Neem Oil - Pure Natural Base Carrier Oil

NEEM OIL FOR HAIR, SKIN & DIY FORMULATIONS

Cold-pressed, unrefined neem seed oil with a thick texture and a strong earthy aroma. Used diluted in hair and scalp oils, soaps and balms, and as a component in DIY garden leaf sprays. Order online in Australia from 100mL to 20kg.

OIL PROFILE

• Botanical name: Azadirachta indica
• INCI name: Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil
• Extraction method: Cold pressed, unrefined
• Colour: Brown, ranging from green-brown to golden-yellow by batch
• Odour: Strong, earthy and nutty
• Consistency: Thick, solidifies below roughly 10°C to 15°C
• Naturally contains: Oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids, plus azadirachtin
• Suggested dilution: 5% to 10% in a carrier oil
• Status: Virgin
• Usage: External use only

WHY YOUR NEEM OIL GOES SOLID

Pure neem oil thickens below roughly 10°C to 15°C and can set to a cloudy, buttery solid in the bottle. This is normal for an unrefined oil and is not a fault or a sign it has spoiled. To bring it back, stand the sealed bottle in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water for 10 to 15 minutes, then swirl gently until it runs clear again. Avoid the microwave and direct heat, as repeated overheating degrades the oil.

COMMON USES & APPLICATIONS

Scalp and hair care

• Pre-wash oil treatment: Diluted into a lighter carrier oil, massaged through the scalp and lengths, left for 30 minutes, then washed out.
• Hair oil blends: Added at 5% to 10% to a blend based on coconut, sweet almond or jojoba oil.
• Detangling and ends: A small amount of the diluted blend smoothed through dry ends.

Body care and formulating

• Soap making: Added to the oil phase of cold process batches. Expect it to darken the bar and carry its aroma through, so scent accordingly.
• Balms and ointments: Blended into the oil phase of thicker balms where its own scent can be masked.
• Massage and body oil blends: Diluted heavily into a lighter carrier oil.

Garden and home

• Leaf spray for household plants: Mixed with water and a mild liquid soap as an emulsifier, then sprayed or wiped across foliage.
• Outdoor use: Its strong aroma carries, so mix and apply outdoors or in a ventilated space.

EXPERT TIPS & DIY RECIPES

Masking the aroma

Neem is one of the strongest-smelling carrier oils on the shelf and the smell is the main reason people stop using it. Dilute one part neem oil to four parts sweet almond or jojoba oil, then add around 5 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil per 30mL of the finished blend. Lavender, tea tree, peppermint and rosemary hold up against it. Citrus oils get swamped scent-wise, and are not worth spending on here.

Garden leaf spray

• 1 teaspoon neem oil
• Half a teaspoon mild liquid soap, such as castile
• 1 litre warm water

Combine the soap and warm water first, then add the neem oil and shake hard. Neem does not mix with water on its own, which is what the soap is for. The emulsion separates within a few hours, so mix only what you will use and shake as you go. Apply in the early morning or the evening rather than in the middle of the day, since oil on leaves in strong sun can scorch them. Test on a few leaves and wait 24 hours before treating a whole plant.

Handling

Wear gloves and work over a surface you do not mind marking. Neem stains fabric and grout, and the smell lingers on skin.

CARE & CAUTIONS

• Always dilute before applying to skin, and patch test first.
• For external use only, do not ingest.
• Avoid the eye area.
• Seek professional advice before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• May stain clothing, towels and light surfaces.
• Store in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed. Solidifying in cold weather is normal.
• Keep out of reach of children.