Ingredient Series: Tamanu Oil

Legend has it that there exists a magical oil that supposedly heals scars, wounds, dry skin, burns, and basically any other skin condition you can think of.

Nature and science prove that this oil does indeed exist! And guess what? It’s going to be the star ingredient in our upcoming product release.

We’re excited to shine the spotlight on our upcoming product’s most vital ingredient that will #PressReset on your damaged skin barrier, TAMANU OIL.

Originating from sunny places like Madagascar (where we happen to source our Tamanu Oil from), Tahiti, Vietnam, and other Polynesian islands, Tamanu Oil has remarkable skin-regenerative properties that led it to be traditionally used to heal wounds and cure various skin conditions. Our founder Liah is personally OBSESSED with this oil as it helped to eliminate most of her hyperpigmentation (sunspots, acne scars, other discoloration) far more effectively than any other retinol or vitamin C ingredient she has used before. Now, we know that’s a pretty bold statement to make – but it definitely left an impression.

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AFTER:

Image Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrpLcYCePqw

History

Tamanu Oil, also known as Green Gold, has a century-long history of being used in topical remedies for various skin problems, infections, and ailments among Polynesians. Not only was it an MVP for soothing cuts, burns, blisters, scars, bites, dry skin, psoriasis, acne, eczema, and sores (yes, basically EVERYTHING), it has also traditionally been used to address body odors, as well as, nerve irritation. In other words, we have the Polynesians to thank for discovering Tamanu Oil’s magic-like skin-regenerating properties.

Tamanu Oil was all the rage in other parts of the world too. In the early 1900s, French scientists revealed their findings on the healing and regenerative properties of using Tamanu Oil topically. This helped the French people realize that Tamanu Oil was amazing for addressing pain and soothing ailments such as leprosy. In other areas of Europe, it was used to address not only cuts, wounds, burns, and rashes, but to also soothe chapped and cracked skin, topical allergies, bedsores, nail infections, and Athlete’s Foot. It was even used cosmetically to diminish the appearance of dark and puffy under-eye circles. With everything this bad boy can do, it’s no wonder it was loved internationally.

Cicatrising Property AKA Wound Healing Powers:

So just how does this seemingly mythical potion do the most for our skin? In multiple studies, Tamanu Oil has demonstrated capabilities in cell proliferation, glycosaminoglycan and collagen production, and wound healing. To put it simply, it heals scars and regenerates/rejuvenates skin.

One study showed that applying Tamanu Oil to the skin dramatically reduced the visual appearance of six subjects’ scars, which explains our founder’s obsession for using the GBR serum for fading her post-acne marks. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Tamanu Oil can even be used for anti-aging purposes. Can I get a hallelujah?

At this point, you might be thinking ‘alright, now what’s the catch’? There is – slightly. The downside to Tamanu Oil is that in its natural form, it can feel pretty greasy and thick on the skin. To combat that, we infused it into a light-weight lotion type formula for you to experience the benefits of Tamanu Oil with less chance of clogged pores. We’re super excited to make this oil more approachable with this important decision, and we look forward to hearing your experiences with our GBR release!

If you’ve got any other questions on Tamanu Oil, ask away in the comments!