Macadamia Oil

One animal study (rat model) evaluated a multi-oil blend (including macadamia, flaxseed, sunflower, olive, blackcurrant, and rose hip oils) and found improved wound closure, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition versus vehicle control; however, the effect cannot be attributed to macadamia oil specifically since it was one of six oils in the formulation.

“Development and evaluation of a vegetable oil blend formulation for cutaneous wound healing”

Only one identified study used macadamia seed oil indirectly, as a fermentation substrate to produce sophorolipids in a complex multi-ingredient formulation tested for skin hydration and barrier function; macadamia oil itself was not tested as an isolated ingredient for dry skin.

“A novel sophorolipids extraction method by yeast fermentation process for enhanced skin efficacy”

One in-vitro study found macadamia oil showed no antimicrobial/antifungal activity against Candida albicans even at the highest tested concentration (2% v/v), while a separate genetics study identified an antimicrobial peptide (MiAMP1) from macadamia plant tissue (not the oil) with antifungal activity in yeast models.

“Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts”

A single letter/case report describes a topical cream containing macadamia oil (with cannabis and rose components) as a potential adjunct or alternative to topical steroids for inflammatory skin conditions including psoriasis, but this does not constitute rigorous clinical evidence.

“A successful topical treatment for cutaneous inflammatory diseases:an additional or alternative therapy to topical steroids”