Botanical Name: Camellia sinensis, Camellia oleifera Family: Theaceae. Tea seed oil, also known as Camellia oil, Oil-seed Camellia, or Tea Oil, is the Centuries-Old Secret to Ageless Skin.
Aromatic Description: It is also known as Camellia oil and is renowned as the beauty secret of the Geishas. Camellia oil, also known as “tea seed” oil, is native to Japan and has been historically used for skin and hair care. The oil is extracted from the camellia or Tsubaki flower in Japan. Coco Chanel was a huge fan of the camellia flower and used it in many designs, symbolising longevity, purity, love, adoration, and longing. This precious oil has been recognised for centuries in Eastern Asia for its highly restorative and rejuvenating effect on the skin.
Camellia Flower Seed Oil, derived from the seeds of Camellia oleifera, Camellia japonica (often called Tsubaki Oil in Japan), and Camellia sinensis, has long been revered in East Asian beauty and wellness traditions. This exquisite, lightweight oil is nearly odourless, with only the faintest hint of a green or nutty scent. Its subtle aromatic profile makes it an ideal carrier oil, especially in formulations for sensitive skin or those seeking a gentle, non-intrusive addition to their skincare or aromatherapy rituals.
Symbolically, the camellia flower represents eternal love, quiet strength, and refined beauty. Japanese and Chinese cultures often see it as a symbol of feminine grace, devotion, and spiritual resilience. Energetically, this oil resonates most with the Heart Chakra (Anahata), gently supporting emotional openness, compassion, and self-love. It also subtly aligns with the Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana), enhancing sensuality and creative flow in a nurturing rather than overwhelming way.
From a chemical perspective, Camellia Seed Oil is a powerhouse of skin-supportive nutrients. It is composed predominantly of oleic acid (up to 80%), which deeply hydrates and penetrates the skin, along with linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and antioxidants such as vitamin E and plant-derived squalene. These constituents make it particularly effective for softening the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, calming inflammation, and reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier. Its non-comedogenic nature also makes it a perfect choice for acne-prone or sensitive skin, while its high antioxidant content helps protect against environmental stressors.
Camellia Seed Oil is a versatile base for facial serums, hair treatments, and body oils in skin care. It absorbs quickly without clogging pores, making it a luxurious yet practical option for all skin types. It is used regularly to enhance skin elasticity, reduce redness, and impart a radiant, healthy glow. For the hair, it smooths and softens strands, strengthens follicles, and promotes natural shine without weighing the hair down.
Emotionally, Camellia Seed Oil offers a quiet, comforting energy. It’s ideal in blends to support emotional healing, ease anxiety, or encourage gentle self-reflection. Its nurturing essence makes it a beautiful companion during grief, transformation, or emotional overwhelm, providing a subtle yet powerful sense of maternal warmth and inner stillness.
Spiritually, this oil has long been used in rituals honouring the self's beauty and the body's sacredness. It can be used as an anointing oil during meditation, particularly on the heart or sacral chakras, or incorporated into beauty rituals as an act of devotion. Its historical use in Japan's geisha and samurai traditions lends it an aura of grace, discipline, and refinement, making it suitable for practices focused on mindfulness, balance, and subtle energy work.
Camellia Seed Oil pairs harmoniously with essential oils such as rose otto for heart-opening and beautifying blends, frankincense for grounding and skin rejuvenation, lavender for calming and healing, and Sandalwood or Jasmine to deepen spiritual practice and enhance sensual connection. A favourite in custom skincare, Camellia also works beautifully with Neroli for emotional clarity and skin renewal.
This precious oil is typically obtained through cold-press extraction, preserving its nutritional and energetic integrity. Unrefined, cold-pressed Camellia Oil is considered the highest quality for therapeutic and spiritual use. Its light, silky texture and nourishing qualities make it an ideal medium for facial massage, gua sha, and self-care rituals that bridge beauty, wellness, and inner harmony.
Method of production: cold-pressed.
Camellia Seed Oil
This powerful essential oil can be diluted with carrier oils and used as a topical application or a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Add a few drops of oil to potpourris, vaporizers, candles, or diffusers to combat germs in the air and protect the environment naturally. It can also be added to your bathtub for an aromatic, healing, stimulating, and energizing bath.