From argan oil and rosehip oil, there’s no doubt that we’re having a moment with oil-based skincare. Whether we’re slathering on serums or enjoying the benefits of oil pre-cleansers, oils have become increasingly popular in our skincare routines and beauty routines.1,2,3
Some oils, like castor, have been used for centuries and still remain popular today.4 Others, like cacay oil, seem to have exploded onto the market overnight.
If you’ve read about cacay oil, you might be wondering whether it’s worth adding to your beauty routine. We’ve got everything you need to know below.
What is cacay oil?
Cacay oil, sometimes known as kahai oil or taccy nut oil, comes from the nuts of the cacay tree. The tree is indigenous to South America, where it’s grown for its tree nuts (although cacay trees are thought to be good for promoting biodiversity in the Amazon too).5
Cacay oil is derived from cacay nuts, which are cold-pressed to extract the nutritious oil. It’s thought that the oil contains lots of fatty acids, as well as vitamins E and A. Some sources report that it has 50% more vitamin E than argan oil, as well as high levels of retinol.6 Cacay oil is most often used as a beauty product. However, it can be used in cooking, soap making, and in other cosmetic products too.7
Cacay oil uses and benefits
Face oils are a popular step in many beauty routines, as they’re thought to help keep your complexion hydrated, protected, and healthy-looking.8
Cacay oil, in particular, is often referred to as one of skincare’s best-kept secrets9, thanks to its potential as a powerful ingredient. It can be used on the skin, although many people choose to use it on their hair, hands, and body too (it’s a real multitasking beauty oil!).
Some potential cacay oil benefits might include:
- Anti-oxidant properties10
- Healthy-ageing properties11
- Reduced dark spots12
- Reduced wrinkles
- Improved hydration13
While the results of this face oil look promising, it’s worth bearing in mind that research is reasonably limited at the moment. If you notice any unwanted side effects, be sure to stop using cacay oil immediately.
When to avoid cacay oil
There isn’t a lot of research into the potential side effects of cacay oil. Before using it, it might be worth doing a patch test to be sure that your skin can tolerate it. Dermatologists seem to agree that this oil should be suitable for all skin types.14 Suppose you have very sensitive skin or any other concerns. In that case, it might be best to talk to a dermatologist or doctor before using cacay.
Not sure about adding cacay oil to your beauty routine? There are plenty of other natural skin care products out there. It could be worth trialling a few different options to find out what works best for your skin type.
Expertly reviewed by:
 |
Reviewer: Manisha Taggar
Manisha started her career at a Cosmetics distributor as a Regulatory Technologist followed by a Regulatory Affairs Officer, ensuring the regulatory compliance of cosmetic products from colour cosmetics to skincare. After 3 and half years in this role, Manisha joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019. Manisha specialises in Cosmetic products, both own-label and branded lines, ensuring that these products and all relating marketing material comply to the EU Cosmetics Regulation. |
Last updated: 9 December 2020
Sources
1 https://www.glamour.com/story/influencer-skin-care-routines
2 https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/celebrity-skincare-regimes
3 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/face-oil-market.html
4 https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/a20707265/castor-oil-uses/
5 https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/08/05/colombian-farmers-introduce-amazonian-gold-to-the-world
6 https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/kahai-oil
7 https://books.google.ca/books?id=JLtHDwAAQBAJ&lpg=PT704&ots=w58MRpv9NZ&dq
8 https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a36318/face-oils-benefits/
9 https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/kahai-oil
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503421/
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789494/
12 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
13 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503421/
14 https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/kahai-oil
