The Clean Sheet™
Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil

Camellia (tea seed) oil; cold-pressed oil from seeds of Camellia oleifera; also known as camellia oil or tea oil

Safety Flags
Allergen: None identified; distinct from Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extracts; seed oil sensitisation not documented
Safety Notes

Very high oleic acid content (~80-85%), low PUFA; similar fatty acid profile to olive oil but lighter texture; excellent oxidative stability; non-comedogenic (rating 1/5); traditional Japanese and Chinese hair care oil (Tsubaki oil); note Camellia japonica and Camellia oleifera share similar profiles but are distinct species; good for all skin and hair types

Function & Common Use

Function

Emollient / Skin conditioning / Hair conditioning

Category

Plant Oil / Emollient

Common In

Hair care (traditional East Asian hair oil), facial oils, moisturisers, massage oils

Origin

Plant derived

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit

Korea (MFDS)

No limit

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil safe to use in skincare?

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Very high oleic acid content (~80-85%), low PUFA; similar fatty acid profile to olive oil but lighter texture; excellent oxidative stability; non-comedogenic (rating 1/5); traditional Japanese and Chinese hair care oil (Tsubaki oil); note Camellia japonica and Camellia oleifera share similar profiles but are distinct species; good for all skin and hair types

Is Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil allowed in India?

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil is currently classified as "Permitted cosmetic ingredient under Cosmetics Rules 2020" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil used for in cosmetics?

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil functions as: Emollient / Skin conditioning / Hair conditioning. It is commonly found in: Hair care (traditional East Asian hair oil), facial oils, moisturisers, massage oils.

Can Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil has an allergen flag (None identified; distinct from Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extracts; seed oil sensitisation not documented). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient under Cosmetics Rules 2020
EU
Permitted (listed in EU CosIng inventory; no Annex restriction; established emollient)
US FDA
Permitted cosmetic ingredient; no 21 CFR restriction; safe and widely used
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient; widely used in Korean and Japanese cosmetics
Australia (TGA)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no restriction identified
Canada (NHPID)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient; no restriction identified under Health Canada cosmetic notification framework

EU Annex: None

Identifiers

CAS68916-73-4
EC272-822-5

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