Kukui Nut Oil

The kukui is the state tree of Hawaii, and the oil pressed from its nut has been part of life on the islands for a very long time. It goes into a great many WELINA ORGANICS items, in skincare and hair care alike.

An oil used in Hawaii for generations

Strong sun, salt wind, dryness. Hawaii is beautiful, and it asks a lot of the skin. Kukui nut oil is what the people living there have reached for, generation after generation — for adults, and for the soft skin of babies.

About 70% essential fatty acids

What most distinguishes kukui nut oil is its fatty acid profile. It is a polyunsaturated oil in which essential fatty acids the body cannot produce on its own — linolenic acid among them — make up roughly 70% of the whole. Interest in this uncommon oil has grown in recent years, and research on it continues in Hawaii.

Light on the skin, and never blocking

The word "oil" makes some people picture weight and greasiness. Kukui nut oil absorbs easily, settles into the skin, and leaves almost no greasy feel. That is why it suits people who would normally say oils are not for them.

It forms a moisture film without blocking pores or sweat glands. In a country with four distinct seasons, what the skin has to contend with — sun, dryness, shifts in temperature — changes through the year. When your skin feels tired, this is a good thing to reach for.

How we use it

We work kukui nut oil into toners, milks, facial oils, soap and whole body shampoos. Alongside it go other natural plant oils, macadamia nut and argan among them. We use no preservatives, no petroleum-derived ingredients, no nanoparticles, no silicone and no ethanol. (Our shampoos and conditioners contain a minimal amount of a plant-derived seed extract that acts as a preservative.)

If facial oil is new to you, finish your usual routine with one or two drops. Warm it between your palms, then press it gently over the face — moisture stays put longer that way.

Frequently asked questions

What is kukui nut oil?

It is a plant oil pressed from the nut of the kukui, the state tree of Hawaii. Essential fatty acids the body cannot produce on its own, such as linolenic acid, make up about 70% of this polyunsaturated oil, which has been used by Hawaiians for generations.

Does it feel greasy?

It absorbs easily, settles into the skin and leaves almost no greasy feel, so it suits people who usually avoid oils. It forms a moisture film without blocking pores or sweat glands.

Can it be used on babies?

Kukui nut oil has long been used in Hawaii in caring for babies, and we include it in our baby items. We recommend a patch test when using anything for the first time.

Which products contain it?

Clear Very Essence, Clear Very Moist, Kalea Moist, Kalea Lua Oil Serum and Amalka Baby Massage Oil, among others, as well as our whole body shampoos and soap. The full list is below.