Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, also known as Tsubaki oil, is derived from the seeds of the Camellia japonica plant, an evergreen tree native to Japan, South Korea, and China. This plant-derived oil is a favorite in Korean antiaging skin care products. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins, it provides anti-aging properties, protects the skin from pollution, and preserves skin elasticity. Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is widely used in anti-aging serums and creams for sensitive skin, where it helps to moisturize, reduce inflammation, and shield the skin from environmental damage.
Protects skin from free radicals and pollution
Moisturizing
Rich in oleic acid
Noncomedogenic and safe for sensitive skin
What is Camellia Japonica Seed Oil?
Camellia Japonica, also known as Tsubaki oil, is derived from the seeds of the Camellia japonica plant, an evergreen tree native to East Asia, particularly Japan, South Korea, and China. This oil has been used traditionally in East Asia for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits, notably to enhance skin health and elasticity.
Products with Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Skin Care Products
Found in anti-aging and creams to protect skin from pollution, these products contain Tsubaki oil:
Active Compounds
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is rich in several bioactive compounds, each contributing to its beneficial effects on the skin:
Oleic Acid: Deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin, enhancing its smoothness and reducing dryness.
Polyphenols: Powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.
Vitamins A, C, D, and E: Offer antioxidant protection, boost collagen production, and enhance overall skin health.
Terpenoids: Provide anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing redness and irritation.
Saponins: Natural cleansers that gently purify the skin without stripping its natural oils.
Antioxidants
Tsubaki oil is rich in various antioxidants that contribute to its skin-protective properties. Among these, polyphenols play a significant role by neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. The oil also contains high levels of vitamins A, C, D, and E, which not only offer robust antioxidant protection but also support collagen production and overall skin health. Additionally, the presence of quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin, and kaempferol enhances the oil’s ability to combat environmental damage and aging effects. These antioxidants work synergistically to shield the skin from harmful pollutants and free radicals.
Fatty acids
Here’s a list of the fatty acids and their percentages in Camellia Japonica Seed Oil:
Oleic Acid : 82.0%
Linoleic Acid : 7.0%
Palmitic Acid : 8.0%
Stearic Acid : 2.0%
Arachidic Acid : 1.0%
As you can see, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is particularly rich in oleic acid, which contributes to its moisturizing and skin-penetrating properties. Oleic acid is great at helping other ingredients absorb more efficiently into the skin.
Benefits
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is a noncomedogenic oil that has many skin benefits including:
Anti-aging : Stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity.
Anti-inflammatory : Decreases inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory gene expression.
Moisturizing : Enhances skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss.
Antioxidant : Protects skin from oxidative stress and environmental pollutants.
Pollution protection : Shields skin cells from urban pollutants like cigarette smoke and heavy metals.
Skin barrier function : Strengthens the skin barrier, promoting better moisture retention and protection against external aggressors.
Antimicrobial- Has activity against bacteria and fungi
Safety
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil generally has a low hazard rating with a score of 1 from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), making it safe for most skin types. Side effects are rare but may include mild irritation for extremely sensitive skin types. During pregnancy, it is generally considered safe; however, no pregnancy safety studies have been done.
Use in Skin Care Routines
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is fat-soluble, which makes it compatible with other oil-based ingredients. It is generally compatible with most skincare ingredients, but care should be taken when mixing with highly acidic products or ingredients such as low pH Vitamin C serums.
Research Studies
Several studies (3) have explored the dermatologic benefits of Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, highlighting its potential in skincare. In 2005, Lee et al. determined that Camellia japonica leaf and flower extracts display significant antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial activities, with a stronger effect against gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative ones. Piao et al. (2011) reported that ethanol extracts from Camellia japonica flowers exhibited strong scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species in human HaCaT keratinocytes, enhancing the expression and function of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Yoon et al. (2017) found high concentrations of vitamin E and rutin in Camellia japonica leaf extract, which demonstrated antioxidant and anti-hyperuricemic activities in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In 2019, Kim et al. demonstrated that Camellia japonica flower extract effectively protected cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts from urban air pollutants-induced reactive oxygen species synthesis. Their ex vivo results showed that the extract suppressed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression, promoted collagen production, and decreased levels of pollutants-induced malondialdehyde. These findings suggest that Camellia japonica flower extract holds promise as a protective agent against pollutant-induced cutaneous damage. Furthermore, Jeon et al. (2018) identified that extracts from Camellia japonica fruit and stems improved induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation in mouse and human skin and enhanced wound healing in an in vivo mouse wound model, indicating potential for developing clinical-grade iPSCs and advanced wound healing therapies.
