Abyssinian Oil

Carrier Oil · Crambe abyssinica

Abyssinian Oil

The glossy, non-greasy one

A silky, fast-spreading oil pressed from the seeds of an ancient African crambe — prized for an unusually glossy, non-greasy slip that smooths skin and adds shine to hair. Hover any measure to see where abyssinian sits on the scale.

Weight
Light
Heavy
Medium
Light
How heavy the oil feels on skin. Lighter oils absorb fast and sit weightless; heavier oils cushion and linger.
Absorption
Fast
Fast
Moderate
Slow
How quickly the oil sinks in. Fast feels dry-touch; slow stays on the surface for longer-lasting conditioning.
Finish
Slight Sheen
Rich
Slight Sheen
Natural
Matte
The look left on the skin — from a flat, matte finish to a rich, visible sheen.
Vitamin E
Moderate
High
Moderate
Low
Natural antioxidant (tocopherol) content. Higher levels help protect skin and keep the oil stable.
The Basics

What it is

Abyssinian oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Crambe abyssinica, a hardy plant in the brassica family originally from the Ethiopian highlands. It's very high in long-chain erucic acid, which gives it a uniquely glossy, silky slip.

Despite that richness it absorbs fast and never feels greasy — a modern favourite for smoothing facial oils, leave-on hair shine and natural alternatives to silicones.

Quick Facts

Botanical nameCrambe abyssinica
OriginEthiopian highlands
SourceSeeds
ExtractionCold-pressed
ColourPale yellow
ComedogenicLow (1)
Also calledCrambe oil
Where it comes from

The Plant & The Seed

Crambe plant

The Crambe Plant

A robust brassica relative grown for its oil-rich seeds, with clusters of small white flowers.

Abyssinian seeds

The Seeds

Pressed seeds yield a light, glossy oil rich in long-chain erucic acid.

Composition

The Compound Profile

Abyssinian is defined by its very high erucic acid content. The typical breakdown:

Erucic Acid Omega-9 · very-long-chain
58%
Oleic Acid Omega-9 · monounsaturated
16%
Linoleic Acid Omega-6 · polyunsaturated
9%
Eicosenoic Acid Omega-9 · monounsaturated
6%
Beyond Fatty Acids

What gives it that signature feel:

Erucic Acid
The very-long-chain fatty acid behind its glossy, silicone-like slip and shine.
Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
Antioxidants that support the skin barrier and oil stability.
Phytosterols
Plant sterols that add to its smoothing, conditioning character.
Why People Love It

Key Benefits

Glossy, Non-Greasy

A silky slip and natural shine without any heavy residue.

Fast-Absorbing

Sinks in quickly, making it ideal for facial and hair blends.

Natural Silicone Swap

A plant-based alternative to silicones for smoothing and shine.

In Our Formulations

How we use it

Abyssinian is our secret for slip — we add it where a blend needs a silky, dry-touch glide and a touch of shine.

It lifts the finish of facial oils and hair blends without weighing them down.

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