Neem Carrier Oil: Benefits and Uses

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Reviewed by:  Kacie La

People have enjoyed neem oil skin care uses throughout history and across different cultures. Now, it’s time for you to experience the many neem carrier oil benefits and neem oil uses—as a standalone skin care and hair care ingredient or mixed with your favorite products!

Read on to learn about neem oil skin care benefits and neem oil applications!

Neem Carrier Oil

Neem Carrier Oil Neem carrier oil is extracted from the seeds or “nuts” of the Indian lilac tree (Azadirachta indica), commonly known as ‘neem tree,’ which belongs to the Meliaceae or mahogany family.

The oil has a very strong, pungent, nutty and sulfur-like smell and its colour ranges from golden yellow, dark brown to bright red as fresh seeds produce lighter colours and milder scents while older seeds produce darker hues and stronger aroma.

Fast Facts

• Skin absorption rate: 5 (Very slow absorption, feels thick on skin, and leaves an oily layer on the skin
• Viscosity/Consistency: Cold-pressed neem carrier oil is thicker in consistency, while its solvent-extracted variant is thinner and more liquid in consistency. Solidifies at around 10 deg Celsius or lower due to the high level of fatty acids.
• Comedogenic rating - 1-2 (less likely to clog pores)
• Best For: Dry, Acne-Prone

Origin and Use in Various Cultures

It is believed that the neem tree originated from India or Myanmar, with some stories saying that migrating Indians brought the tree to other parts of the world, such as Africa, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia, after discovering that the tree can survive in warm and dry environments.

Indians consider the tree as sacred, symbolising good health and protection, and it has become a significant botanical presence in their communities for being multipurpose.

It has even earned the moniker, ‘village pharmacy,’ as the tree’s different parts can be used for various purposes, such as for addressing skin and hair concerns and serving as a fertiliser.

Extraction Methods

Neem carrier oil is typically extracted from the neem seeds/seed kernels by cold-pressing, steam extraction, or solvent extraction.

Neem Oil Skin Care Benefits

• Among the many neem oil skin care benefits is its ability to provide additional moisture for that soft and smooth skin.
• It also provides a fresh feel on the skin upon application, according to Dr. Sarita Sanke, a dermatologist, cosmetologist, and trichologist.
• Neem oil skin care benefits also include softening the appearance of skin imperfections for a smoother-looking complexion.
• Plus, it enhances the appearance of the skin’s natural glow.

Neem Carrier Oil Benefits for Hair

• Neem carrier oil helps smooth the hair, leaving you with soft and manageable strands.
• It adds a subtle shine for hair that looks naturally healthy.
• It also provides a refreshing experience to the hair and scalp.

Neem Oil Uses

There is a wide range of neem oil uses for skin care and hair care based on what you need. Here’s a list of neem oil uses as a standalone ingredient:

• As a moisturising toner: among the many neem oil skin care uses is direct application to your face for a smoother looking finish.
• For targeted application to enhance the skin’s smooth appearance: Use a few drops on a cotton bud, apply on target areas, and rinse off after 15-20 minutes.
• For a refreshing scalp experience: heat one teaspoon of neem carrier oil, massage this into the scalp, and leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing for a refreshing scalp experience. You may add coconut oil for enhanced benefits.
• For foot soak: also among the many neem oil uses is utilising it for foot soak by mixing it with a tub of warm water and soaking your feet in this formulation for a refreshing skin experience.

Neem Oil Uses Mixed with Carrier Oil or Essential Oils

Check this list of neem oil uses when mixed with other oils—whether they be carrier oils or essential oils—and take advantage of neem oil skin care and hair care benefits:

• For a refreshing skin experience: Combine neem carrier oil with olive carrier oil, then apply to the face. You may leave this on for one hour before rinsing it off or keep it overnight.
• For targeted application to enhance the skin’s smooth appearance: Combine one drop of neem carrier oil with one teaspoon of jojoba or coconut oil and use a cotton bud to apply this mixture directly to target spots and areas for a smoother-looking complexion.
• As body oil: Mix a few drops with a revitalising carrier oil, such as almond or avocado oil, and use this mixture on areas that are typically dry or rough, like your elbows, knees, and heels.
• For skin moisturising: Mix neem carrier oil with other moisturising oils, such as apricot kernel or coconut oil, and apply this on skin. You may also opt to add 1-2 drops of lemon or lavender essential oil to create a fragrant formulation.
• For scalp moisturising: Mix 3–4 drops with a tablespoon of other moisturising carrier oils, like coconut or castor oil, and massage this mixture into your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash with a gentle shampoo.

Quick tips: When combining two or three types of carrier oils, consider the following:

Absorption rate, viscosity, and comedogenic rating of each, and follow a dilution based on your preferred formulation texture on skin.

Preferred benefits. For your neem oil applications, you may combine two carrier oils with the same amount for balanced benefits or predominantly use one with your desired benefits mixed with a supplementing carrier oil (e.g., 70% neem oil primarily for moisturising + 30% argan oil for additional hair benefits).

Neem Oil Uses Mixed with Skincare or Haircare Products

Boost your staples following this list of neem oil uses with your favourite skin care and hair care products:

• For added moisture: Mix 2–3 drops of neem carrier oil to your favourite moisturiser and apply it to your skin for skin that feels soft and smooth.
• Combined with Shampoo: Combine a few drops of neem carrier oil with your regular shampoo for additional moisturisation and a refreshing hair and scalp experience.
• Combined with Conditioner: Add a few drops to your hair mask or conditioner and apply to the lengths and ends of your hair. Leave for 10–15 minutes before rinsing for smoother and shinier strands.

Cautions:

1. Prior to these neem oil applications, make sure to perform a patch test of the oil or formulation and wait 24 hours to see if your skin has any adverse reactions.
2. Cold pressed, unrefined neem oil has a very strong pungent smell. If aroma is an important consideration, consider using refined neem oil which has a milder smell.