Plant-derived oil from Pongamia (Karanja) seeds that conditions skin and hair, supporting softness and a comfortable barrier feel.
Karanja Oil is a plant-derived triglyceride oil pressed from the seeds of Pongamia pinnata (syn. Millettia pinnata), used as an emollient oil in skin and hair formulations.
Like many botanical oils, it is naturally fatty-acid rich (commonly oleic and linoleic acids) and is often selected to improve skin softness, reduce roughness, and support barrier comfort.
Karanja oil also contains characteristic flavonoids such as karanjin and pongamol that have been discussed in the literature for antioxidant / nitric-oxide scavenging activity and broader topical “calming” relevance, with most evidence coming from early/preclinical work rather than large human clinical studies.
Product Description: In formulation terms, Karanja Oil primarily functions as a skin-conditioning emollient: the triglyceride matrix helps lubricate and soften the stratum corneum, improving sensory feel and supporting a more comfortable barrier in dry or compromised-skin routines. The presence of minor bioactives (reported karanjin/pongamol) provides a plausible rationale for why Karanja appears in “soothing”, “blemish-support”, and “photoprotective add-on” concepts; however, claims should be kept proportional to the evidence level.
- Barrier/comfort: fatty-acid rich emolliency can help reduce visible dryness/roughness and improve slip in creams, lotions, balms, and facial oils.
- Antioxidant / calming potential (early evidence): flavonoid fractions have been reported to scavenge nitric oxide in model systems; this is commonly discussed in relation to irritation/inflammation-driven endpoints (e.g., psoriasis-model discussions) but is not a substitute for clinical treatment.
- Antimicrobial support (screening-level): Pongamia-derived extracts have shown antimicrobial activity in lab screening; in cosmetics this is best framed as “supports a cleaner-feeling routine” rather than “treats infection”.
- Photoprotective add-on (not a sunscreen): pongamol/karanjin are discussed for potential UV-absorbing activity, but neat oil does not provide reliable SPF and must not be positioned as a standalone sunscreen.
| Model/System |
Key Endpoints (reported) |
Implication |
| Topical use / emollient oils |
Softness, reduced roughness, comfort feel |
Barrier-supportive sensorial backbone |
| Flavonoid fractions (preclinical) |
NO scavenging; antioxidant discussion |
Supports “calming/anti-redness” positioning (limited evidence) |
| Microbial screening (extracts) |
Antimicrobial activity in lab assays |
“Support” language only; not a therapeutic claim |
Usage: Emollient oil for creams/lotions, balms, facial oils, cleansing oils, scalp/hair oils, and barrier-supportive systems.
Mixing method:
- Add to the oil phase with other emollients; emulsify with your chosen emulsifier system for O/W or W/O emulsions.
- Heat processing is possible for emulsification (commonly up to ~70°C), but minimize high-temperature hold time to reduce oxidation and odor drift.
- For best stability, protect from air/light (opaque packaging), consider an antioxidant (e.g., tocopherol) and chelators; avoid metal contamination (iron/copper).
Usage rate: 0.5–20%
Typical guidance: ~1–5% for lightweight conditioning in emulsions; ~5–15% for richer barrier comfort; up to 100% in anhydrous oils/balms depending on desired sensorial feel.
Product characteristics: Golden to brown mobile oil; characteristic nutty-herbal odor.
Solubility: Soluble in oils/esters; insoluble in water. Requires surfactants/emulsifiers to incorporate into aqueous systems.
Storage: Store tightly closed, away from heat and light. Cool storage and antioxidant protection can help slow oxidative rancidity.
