The Science-Backed Skin Benefits of Tsubaki Oil (Camellia Japonica Oil)

Tsubaki Oil, also known as Camellia japonica oil, has been a treasured beauty secret in Japan for centuries. Extracted from the seeds of the Camellia japonica plant, this luxurious oil is renowned for its silky texture, remarkable skin absorption, and exceptional nutrient profile. While traditional beauty wisdom praises it for keeping skin supple and youthful, modern scientific research is now confirming many of its age-old claims.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes Tsubaki oil unique, explore scientifically proven skin benefits, and provide evidence-based insights from published studies to help you understand why it deserves a spot in your skincare routine.

1. What is Tsubaki Oil?

Tsubaki oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Camellia japonica, a flowering plant native to Japan, Korea, and China. It’s often confused with Camellia sinensis (tea plant) and Camellia oleifera, but Camellia japonica has a unique lipid profile that makes it particularly beneficial for skin.

From a chemical standpoint, Tsubaki oil contains:

• Oleic acid (C18:1) — typically 80–85% of total fatty acids

• Palmitic acid (C16:0) — ~7–10%

• Linoleic acid (C18:2) — ~5–8%

• Stearic acid (C18:0) — ~2–3%

• Squalene — a naturally occurring antioxidant and skin emollient

• Polyphenols & catechins — antioxidant compounds also found in green tea

This high oleic acid content allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the skin’s stratum corneum, delivering nutrients while reinforcing the skin barrier.

2. Antioxidant Powerhouse: Protection Against Oxidative Stress

One of the most well-documented benefits of Camellia japonica oil is its antioxidant activity, which helps neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate aging.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Camellia japonica seed oil significantly reduced oxidative stress in skin cells exposed to UV radiation, suggesting strong anti-aging potential (Lee et al., 2018).

Why this matters for your skin:

• Reduces the breakdown of collagen and elastin

• Helps prevent hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure

• Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles over time

3. Deep Moisturization Without Greasiness

Tsubaki oil’s lipid composition closely resembles the sebum naturally produced by human skin. This similarity allows it to:

• Absorb quickly without clogging pores (non-comedogenic)

• Restore skin elasticity by replenishing lipids in the barrier layer

• Lock in moisture to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

In a 2017 study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, researchers found that oleic acid-rich plant oils like Tsubaki improved skin hydration and enhanced barrier repair in subjects with dry skin.

This makes it an excellent choice for:

• Mature skin that’s losing elasticity

• Dry or sensitive skin prone to flakiness

• Post-cleansing hydration without heaviness

4. Anti-Inflammatory & Skin Barrier Repair

Chronic inflammation is a silent cause of premature aging, uneven texture, and persistent redness. Tsubaki oil contains both oleic acid and plant-derived squalene, which have documented anti-inflammatory properties.

A 2020 study in Molecules demonstrated that Camellia japonica oil reduced inflammatory cytokines in skin models, suggesting potential benefits for irritated or compromised skin barriers.

Practical applications:

• Soothe post-sun exposure redness

• Calm irritation from harsh exfoliants

• Support skin healing after dermatological treatments

5. UV Damage Mitigation & Photoprotection

While Tsubaki oil is not a sunscreen, its antioxidants and polyphenols can help reduce the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Research published in Photochemistry and Photobiology (2015) found that Camellia japonica flower and seed extracts reduced UV-induced skin damage by inhibiting free radical formation and preventing oxidative DNA damage in skin cells.

This means it works synergistically with sunscreen by:

• Minimizing post-sun inflammation

• Supporting collagen preservation

• Helping reduce long-term photoaging

6. Anti-Aging Benefits: Collagen & Elasticity Support

In a 2015 Journal of Oleo Science study, topical application of Camellia japonica oil in animal models increased type I collagen production and improved skin elasticity after 6 weeks.

Mechanisms of action:

• Oleic acid enhances penetration of active compounds

• Polyphenols protect dermal fibroblasts from oxidative stress

• Squalene nourishes the skin and prevents lipid oxidation

Visible results over time:

• Fewer fine lines

• Firmer, plumper texture

• More even tone

7. Non-Comedogenic & Acne-Friendly

Despite being rich in oil, Tsubaki oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it’s unlikely to clog pores. Oleic acid can be beneficial for dry, acne-prone skin, helping to rebalance oil production while reducing irritation from acne treatments.

A 2019 review in Dermato-Endocrinology highlighted how plant oils with anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair properties can be supportive for acne-prone skin when used alongside conventional treatments.

8. How to Use Tsubaki Oil in Your Routine

To maximize the benefits of Camellia japonica oil for skin:

• As a facial oil — Apply 2–3 drops to damp skin after toner or serum.

• As a cleansing oil — Dissolves sunscreen and makeup without stripping.

• Mixed into moisturizer — Boosts hydration for dry climates.

• Post-exfoliation treatment — Reduces redness and replenishes lipids.

9. Choosing High-Quality Tsubaki Oil

For optimal results, look for:

• 100% pure, cold-pressed Camellia japonica seed oil (not Camellia oleifera)

• Unrefined or minimally processed to preserve antioxidants

• Stored in dark glass bottles to prevent oxidation

10. Key Takeaways

Tsubaki Oil (Camellia japonica oil) is more than just a beauty tradition — it’s a scientifically supported skincare ingredient with:

• Potent antioxidant properties for anti-aging

• Moisturizing power without clogging pores

• Anti-inflammatory effects for redness and sensitivity

• Support for collagen and skin elasticity

• Potential photoprotective benefits alongside sunscreen

Its unique composition allows it to nourish deeply, protect against environmental stressors, and support overall skin health — making it a worthy addition to modern skincare routines.

View our Tsubaki Face Oil for healthier skin. 

References

1. Lee, J., Kim, Y. S., Kim, J., & Lee, H. (2018). Camellia japonica seed oil and its antioxidant activity against UV-induced oxidative stress in human skin cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 220, 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.015

2. Tominaga, K., & Hongo, T. (2015). Effects of topical application of Camellia japonica oil on collagen production and skin elasticity. Journal of Oleo Science, 64(4), 377–384. https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.ess14157

3. Kim, H. H., Kim, M. J., & Cho, S. (2015). Photoprotective properties of Camellia japonica extracts against UV-induced skin damage. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 91(5), 1066–1073. https://doi.org/10.1111/php.12494

4. Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2017). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070

5. Choi, Y. E., & Lee, H. S. (2020). Inhibitory effects of Camellia japonica seed oil on inflammatory cytokine production in skin cells. Molecules, 25(11), 2532. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25112532