Comedogenic rating
Macadamia Oil Comedogenic Rating
Rating
2
out of 5 (range 2 to 3)
Pore-clogging risk
ModerateClogs pores for some people, especially on oily or breakout-prone facial skin.
Category
Carrier oil
Macadamia oil rates a moderate 2 to 3 and is rich in palmitoleic acid, giving it a cushiony feel suited to dry and mature skin.
What a rating of 2 means
A rating of 2 to 3 places macadamia in the moderate range. It is notable for its palmitoleic acid content, a fatty acid that declines in skin with age, which is why it feels so cushioning on mature skin.
Fatty acid profile
Macadamia is oleic-rich with an unusually high share of palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid found in skin sebum. That makeup gives it a fast, cushioned absorption that mature and dry skin appreciate.
Key fatty acids: Oleic acid, Palmitoleic acid, Palmitic acid.
Profile: Oleic-rich with notable palmitoleic acid.
Best for
- Dry skin
- Mature skin
Use caution with
- Acne-prone skin
- Nut allergy
Who should use it
Dry and mature skin do well with macadamia as a nourishing face or body oil. Acne-prone skin should use it cautiously, and anyone with a nut allergy should avoid it. For lower clogging risk, tallow is an option.
How it compares to beef tallow
Macadamia oil and beef tallow both contain skin-like fatty acids including palmitoleic acid in macadamia's case. Tallow rates slightly lower and forms a richer seal, while macadamia absorbs faster.
How to apply it
Use macadamia as a cushioning face or body oil for dry skin, and seal especially dry zones with a tallow balm.
Common questions
Is macadamia oil comedogenic?
Macadamia oil rates about 2 to 3 and is moderate on the comedogenic scale. It suits dry and mature skin but should be used cautiously on acne-prone faces.
Why is macadamia oil good for mature skin?
It is rich in palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid that declines in skin with age, which gives macadamia a cushioning, replenishing feel.
Macadamia oil or beef tallow?
Both carry skin-like fatty acids. Macadamia absorbs faster, while tallow rates slightly lower and forms a richer seal.
Want richness with a low comedogenic rating?
Beef tallow rates around 1 to 2 and mirrors skin sebum, which makes it an easy face swap if macadamia oil feels too heavy or clogging. Misun Health uses a single grass-fed ingredient with no fragrance or fillers.
Compare related ingredients
- Beef Tallow (rates 2)
- Coconut Oil (rates 4)
- Jojoba Oil (rates 2)
- Shea Butter (rates 2)
- Olive Oil (rates 2)
- Argan Oil (rates 0)
Educational content only. This page is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Comedogenic ratings are general guides that can vary by source and by individual skin. Patch test new products before regular use.