatisms (chronic conditions that cause joint and connective tissue pain)
Research supporting the above uses of tamanu oil is very limited. It's best to speak with a healthcare provider before using tamanu oil to treat a serious or ongoing condition.
How To Use Tamanu Oil
The most common use for tamanu oil is as an added ingredient in skin care products like moisturizers and anti-aging creams. Some people also experiment with using the oil directly on their skin or mixed with a carrier oil, but there are few studies to support this use.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends testing anything you plan to use on your skin first before applying it all over. This is especially important with oils derived from nuts, like tamanu oil. People with allergies and sensitive skin will need to be particularly careful.
If you are interested in experimenting with tamanu oil, talk to a dermatologist or other healthcare provider about proper application methods and dosing. Keep in mind that this oil is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, the AAD offers general guidelines for testing skin care products. Here's how you could potentially test tamanu oil before using it:
Choose a quarter-size test spot on your skin where the oil won't be washed or rubbed away
Apply the oil to the test spot twice a day for seven to 10 days
Leave the oil on your skin as long as you normally would for other skin products
Check the area daily and if after seven days you do not have a reaction, the oil may be able to be used on larger patches of skin (although you should verify this with a healthcare provider)
Stop using the oil if you experience a reaction, and don't use it again
See a dermatologist to discuss your reaction and how to manage and treat it
Side Effects of Tamanu Oil
As with any product that you apply to your skin, there is a risk of an allergic reaction, particularly if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. Research suggests tamanu oil is safe for use on the skin as it has been studied as a treatment option for atopic dermatitis, which is a chronic skin condition that may be caused by genetic and environmental factors.
However, despite its potential skin-healing properties, tamanu oil has the potential to cause skin irritations and rashes due to its potency. Also, the oil has not been studied enough for researchers to know what the short-term or long-term side effects might be.
If you are considering using tamanu oil directly on the skin—and not as part of a product—it's important to talk to a healthcare provider first. They can provide insight into the oil and help you determine if it is right for you.
Risks of Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is made from a nut, so you should avoid using the oil if you have nut allergies. People with sensitive skin should also use caution when trying the oil.
There is not enough research to determine if tamanu is safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so these groups should avoid the oil for now.
Keep in mind that tamanu oil is considered a supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. It also is not approved to treat or cure any disease, including skin diseases. The FDA recently filed a warning letter against one company for claiming that tamanu oil has proven antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-rebuilding properties.
Products that contain tamanu oil often warn customers against applying it on open wounds or getting it in their eyes.
Alternatives to Tamanu Oil
Because there is so little research on tamanu oil, you might consider an alternative oil for addressing your skin issues. Several oils offer similar benefits. However, research for some of these oils may be limited as well.
When selecting an oil to use in place of tamanu oil, consider your goals and look for an oil that has the right properties to achieve your desired benefit. Here are some oils you could use in place of tamanu oil:
Argan oil: Typically, this oil is used to treat skin infections and can also be found in skin and hair care products. It may improve skin elasticity, hydration, and softness.
Jojoba oil: Often found in cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizers, jojoba oil is sometimes used to treat different types of dermatitis and acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for skin infections, wound healing, and skin aging.
Shea butter: Shea butter is often found in cosmetics and moisturizers because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also may help treat atopic dermatitis.
Tea tree oil: Originating in Australia, this oil has been studied more than tamanu oil and can be used for a variety of skin conditions. For instance, people often use tea tree oil for acne, athlete's foot, nail fungus, and lice.
A Quick Review
Tamanu oil comes from the nut of an evergreen plant found in East Africa and Southeast Asia. It's often purported to help with wound healing and other skin concerns. Although there is limited research on the safety and effectiveness of this oil, preliminary studies show evidence of tamanu oil's anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
If you are considering using tamanu oil for your skin conditions, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider first. They can provide direction and insight into its use for your particular condition.
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