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What Is Ximenia Oil?

Ximenia americana seed oil is recognized for its exceptionally high content of oleic acid, rare very-long-chain fatty acids, and bioactive compounds including Ayurvedic acid. It's widely used for dry, sensitive, mature, and problem skin, and is a staple in both facial/body care and scalp/hair treatments.

Ximenia oil is valued for its emollient, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it useful in emergency barrier repair, eczema, healing, and anti-aging blends. It's also used for dandruff, scalp irritation, and as an emergency barrier repair for damaged or compromised skin. Despite its high oleic content, ximenia oil has exceptional absorption and leaves skin soft without heavy residue.

Fatty Acid Profile: Oleic & Long-Chain Unsaturated

Ximenia oil's effectiveness comes from its unique composition dominated by oleic acid and rare very-long-chain fatty acids that provide exceptional barrier support:

Why This Matters: The combination of high oleic acid (50-70%) provides deep, lasting hydration, while the rare very-long-chain fatty acids (ximenic C26:1, lumequic C24:1) strengthen the lipid barrier and support skin elasticity. This unique profile makes ximenia oil ideal for emergency barrier repair and mature skin.

Bioactive Compounds: Beyond Fatty Acids

Ximenia oil is rich in skin-active compounds that enhance its barrier-repairing and anti-inflammatory properties:

• Ayurvedic Acid: Unique bioactive compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties — Supports wound healing, acne-prone skin, and scalp health
• Phytosterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol): Anti-inflammatory, barrier support, calming for irritated skin
• Vitamin E (Tocopherols): Antioxidant protection, free radical scavenging, UV protection
• Squalene: Antioxidant, healing, skin-identical lipid that supports moisture retention

Skin Benefits: What Ximenia Oil Does

Intense Moisturizing & Deep Hydration

Ximenia oil's high oleic acid content (50-70%) delivers deep, lasting hydration that penetrates quickly without greasiness. Despite its rich fatty acid profile, it has exceptional absorption and leaves skin soft, smooth, and moisturized. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, and mature skin.

Emergency Barrier Repair & Protection

The rare very-long-chain fatty acids (ximenic C26:1, lumequic C24:1) strengthen the skin's lipid barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Ximenia oil is exceptional for emergency barrier repair after damage, irritation, harsh treatments, or environmental stress.

Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing

Bioactive compounds including Ayurvedic acid and phytosterols help calm inflammation, redness, and irritation. Beneficial for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, and reactive skin. The anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for sensitive and problem skin.

Antimicrobial & Healing Support

Ayurvedic acid provides antimicrobial activity, supporting wound healing, acne-prone skin, and scalp health. Effective for dandruff, scalp irritation, and minor skin infections. The healing properties make it valuable for post-procedure care and skin repair.

Anti-Aging & Skin Regeneration

Very-long-chain fatty acids (ximenic, lumequic) support barrier integrity, elasticity, and smoothness. Helps prevent moisture loss, fine lines, and premature aging. The unique fatty acid profile makes ximenia oil a premium choice for mature skin and anti-aging formulations.

Scalp & Hair Benefits

Ximenia oil is excellent for scalp health, dandruff, dryness, and irritation. Use in hair masks for deep conditioning, smoothing, and shine. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties support overall scalp wellness.

Best For These Skin Types & Concerns

Products Featuring Ximenia Oil

Experience the emergency barrier repair and anti-inflammatory power of ximenia oil in our carefully formulated products:

Facial Care

• Vitamin C Facial Oil - Oil-Soluble Vitamin C in Barrier-Supportive Base — This stable, lightweight formula features tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (3%)—an oil-soluble vitamin C that won't oxidize, sting, or turn brown like traditional serums. Delivers visible brightening in 8-12 weeks with a fast-absorbing, non-greasy finish perfect for all skin types, including oily and sensitive. Gentle vitamin C for sensitive, over-30 skin. No sting • Won't turn brown • For oily and sensitive skin

How to Use Ximenia Oil

Application Instructions

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly
2. Apply water-based serums (if using)
3. Dispense 2-4 drops of ximenia oil into palm
4. Warm between hands and press gently into face and neck
5. Follow with moisturizer (optional) or use as final step

Layering Tips

• Morning: Apply before sunscreen for barrier support and hydration
• Evening: Use as final step for overnight barrier repair and anti-aging benefits
• For eczema/psoriasis: Apply to affected areas 1-2x daily for calming and healing
• For barrier repair: Use after harsh treatments, chemical peels, or environmental damage
• Body use: Excellent for dry patches, eczema, mature skin, and emergency barrier repair
• Scalp treatment: Massage into scalp for dandruff, dryness, and irritation; leave 20-30 minutes before shampooing
• Blending: Use 5-100% in serums, creams, balms, and body oils; pairs well with rosehip, sea buckthorn, argan, jojoba, hemp seed, and evening primrose

