Hydrate, Protect, Replenish: The benefits of Japanese Camellia Oil

Japanese Camellia Oil, also known as Tsubaki Oil, has been a beauty essential for centuries. Naturally rich in oleic acid, squalene, and protective antioxidants, it provides deep hydration while strengthening the skin barrier and enhancing softness, elasticity, and shine. Lightweight and fast absorbing, it is loved today for the way it hydrates, protects, and replenishes both skin and hair.

Whether you’re looking for intense moisture, smoother hair, or a plant-based alternative to heavier face oils, Camellia Japonica Oil remains one of Japan’s most iconic beauty ingredients.

What Is Japanese Camellia (Tsubaki) Oil?

Camellia Japonica Oil comes from the seeds of the vibrant red Camellia japonica flower. These seeds are carefully cold-pressed to produce a golden, lightweight oil traditionally used in Japanese beauty rituals.

Historically, Geishas used Tsubaki Oil to keep their skin soft under heavy makeup and to give their hair a smooth, glossy finish. Its legacy continues today as one of the most cherished plant oils in Japanese skincare.

From bloom to bottle: how Camellia Japonica becomes the nourishing oil used in Japanese beauty rituals.

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Why Camellia Japonica Oil Stands Out (The Science)

The effectiveness of Tsubaki Oil comes from its unique lipid profile:

• Oleic Acid (Omega-9) — Deep Moisture & Barrier Support

Over 80% of the oil is oleic acid, a fatty acid known for its ability to penetrate deeply and replenish lost lipids. This strengthens the skin barrier and helps lock in long-lasting moisture.

• Natural Squalene — Skin-Identical Hydration

Camellia Oil contains plant-based squalene, a lipid naturally found in the skin. It delivers lightweight moisture and helps minimize water loss, making skin feel smoother and more supple.

• Antioxidants — Protection Against Environmental Stressors

Vitamin E and polyphenols help neutralize free radicals from pollution and UV exposure. This supports collagen, protects the skin’s structure, and helps reduce signs of premature aging.

Together, these compounds create a well-rounded oil that hydrates, protects, and supports the skin barrier, without feeling heavy or greasy.

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How Camellia Japonica Oil Supports Collagen

As skin ages, natural collagen levels decline, leading to reduced firmness and elasticity. Camellia Japonica Oil offers a dual-action approach to supporting the skin’s structure during this process.

A seminal 2007 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated that Camellia Japonica Oil helps in two specific ways:

• Boosts Production: It encourages the synthesis of Type I procollagen, the essential precursor to the skin’s most abundant form of collagen

• Prevents Breakdown: It inhibits the enzymes (MMP-1) that degrade existing collagen enzymes that naturally become more active with age and UV exposure.

This combination helps create a healthier environment for the skin to remain firm and smooth. Paired with its rich concentration of oleic acid and squalene, the oil reinforces the moisture barrier to keep skin supple and resilient.

Benefits for the Skin

• Hydrates deeply to leave skin soft and smooth
• Strengthens the skin barrier to lock in moisture
• Helps improve elasticity and reduce the look of fine lines
• Calms visible redness and irritation
• Does not clog pores and suits most skin types
• Dissolves makeup and sunscreen effectively as a gentle oil cleanser

Benefits for the Hair

• Seals in moisture to smooth the hair shaft and reduce frizz
• Strengthens strands to help prevent breakage and split ends
• Forms a protective barrier against heat styling and UV exposure
• Moisturizes the scalp to ease dryness and support healthy growth
• Improves manageability for easier detangling and softer feel
• Revives dull strands with a natural looking shine

How to Use Camellia Oil (Skin, Hair & Scalp)

For the Face

Apply 2–3 drops to damp skin as the final step in your routine to lock in hydration.

As a Makeup Remover / Oil Cleanser

Massage 4–6 drops onto dry skin to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then rinse with warm water or follow with a gentle cleanser.

For Hair

Use 1–2 drops on damp or dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.

For the Scalp

Apply a small amount to the scalp and massage before washing to soothe dryness and support a healthier environment for hair.

Understanding the Different Types of Camellia Oil

To understand Camellia oil, it's helpful to know the three main varieties and their distinct roles. While they all come from the same plant family, their primary uses are very different:

• Camellia oleifera: Often sold as tea seed oil and widely used as an edible oil in Asia. It is often compared to olive oil for its monounsaturated profile, making it suitable for everyday cooking and dressings. 

• Camellia sinesis: The tea plant used for green and black tea. Its seeds yield an oil produced in smaller volumes that is used in specialty foods and select cosmetic formulas.

• Camellia japonica (Tsubaki Oil): Prized for skin and hair care. This seed oil is rich in oleic acid with natural squalene and antioxidant compounds that support hydration and barrier support while delivering a light dry oil feel.
  
  

Why Oleo Botanicals Camellia Oil

At Oleo Botanicals, we focus on pure plant oils. Our Organic Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is sourced in Japan from organically grown Camellia japonica and cold pressed from the seeds to maintain its natural properties. Each bottle carries forward an authentic Japanese beauty practice supported by modern research.

100% Pure Japanese Camellia Oil

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References

• Jung, E. et al. (2007). Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 112(1), 127–131.

• Uchida, K., & Kondo, R. (2011). Skin conditioning effects of camellia oil. Journal of the Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology, 60(3), 136–140.