Macadamia Oil

Above: General illustration of oils - not necessarily representative of this type of massage oil. The appearance of massage carrier oils varies in terms of colour, consistency, texture, and so on.

Macadamia Oil is one of many popular carrier oils used in massage, aromatherapy, and other body-work treatments.

Macadamia oil (from Macadamia ternifolia, M. integrifolia) is extracted by cold pressing (at 30-35 °C). This oil is generally available refined or unrefined, solvents not being used in either case - hence the oil retains its natural properties.

The therapeutic benefits of macadamia oil as a massage oil include it's longevity. It has a greater resistance to rancidity than many other comparable carrier oils. It is an excellent skin lubricant and is easily absorbed. Macadamia oil is especialy used for gentle massage of elderly people due to its high palmitoleic acid content, a substance also found in human sebum but which is present in lower quantities in older people.

Macadamia oil is also used in some sun protection products, and in hair-care products such as hot conditioning preparations.

See also the general page about carrier oils for massage and bodywork therapies and information about massage and aromatherapy.

Note: There are many different carrier oils used for massage and other bodywork therapies. This section includes many popular oils but it is not a complete list.

Note: There are many different carrier oils used for massage and other bodywork therapies. This section includes many popular oils but it is not a complete list.