Hawaiian Skin Care Products

I went on a trip to Hawaii recently and while I was there I was surprised to learn about the booming skin care industry that has developed out of making products from natural Hawaiian sources. I bought several of the natural soaps and lotions and tried them while I was there and was very surprised at some of the results.

The Kukui Nut (Aleurites moluccanus) is a flowering tree that grows throughout the tropics and is also known as the Candleberry, Candlenut, Kemiri, Indian walnut and Varnish tree. It has as many uses as it has names. It is used for both cooking and as a traditional medecine in south-east asia. The Hawaiians however have probaby the greatest number of applications for the tree and its nut. As well as a medecine (the flowers and sap of the husk were once used to treat oral candidiasis in children), the flowers and bark are still used to make the famous Lei (garland) and the tree trunk is used to make traditional canoes in Hawaii.

The nut is probably the most important part of the plant to Hawaiians however. The Kukui tree was first brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers and it quickly thrived and is now a national state symbol. Traditionally, babies in Hawaii were anointed with the oill to protect their skin from the elements and, in addition, it was found to have medicinal properties when used on skin irritations, burns, and wounds. In ancient Hawai'i, the nuts, which are rich in oil, were used as candles, hence where its names the Candleberry and Candlenut are derived. Charred nuts are used as the basis for tattoo ink and the oil is also used to make varnish.

Centuries ago, the Hawaiians also discovered that applying the oil to the skin helped protect and heal it against the effects of the sun, wind and salt water. The Kukui nut oil helps soothe mild sunburn and also provides releif from psoriasis and eczema. As well as soothing and healing cracked and dry skin, the oil provides significant moisturizing and softening properties and is used on the face in Hawaii to rejuvenate dry skin and alleviate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Products from Hawaii

Recent clinical studies have shown that Kukui Oil provides powerful natural benefits for the skin. The Kukui Nut Oil provides a botanical source of a-linolenic acid which helps maintain the cellular structure of the epidermis layer of the skin. Skin care products based on Kukui Oil take advantage of its high rate of absorption - this means that is provides an effective delivery of vitamins to the skins layer. So make sure you look for products that are supplemented with Vitamins A, C and E.

The sun skin care products you will find that contain Kukui oil generally do not provide a sun block so you do not use these products for skin protection, they are strictly for use as an after-sun soother and moisturizer.

Other products I have tried and recommend are the Hawaiian Sugar and Sea Salt scrubs. These exfoliants are generally packed with Papaya and Pineapple enzymes and used properly will help you achieve more radiant skin. I use one of these once a week to gently exfoliate my body and feet.

Im lucky in that I tend not to need lip balms too often, but I bought back a few of the lip care products for one of my friends who suffers will her lips. These lip balms are made from a compound of beeswax, Kukui Nut, Mango Butter and Vitamin E and come in a range of flavours such as sugar cane, pineapple, coconut or just pure. I asked my friend to feedback if they were useful and she commented that the one thing she liked was how rich and hard-wearing they were. This meant that she found that she had to apply the balm much less frequently then the products whe was used to using. Although I havent personally tried them, there are some unscented balms that can be used on cracked cuticles, chapped noses, and even mosquito bites.

Ive done a bit of research since Ive come back and found that products are freely available on the web. I would just make sure you are buying from a reputable dealer, preferably one based in Hawaii itself so you can have confidence in the source of the ingredients.

Kukui Nut Oil Specifications

Botanical Name- Aleurites moluccans
Extraction- Cold Pressed/Partially Refined
Shelf life- 12-14 months
Description: A semi-clear liquid having little or no odor, and blends well with most formulationsStorage- Keep away from high temperatures and direct light
Color- Light Yellow
Odor- Characteristic and odorless
Specific Gravity- 0.923
pH- 4.61
Free Fatty Acids- <1.75
Peroxide Value- <5 
Non-Saponifiables- Not more then 1%
Saponification Value- 193
Iodine Value- 161 

Fatty Acids 
Oleic- 78%
Linoleic- 19%
Palmitic- 6%

Suziw writes more about Hawaiian skin care products at the Skin Care Products Guide