Bio Tsubaki Carrier Oil | Camellia japonica

High-oleic Tsubaki seed oil with a light, elegant feel for skin and hair formulations.

Overview Specifications Aromatic profile Chemistry Applications Safety

Tsubaki seed oil, also known as Camellia japonica oil, is one of Japan’s best-kept beauty secrets, cherished for centuries as a symbol of elegance, health, and timeless beauty. Pressed from the seeds of the Camellia japonica plant, this golden oil has a unique molecular composition that makes it highly compatible with human skin and hair. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and rich in antioxidants, Tsubaki oil has been a cornerstone of Japanese skincare, haircare, and culinary tradition.

From the geisha of Kyoto to modern beauty enthusiasts worldwide, Tsubaki oil continues to captivate with its ability to moisturize, protect, and rejuvenate naturally.

Camellia japonica is an evergreen shrub native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China. Known as “Tsubaki” in Japanese, its beautiful flowers have made it a cultural icon — a symbol of purity, refinement, and devotion.

The use of Tsubaki oil dates back over a thousand years. During Japan’s Heian period (794–1185), noblewomen used the oil to keep their long hair smooth and lustrous. Samurai were known to apply it to their sword blades to prevent rust. Over time, Tsubaki oil became synonymous with Japanese haircare rituals, contributing to the sleek, shining hair often celebrated in Japanese art and literature.

Production and Extraction:

Traditionally, Tsubaki oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Camellia japonica to preserve its delicate nutrients. The process involves:

1. Harvesting ripe camellia seeds in winter.

2. Cleaning and drying the seeds.

3. Cold pressing or expeller pressing to extract the golden oil.

4. Filtering to achieve a pure, clear product with a mild, pleasant aroma.

Cold pressing ensures that the oil retains its maximum concentration of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants without chemical solvents.

Chemical Composition and Key Properties:

Tsubaki seed oil is renowned for its unique fatty acid profile, which closely resembles the sebum naturally produced by human skin. Its key components include:

- Oleic Acid (Omega-9) – 75–85% of the oil. Deeply penetrates skin and hair, providing lasting moisture.

- Linoleic and Palmitic Acids – Support barrier repair and help lock in hydration.

- Squalene – A natural antioxidant and emollient, protecting against oxidative stress.

- Vitamin E (Tocopherols) – Neutralizes free radicals, preventing premature aging.

- Polyphenols and Catechins – Offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.

Its light texture, non-greasy feel, and oxidative stability make it ideal for cosmetic formulations.

Main constituents of fatty acids:

1) Oleic Acid: 75-90%
2) Palmitic Acid: 4-12%
3) Linoleic Acid: 2-5%
4) Stearic Acid: 1-4%

Specifications

Botanical name: Camellia japonica
Family: Theaceae
Common names: Tsubaki, Japanese Camellia
INCI: Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Plant part: Seeds
Extraction: Traditionally cold or expeller pressed; confirm this product’s method
Appearance: Golden to clear oil — confirm batch specification
Odour: Mild
Texture: Light, smooth and readily spreadable
Primary fatty acid: Oleic acid; source lists 75–90%

Confirm country of origin, extraction method, refinement status, fatty-acid profile, acid value and peroxide value on the current COA.

Aromatic Profile

A very mild carrier-oil scent with a clean, soft seed-oil character. It is chosen primarily for texture and emollience, not as a perfume material.

Blending Direction

Provides a quiet base beneath floral, woody or traditional Japanese-inspired aromatic concepts.
Suitable where the carrier should not compete strongly with added fragrance.
Incoming odour is a useful freshness check; reject rancid or stale batches.

Formulation & Usage

The source lists oleic acid at 75–90%, palmitic acid at 4–12%, linoleic acid at 2–5% and stearic acid at 1–4%.

Research on Camellia japonica seed oils supports a high-oleic profile, but shows that physicochemical values and minor constituents vary. Squalene, sterols and α-tocopherol may be present without being uniform at claim-worthy levels.

Formulation Guidance

Use the batch COA for fatty-acid and unsaponifiable claims.
Its high oleic content generally supports better oxidative stability than highly polyunsaturated oils, but stability testing is still required.
Suitable as an emollient and carrier in skin, hair and grooming formulas.
Protect from excessive heat, light and air to preserve quality.