Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

What Is It?

Oil from edible macadamia nuts is called Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil or Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil. Addition of hydrogen to this oil results in Hydrogenated Macadamia Seed Oil.

Why Is It Used?

Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil functions as a skin conditioning agent – occlusive. Hydrogenated Macadamia Seed Oil functions as skin conditioning agents – emollient and as a hair conditioning agent.

Scientific Facts

Macadamia nut oil about contains predominantly unsaturated fatty acids, including approximately 20% palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. Macadamia nuts are native to Australia, but are now grown commercially in Hawaii.
Safety Information

The safety of macadamia seed oil (Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil) and Hydrogenated Macadamia Oil has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe for use as ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.

Botanical and botanically derived ingredients used in the formulation of cosmetics are generally mild and safe. Prior to marketing the finished cosmetic product, the safety of each ingredient must be substantiated in accordance with 21 CFR 740.10. Safety substantiation of cosmetic ingredients may include tests for ocular and skin irritation as well as allergenicity, phototoxicity, photoallergenicity and mutagenicity, depending on the application or intended use.

There is a considerable body of information about the safety of botanical ingredients and a well established history of use. These resources are consulted to ensure the safety of these materials as they are used in cosmetics.

CIR Review:

Macadamia seed oil (Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil) and Hydrogenated Macadamia Oil were included in the CIR Expert Panel’s review of plant-derived fatty acids oils. Based on a history of safe use in food, the composition of the oils, and data indicating these ingredients were not dermal irritants or sensitizers, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that plant-derived fatty acid oils including macadamia seed oil (Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil) and Hydrogenated Macadamia Oil were safe as used in cosmetic products.

Some people are allergic to tree nuts including macadamia nuts. Therefore, the FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires that all food containing macadamia nuts be clearly labeled.

Information about the FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidance…

In selecting plant-derived ingredients for preparation of cosmetic products, formulators rely on the extensive history of their preparation and use. Such materials have been used for a long time and, based upon this experience, extensive knowledge of their safety has been gained. In the situation of newly identified botanicals in the cosmetic industry, appropriate ocular and skin safety studies are conducted prior to release into general commerce. There are many different references that describe the isolation, use and safety of botanical preparations.

More information about botanical ingredients.

Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil and Hydrogenated Macadamia Seed Oil may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm

More Scientific Information

In naming plants, botanists use a Latin name made up of the genus and species of the plant. For example, under this system the plant, macadamia is known as Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche., where “Maiden & Betche” stands for the names of the persons who first described the type of plant specimen. Plants are also known by a common name that has been handed down through generations.

These common names may vary from country to country. Therefore, Latin names, which are more likely to be recognized in many countries, are frequently used on the label of a product to identify an ingredient made from plants.
Resources

Cross Reference for Common Names and Latin names for Botanical ingredient: http://www.personalcarecouncil.org/botanicals-cross-reference-latin-bino…

Find out more about the history of using plants to obtain beneficial materials:

Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm

EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/