Ingredient

Organic Macadamia Nut Oil

Macadamia ternifolia

Macadamia nut oil moisturises and protects the hair without weighing it down. It is really smoothing, which helps calm frizz and gives a lustrous shine. Rich in proteins, the oil also increases the tensile strength of the hair, making it less prone to breakage.

Macadamia ternifolia is a tropical evergreen tree native to the coastal rainforests of Australia. The trees grow racemes, dangling stems covered with hundreds of small flowers, that offer a fragrant spectacle during the flowering season. Each cluster can then produce up to twenty fruits. When mature, the leathery outer shell of the fruit splits open, freeing the hard-shelled, rounded nut called macadamia.

The oil is obtained by pressing the nuts and contains about 80% of monounsaturated fatty acids, namely oleic and palmitoleic acids. Both can be isolated to create a powerful protecting ingredient called ethyl macadamiate. This type of lipids is great for use in cosmetics as it quickly penetrates the skin and does not give a sticky or weighing effect on hair. 

Macadamia nut oil is also believed to maintain skin's elasticity and radiance thanks to tocopherol, an antioxidant compound, and palmitoleic acid. The latter replenishes hydration in the skin and scalp and may improve collagen production, although more scientific research is needed to fully understand its action.

Lush purchase this oil from their usual organic supplier who sources it in Kenya.