Looking for palm kernel oil benefits? This page is about what it does on the outside: for skin and hair. Palm kernel oil comes from the kernel of the African oil palm, and in its traditional black form it has been used on skin and hair in West Africa for generations.
At JEB FOODS we make Ude Aki, a black palm kernel oil from Nigeria. Here are its benefits for skin and hair, and how to get the most from them.
Palm kernel oil benefits for skin
- Moisturizes. A thin layer on damp skin seals in moisture.
- Softens and smooths. The European cosmetic ingredient database lists palm kernel oil as an emollient, an ingredient that softens and smooths the skin.
- Gives a glow. Skin looks soft and glowing after it sinks in.
- Melts on contact. Solid when cool, it turns to oil as soon as it touches warm skin, so it spreads easily.
Best on dry areas like elbows, knees, heels and hands. See palm kernel oil for skin and batana oil for skin and face.
Palm kernel oil benefits for hair
- Conditions. Hair feels softer and more manageable.
- Seals in moisture. Used after water or a leave-in, it holds the moisture in, which matters most for natural and 4c hair.
- A traditional West African oil for strong hair. It has long been used this way across the region.
- Works as a pre-wash treatment. A coat before shampoo leaves hair feeling soft afterwards.
For the how-to, read the best oil for 4c hair and hot oil treatment for natural hair.
Benefits of black palm kernel oil in the jar
- One ingredient. Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil. Nothing else, so the label is easy to read.
- No water, so no preservative needed. The oil contains no water, which is why it is sold without a preservative.
- Unrefined. The kernels are cracked, cooked over firewood and sieved. Nothing is bleached or deodorised, so it keeps its natural colour and scent.
- One jar, many jobs. Hair, scalp and body from the same jar.
- A little goes a long way. A fingertip covers a whole section of hair.
Why palm kernel oil feels the way it does
Palm kernel oil is mostly lauric acid. The international standard for vegetable oils, Codex Alimentarius, lists 45 to 55 percent lauric acid for palm kernel oil, close to coconut oil at about 45 to 53 percent. That is why the two oils feel alike: both are solid when cool and melt with warmth.
Read more in what is palm kernel oil.
Is palm kernel oil safe on skin?
Palm kernel oil has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, which concluded it is safe as used in cosmetics. Like any cosmetic, it can still irritate some people, so patch test first. See batana oil side effects for how.
How to get the most from palm kernel oil
- Apply to damp skin or hair. Oil seals in water. It does not add it.
- Warm it first. Rub a little between your palms. Grainy is normal.
- Use less than you think. You can always add more.
- Be consistent. Reseal hair every two to three days and use it on dry skin after bathing.
What to expect the first time
- Smell: strong, smoky and nutty. That is the real thing. It fades after a few minutes on skin.
- Colour: deep caramel to rich brown, darker or lighter by batch.
- Solid or liquid: both are normal. Whatever the weather did in transit decides which one lands on your doorstep. If it arrives solid, warm it in your hands for a few seconds.
Questions people ask
What is palm kernel oil good for?
On the outside, it moisturizes and softens skin, and conditions hair and seals in moisture.
Is palm kernel oil good for hair?
Yes, as a conditioner and sealer, especially for natural and 4c hair.
Is black palm kernel oil better than refined?
For skin and hair, many people prefer black palm kernel oil because it is unrefined and made the traditional way. Refined palm kernel oil is bleached and deodorised, so it has little colour or smell.
Can I eat Ude Aki?
No. Ude Aki is sold as a cosmetic, for external use only. Do not eat it or cook with it.
Is palm kernel oil the same as batana oil?
Same family, different home, same job. Batana oil comes from the American oil palm, palm kernel oil from the African oil palm. One process, two continents. Read batana oil vs black palm kernel oil.
Where to get Ude Aki
JEB FOODS Ude Aki Black Palm Kernel Oil, 4 oz is one ingredient and nothing else, cooked over firewood in Nigeria and packed in the USA. Scan the QR code on the lid, or visit jebfoods.com/real, to check your jar is real.
Part of the profit funds our nonprofit organization, Save All Africa Kids (saak.org).
Sources
- Cosmetics Europe, COSMILE Europe. Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil.
- FAO and WHO, Codex Alimentarius. Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils (CODEX-STAN 210-1999).
- Burnett CL, et al. Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 2017.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Elaeis guineensis, African oil palm. Plants of the World Online.