Hair & Scalp Benefits

Ximenia oil is beneficial for hair care:

• Supports scalp health and reduces inflammation
• Treats dandruff, dryness, and irritation
• Deep conditioning for dry, damaged hair
• Lightweight, non-greasy finish with exceptional absorption
• Smoothing and shine enhancement

Texture & Sensory Profile

Feel: Light, easily absorbed, velvety, dry-touch that rapidly spreads
Absorption: Fast, exceptional absorption despite high oleic content
Color: Pale yellow to golden
Aroma: Mild, nutty, slightly earthy; very pleasant
Stability: Good due to monounsaturated profile; 2-3 year shelf life

Formulation Considerations

• Usage Rate: 5-100% in serums, creams, balms, body oils, and scalp treatments
• For Emergency Barrier Repair: Use higher concentrations (50-100%) for intensive repair
• For Eczema/Dermatitis: Combine with anti-inflammatory oils like evening primrose or hemp seed
• For Anti-Aging: Blend with rosehip, sea buckthorn, or argan for comprehensive benefits
• Blending: Pairs well with ceramides, niacinamide, vitamin E, and stable carrier oils
• Storage: Cool, dark place; good stability due to monounsaturated profile

Storage & Shelf Life

Shelf Life: 2-3 years when properly stored
Storage: Cool, dark, sealed location; refrigeration extends freshness
Stability: Good stability due to monounsaturated fatty acid profile
Quality: Store in dark glass bottles, use within recommended timeframe for maximum potency

Scientific Validation

Ximenia oil's benefits are supported by traditional use and emerging research:

• Barrier Repair: Very-long-chain fatty acids (ximenic C26:1, lumequic C24:1) strengthen lipid barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss
• Anti-Inflammatory: Phytosterols and bioactives reduce inflammation markers in irritated skin
• Antimicrobial: Ayurvedic acid shows activity against skin pathogens and supports wound healing
• Moisturization: High oleic content (50-70%) provides deep, lasting hydration without greasiness
• Wound Healing: Traditional use validated by bioactive profile supporting tissue repair and regeneration
• Anti-Aging: Rare very-long-chain fatty acids support skin elasticity, smoothness, and barrier integrity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ximenia oil clog pores?

With a comedogenic rating of 1-2, ximenia oil is low comedogenic and suitable for most skin types. Despite its high oleic acid content, it has exceptional absorption and won't clog pores when used appropriately.

What makes ximenia oil special?

Ximenia oil contains rare very-long-chain fatty acids (ximenic C26:1, lumequic C24:1) that are found in very few plant oils. These unique fatty acids provide exceptional barrier repair, anti-aging, and elasticity support that make ximenia oil ideal for emergency barrier repair and mature skin.

Can I use ximenia oil for eczema?

Yes! Ximenia oil is excellent for eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties, barrier-repairing fatty acids, and Ayurvedic acid content. It helps calm irritation, reduce flare-ups, restore barrier function, and support skin healing.

Is ximenia oil good for anti-aging?

Yes. The rare very-long-chain fatty acids (ximenic, lumequic) support barrier integrity, elasticity, and smoothness. Ximenia oil helps prevent moisture loss, fine lines, and premature aging, making it a premium choice for mature skin formulations.

How long does ximenia oil last?

Ximenia oil has a 2-3 year shelf life when properly stored in a cool, dark location. Its good stability comes from the monounsaturated fatty acid profile dominated by oleic acid.

Can I use ximenia oil on my scalp?

Yes. Ximenia oil is excellent for scalp health, treating dandruff, dryness, and irritation. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties support overall scalp wellness. Massage into scalp and leave 20-30 minutes before shampooing.

Will ximenia oil feel greasy on my skin?

No. Despite its high oleic acid content (50-70%), ximenia oil has exceptional absorption and a light, velvety texture. It spreads easily and leaves a dry-touch finish without heavy residue, making it suitable for all skin types including oily skin.

Can I use ximenia oil every day?

Yes, for most skin types. Ximenia oil's gentle, non-irritating profile and low comedogenic rating (1-2) make it suitable for daily use. Apply 2-4 drops morning and/or evening for barrier support, hydration, and anti-aging benefits.

Related Ingredients

Explore other barrier-repairing and deeply nourishing oils in our collection:

• Tallow — Bioidentical lipids for barrier restoration
• Macadamia Oil — Omega-7 palmitoleic acid mimics sebum
• Evening Primrose Oil — GLA for inflammation and barrier support
• Hemp Seed Oil — Perfect 3:1 omega ratio for barrier health
• Pumpkin Seed Oil — Zinc and vitamin E for healing
• Avocado Oil — Penetrating oleic acid for dry skin
• Sesame Seed Oil — Balanced linoleic and oleic for barrier repair
• Shea Butter — Rich barrier repair and deep hydration

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"This information is for educational purposes. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."