Tamanu Oil
What is tamanu?
Tamanu oil comes from Calophyllum inophyllum, a large evergreen tree that grows along tropical coastlines from South and Southeast Asia to the Pacific Islands. The oil is pressed from the kernel of its round nut, which is dried for weeks until it turns rich and oily. The result is a thick, deep green oil with an earthy, nutty scent, used on skin for generations across Polynesia and Southeast Asia.
What is in it
| Compound | What it is |
|---|---|
| Calophyllolide and related plant compounds | Compounds found in tamanu's resin-rich fraction, studied for their calming activity |
| Oleic and linoleic acids | Fatty acids that soften skin and support its natural barrier |
| Natural resins | Give tamanu its colour, thickness and distinctive scent |
Why we chose it for breakout-prone skin
A breakout is not over when the spot is gone. The redness, marks and uneven texture it leaves behind can stay for weeks. Tamanu is in Night Repair Elixir to care for skin through that recovery stage, helping it look calmer, smoother and more even over time.
What does the research show?
In a 2015 laboratory study published in PLOS ONE, researchers tested five tamanu oils from Indonesia, Tahiti, Fiji and New Caledonia. All five helped skin cells close a scratch wound faster than untreated cells, and the oils slowed the growth of several bacteria, including types associated with breakouts. These effects appeared at concentrations lower than those that harmed skin cells.
That was a lab study on cells, not a trial on people, so it shows promise rather than proof. It does help explain why tamanu has been trusted on skin for so long.
How we use it
Tamanu oil is one of the key botanicals in Night Repair Elixir, our night face oil for breakout-prone skin, alongside black seed, hemp seed and rosehip. It contains no water and no synthetic fragrance.
Press a few drops into clean skin each evening as your last step.
Frequently asked questions
Is tamanu oil a nut oil?
Yes. Tamanu oil is pressed from the kernel of a tree nut. If you have a nut allergy, review the full ingredient list with your doctor before use.
Why does tamanu oil smell earthy?
Its natural resins give it a deep, nutty scent. In Night Repair Elixir it is balanced by the other botanicals, and the scent settles as the oil absorbs.
Can I use tamanu oil on active breakouts?
Yes. Press the oil in gently rather than rubbing. If you use a prescription treatment, check with your dermatologist before adding anything new.
Should I patch test first?
Yes. Any plant oil can cause a reaction. Apply a drop along your jawline and wait 24 hours before your first full use.
Which Sapphire Botanics product contains tamanu oil?
Night Repair Elixir, our night face oil. It is also included in the Discovery Set and Power Couple.
Sources
- Léguillier T, et al. The wound healing and antibacterial activity of five ethnomedical Calophyllum inophyllum oils: an alternative therapeutic strategy to treat infected wounds. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(9):e0138602.