Kahai Oil Key Facts
Rating: Best.
(Best / Excellent / Good / Average / Not Recommended)
Origin: Natural.
(Natural / Synthetic)
Vegan: Yes.
(Yes / No)
Functions: anti-ageing, antioxidant, skin nourishing agent, skin barrier restorer.
Suitability: all skin types except oily skin.
What is Kahai oil?
Kahai oil is cold pressed from the highly nutritious nuts of caryodendron orinocense tree. Also known as cacay oil, it has a light consistency and neutral aroma.
Kahai oil in skincare
When it is applied to the skin, kahai oil quickly penetrates the skin and leaves skin feeling nourished yet not oily to touch. Due to its moisturising effects, kahai oil can be found in some skincare products such as eye cream, facial oil and cream.
The Benefits of Kahai Oil for Your Skin
1. Kahai oil rejuvenates the skin and prevent premature ageing
Kahai oil is rich in pro-vitamin A (carotene) and vitamin E complex (alpha, beta, delta and gamma-tocopherols) which rejuvenate and protect the skin from environmental ageing. A four week clinical trial showed that kahai oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles by 45% while also improves skin hydration, firmness, smoothness and elasticity.
2. Kahai oil prevents UV-induced skin damage
Kahai oil is the best source of linoleic acid (omega 6 essential fatty acid). A clinical study showed that topical application of linoleic acid helps prevent UV-induced hyperpigmentation.
3. Kahai oil nourishes and restores skin barrier
Kahai oil contains oleic acid (omega 9 fatty acid) which is known for its nourishing and skin barrier restoring properties. Kahai oil helps boost skin's ability to lock in moisture and resist environmental damage.
Can you use Kahai oil on its own?
Certainly you can use kahai oil on its own, however, for best results look for skincare products which have been expertly formulated with some active ingredients.
Can every skin type benefit from kahai oil?
Kahai oil is very beneficial to almost every skin type except for oily, blemish-prone skin.
Can you use Kahai oil on sensitive skin?
While kahai oil is generally well-tolerated by all skin types, always perform a patch test before using it on sensitive skin.
Is Kahai oil safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes, kahai oil is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is there any ingredient recommended to be used together with kahai oil?
Yes, kahai oil works synergistically with some ingredients such as vitamin E, rosehip, bakhuchiol, green coffee and kiwi seed oil. For best results, always look for skincare products which contain some of these ingredients rather than just kahai oil.
Is it better to use Kahai oil during the day or at night?
Kahai oil doesn't cause photosensitivity so you can use it both during the day and at night.
The Best Skincare Product with Kahai Oil
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Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Specialist with 3 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Amazonian (Ecuador) Caryodendron orinocense Karst. and Bactris gasipaes Kunth Seed Oils, Journal of Oleo Science 13(12), November 2014. (2) Caryodendron orinocense ('nuez de Barinas') oil: tocopherol content and use in cosmetics, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2000 Oct:22(5):335-40. (3) Evaluation of 'Nuez de Barinas' (Caryodendron Orinocense) Oil for Possible Use in Cosmetic, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 21(3):151-8, June 1999. (4) Chemical composition of the nogal de Barquisimeto (Caryodendron orinocense, euphorbiaceae) seeds, Food Science and Technology International 4(4):285-289, August 1998. (5) Caryodendron orinocense ('nuez de Barinas') oil: tocopherol content and use in cosmetics, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2000 Oct: 22(5): 335-40. (6) Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid lightens ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation of the skin, Archives of Dermatological Research, 1998 Jul, 290(7): 375-81.