Kukui Nut Oil

Carrier Oil · Aleurites moluccanus

Kukui Nut Oil

The island skin-soother

A light, penetrating oil pressed from the nuts of the kukui tree — Hawaii's traditional skin oil, rich in linoleic and omega-3 fatty acids and long used to soothe sun- and wind-stressed skin. Hover any measure to see where kukui 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
Natural
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

Kukui nut oil is cold-pressed from the nuts of the kukui (candlenut) tree, the official tree of Hawaii. It's a light, fast-penetrating oil high in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids.

Hawaiians traditionally used it to soothe skin exposed to sun, wind and salt water — a heritage that makes it a gentle, replenishing choice for stressed or dry skin today.

Quick Facts

Botanical nameAleurites moluccanus
OriginHawaii / Pacific
SourceNuts
ExtractionCold-pressed
ColourPale yellow
ComedogenicLow (2)
Also calledCandlenut oil
Where it comes from

The Tree & The Nut

Kukui tree

The Kukui Tree

A broad tropical tree of the Pacific islands, its nuts once burned as candles — hence its other name, candlenut.

Kukui nuts

The Nuts

The oily nuts are pressed to yield a light, quick-sinking oil rich in essential fatty acids.

Composition

The Compound Profile

Kukui is rich in both omega-6 and omega-3. The typical breakdown:

Linoleic Acid Omega-6 · polyunsaturated
42%
Alpha-Linolenic Acid Omega-3 · polyunsaturated
29%
Oleic Acid Omega-9 · monounsaturated
20%
Palmitic Acid saturated
6%
Beyond Fatty Acids

What rounds out its soothing character:

Linoleic & Alpha-Linolenic Acids
A blend of omega-6 and omega-3 that replenishes stressed skin.
Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
Antioxidants supporting the barrier and oil stability.
Phytosterols
Soothing plant sterols that aid a calm feel.
Why People Love It

Key Benefits

Fast-Absorbing

A light oil that sinks in quickly without greasiness.

Soothing Heritage

Traditionally used to calm sun- and wind-stressed skin.

Barrier Support

Essential fatty acids that comfort and replenish.

In Our Formulations

How we use it

Kukui is a gentle, fast-sinking soother — we use it where a blend wants light, replenishing comfort for stressed or dry skin.

Because its omega-3 is delicate, we pair it with steadier bases and keep our blends fresh.

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