Today I want to shine the spotlight on a powerhouse skincare ingredient: tamanu! I initially learned about this oil a few years ago and my interest was piqued because it’s known for being super healing and soothing. The more I research, the more I fall in love with this mighty oil. This post will share more about the benefits and I’ll also share some of my favorite skincare products that contain it. Warning: you might also become obsessed with tamanu after reading this! ☺️
This post contains affiliate links.
This post covers:
- What is Tamanu?
- Skincare Benefits of Tamanu & What It Can Help
- The Best Clean & Natural Skincare Products with Tamanu
What is Tamanu?
Tamanu oil is extracted from seeds of the tamanu nut tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) which is native to Southeast Asia. It’s been used medicinally for hundreds of years by some cultures in Asia and Africa!
Photo courtesy of LadyredseaThe oil itself is dark green and smells nutty, earthy, grassy, and a bit smoky 🌰
While it isn’t the most well-known ingredient, I think it’s a force to be reckoned with and has been overlooked for sure!
Proven Skincare Benefits of Tamanu
Tamanu oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 which means it has a low likelihood of clogging pores. It’s generally suitable for all skin types! (unless you have a topical allergy to tree nuts)
But what makes this little nut so special? 🤔 When used topically, it boasts incredible benefits including these properties:
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory and soothing (contains calophyllolide which has similar effects to hydrocortisone)
- Antimicrobial and antibacterial (has canophyllic acid)
- Antioxidant (fights free radical damage)
- Improves skin barrier function
- Rich in fatty acids and moisturizing
- Wound healing abilities and promotes cell turnover
Ways to use tamanu & what it can help with:
- Acne and blemishes (it’s been shown to work against acne bacterial strains such as Propionibacterium acnes and Propionibacterium granulosum)
- Athlete’s foot
- Atopic dermatitis or perioral dermatitis
- Bug bites
- Cradle cap
- Diaper rash
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Nipple balm
- Psoriasis (my husband uses tamanu on his flaky scalp!)
- Rosacea
- Scars or dark spots
- Stretch marks
- Sunburn relief
(studies linked at the end of this blog post) 🤓
As you can see, it’s a very versatile oil that can help with ALL sorts of skin conditions! I especially enjoy incorporating tamanu into my routine when my skin is stressed, inflamed, or needs some TLC.
The 4 Best Clean & Natural Skincare Products with Tamanu
Ready to add tamanu to your routine? I got you! Here are some of my personal favorite skincare products that use it. As always, they’re clean, non-toxic, and free of any harmful ingredients.
Erin’s Faces Tamanu Oil
This is 100% pure and organic tamanu oil, no fillers or additional ingredients! It’s also virgin and cold-pressed so the quality is on another level. Plus, it has dozens of five-star reviews so you know it’s legit.
The oil is on the thicker side, FYI, and I actually like to mix a few drops into a moisturizer as a booster! But you can definitely use it on its own too; it does not feel too greasy. It’s a great way to get a big dose of tamanu straight to your skin.
Since this uses no other carrier oils or fillers, it does have a strong tamanu smell which might take some getting used to. The benefits are totally worth it though, trust me! 😏
You can use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount on your first Erin’s Faces order 🏷️
Buy Erin’s Faces Tamanu Oil Here
Erin’s Faces Tamanu Balm Barrier Salve
This is a balm version of the oil with the addition of organic safflower seed oil and beeswax. It’s an awesome alternative to petroleum-based jelly ointments such as Vaseline or Aquaphor!
It’s a rich, thicker salve but melts down smoothly once you start blending it in. I’d suggest the oil for scalp or facial use, and this balm for elsewhere on the body such as hands, elbows, or anywhere you need some extra healing goodness. For example, I like to use this on bug bites or dry, cracked hands in winter. It even came to the rescue for me when I was dealing with a bout of itchy, inflamed dermatitis on my hands!
By the way, Erin’s Faces sells sample sizes of both the balm and oil if you want to see how they work for you.
You can use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount on your first Erin’s Faces order 🏷️
Buy Erin’s Faces Tamanu Balm Here
Related post: “Swap It Out: 5+ Natural Alternatives to Vaseline & Aquaphor”
Living Libations Best Skin Ever Oil
As featured in my limited-edition Love Peace Organic x Organically Becca Bundle box! 📦
Not only is this one of my favorite facial oils ever, but it’s made with tamanu oil, woohoo! It also contains sea buckthorn, jojoba, and coconut. It’s seriously so dreamy. It moisturizes really well but almost feels soft to the touch and blends in nicely. Overall, this oil is helpful for regenerating, keeping the complexion clear, and balancing oil production.
The smell is really pleasant like lavender, vetiver, and grapefruit. If you want to incorporate tamanu but don’t enjoy the smell, then you’d love this oil because it has a lower concentration and is not detectable at all!
You can use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount on this at the Love Peace Organic store 🏷️
Related post: “My Step-by-Step Natural Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin (Redness, Rosacea, & Irritation)”
Sun & Moo The Healer Tallow Balm
Tallow…yes, as in rendered beef fat 🐮 But don’t write it off just yet! This balm is formulated with grass-fed suet tallow, organic tamanu oil, and organic baobab oil (which shares similar benefits to tamanu!).
Tallow itself is LOADED with nutrients such as Vitamins A, B12, D, E, K, and fatty acids that promote skin health and also has some anti-inflammatory properties. But the addition of tamanu to this balm is just icing on the cake! *chef’s kiss*
Read more here: “Tallow as a Natural Face Moisturizer? I Gave it a Try & Here’s How it Went!”
This balm is luscious and would be particularly helpful if you have drier skin. It’s good for using on the face and body. I was quite skeptical about using tallow on my face, but wow, it’s a game-changer!
You can use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount 🏷️
Buy Sun & Moo Tallow Balm Here
Have you tried tamanu or are you curious to give it a go? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Thanks so much for reading 💚
Sources & Studies:
- 9 Incredible Benefits of Tamanu Oil
- Application of Calophyllum Inophyllum Oil as Antifungal
- Potential of Tamanu Oil for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
- Tamanu Oil and Skin Active Properties: From Traditional to Modern Cosmetic Uses
- Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activity of Five Ethnomedical Calophyllum Inophyllum Oils: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Infected Wounds
13 year old daughter has acne on her back and shoulders that won’t go away. Is this the type of thing tamanu may help?
Possibly yes – but I would first look at body wash and what she’s using. Something like Aleavia would be great for that!