You may have heard of palm oil being used in many different types of beauty/skincare products, but have you heard of palm kernel oil?
Palm kernel oil is a byproduct of the manufacture of palm oil, a product made from pressing the pulp of the oil palm fruit. Unlike palm oil, palm kernel oil contains high levels of saturated fat making it a common ingredient in products such as thick creams and body butters.
If you’re keen to learn more about palm kernel oil, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll take you on a journey to learn everything there is to know about this popular carrier oil, from how it’s made to its uses, benefits, and potential substitutes.
What is palm kernel oil made from?
Palm kernel oil is made from palm nuts, which are a byproduct of the production of palm oil. Palm nuts come from the oil palm fruit which is native to Africa, and are now grown in Indonesia and Malaysia, where 85% of the global supply of palm oil is made.
When the fruit of oil palm trees is pressed to make palm oil, palm nuts are left as a byproduct. Upon opening these nuts, seed kernels are found which can be pressed to extract an oil that we now know as palm kernel oil.
The kernels are generally double pressed using a combination of hand-pressing and machine pressing to ensure that the most oil is extracted, with the highest amount of vitamins/nutrients being retained as possible.
Uses for palm kernel oil
There are many uses for palm kernel oil in the cosmetics industry including within the following products:
- Moisturizers
- Lotions
- Body butter
- Soap
- Detergent
- Makeup
- Lipsticks/lip balms
Benefits of palm kernel oil
There are many benefits to using palm kernel oil for beauty/cosmetic purposes. Here are a few key benefits that are worth noting:
- Thick in texture
- Absorbs slowly and deeply into the skin
- Mild scent
- Suitable for dry and normal skin types
- Lasts up to 2 years or more if stored correctly
- No major allergens
- Contains tocotrienols which keep skin moisturized
- Often used in anti-aging products due to good fatty acids
- May help alleviate joint pain
- Can improve hair growth and make dry hair appear healthier
- Can be used alone, with other carrier oils, or with essential oils
Appearance and scent of palm kernel oil
If you prefer your carrier oils to be unscented, you’ll be pleased to hear that palm kernel oil has virtually no scent. It’s sometimes described as fresh and faint, with a slightly fruity fragrance.
Palm kernel oil is yellow/brown when raw, however, it tends to be pale yellow/white if refined due to bleaching in the refinement process.
Substitutes for palm kernel oil
If you’re looking for some good substitutes for palm kernel oil, take a look at the following carrier oils:
- Coconut oil
- Pecan oil
- Palm oil
- Walnut oil
- Carrot seed oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Marula oil
- Moringa seed oil
Here’s a list of 63 carrier oils if you’re keen to learn more about different oils.
Shelf life and storage of palm kernel oil
Palm kernel oil can last up to 2 years if stored correctly. The best way to keep palm kernel oil is in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, such as in a bathroom cabinet or dressing table.
If you’re using palm kernel oil to alleviate joint pain, you may find it beneficial to store your palm kernel oil in the fridge.
Make sure to dispose of your palm kernel oil if it shows any signs of spoilage such as separating, a strange appearance, or a change in smell.
FAQ
Here are some typically asked questions about palm kernel oil to give you a better insight into this carrier oil:
Palm kernel oil does provide a lustrous glow to the skin due to being rich in saturated fat and therefore providing high levels of moisture for the skin.
However, it’s important not to use too much palm kernel oil for a glowy effect as you may find it can make your skin look greasy as it is very thick in texture.
Palm kernel oil is good for the face as it’s highly moisturizing and can make the skin look plumper and healthier.
However, it does have a high comedogenic rating of 4, which means that it should be avoided by those with oily skin as it may lead to acne/breakouts.
Palm kernel oil has many benefits for the skin as it’s high in vitamin E which can be good for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It is also highly moisturizing, so you may see it listed as an ingredient in products such as lotions, creams, and kinds of body butter.
As palm kernel oil is highly moisturizing, it can help nourish dry, brittle hair and give it a healthier appearance.
This nourishment can help to promote natural hair growth and prevent hair from breaking or thinning.
Yes, palm kernel oil can be very beneficial for people suffering from eczema as it’s very moisturizing and keeps skin soft and supple.
It should not aggravate symptoms of eczema, however, it’s worth consulting with your dermatologist/medical physician if you’re unsure about using palm kernel oil to soothe eczema.
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