Yangu Oil – Calodendrum Capense (Cape Chestnut) Seed Oil
Product Identification
NCI Name: Calodendrum Capense (Cape Chestnut) nut/seed oil
Synonyms: Yangu seed oil, Calodendrum Capense seed oil, Cape Chestnut Oil
CAS Number: Unspecified (68956-68-3)
Extraction Method: Cold-pressed (max. 45°C) in a mechanical press, filtered without chemical treatment
Parts Used: Whole fruit seeds
Origin: Kenya
Common Names:
Cape chestnut, Wild chestnut (English); Umbhaba (Xhosa/Zulu); Wildekastaiing, Kaapsekastaiing (Afrikaans); Molalakgwedi (Northern Sotho); Muvhaha (Venda); Mbhovha (Tsonga).
Characteristics
Appearance: Clear, translucent, pale yellow to golden oil
Texture: Dry-touch, fast-absorbing, lightweight, and non-greasy
Odour: Delicate, slightly sweet, hazelnut-like aroma that quickly dissipates
Quality: 100% pure and natural, cold-pressed carrier oil
Composition (Fatty Acid Profile):
Oleic acid (Omega‑9): 46.8%
Linoleic acid (Omega‑6): 29.4%
Palmitic acid: 19.7%
Stearic acid: 3.5%
Vitamin E (natural antioxidant)
Storage: Keep below 20°C in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight
Description and Benefits
Yangu oil, extracted from the seeds of the Calodendrum Capense tree, is a prized African dry oil highly valued for skincare and haircare. Naturally rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, it helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, regulate sebum production, and support healthy, radiant skin.
Because of its light texture and non‑comedogenic nature, Yangu oil is especially suitable for oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skins. It absorbs instantly without leaving an oily film, offering a smooth, matte finish.
In haircare, it is beloved for moisturising, detangling, and taming frizz, making it ideal for dry, curly, coily, and Afro‑textured hair. Its use across generations in African communities highlights its reliability as a natural skin and hair protector.
Yangu oil is also used in aromatherapy, massage blends, and natural cosmetic formulations, both as a base oil and as a balancing, nourishing enhancer in blends.
Key Properties
Hydrating and moisturising
Nourishing and protective
Anti-inflammatory and calming
Antioxidant and rejuvenating
Cleansing, antibacterial, antifungal
Sebum‑regulating and mattifying (reduces shine)
Non‑comedogenic (rating 0)
UV‑protective potential (traditional use)*
*Yangu oil may provide some natural UV shielding but should not replace sunscreen for high protection needs.
Skin Benefits
Oily/Acne‑Prone Skin: Balances oil production, clears blemishes, and reduces inflammation.
Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Restores suppleness and helps retain moisture.
Mature Skin: Improves elasticity and protects from oxidative stress.
Sensitive Skin: Soothes irritation and supports skin barrier repair.
Combination Skin: Provides hydration without heaviness, leaving a matte finish.
Use in serums, creams, lotions, after‑sun care, and cleansing formulations.
Hair Benefits
Deeply moisturises and nourishes dry, brittle, or colour‑treated hair.
Smooths frizz and defines curls and coils.
Supports scalp health and combats dryness and dandruff.
Strengthens weak hairlines and prevents breakage.
Suitable for pre‑shampoo treatments, leave‑in conditioners, masks, and styling oils.
Can be used alone or blended with oils like Marula, Argan, Jojoba, or Coconut.
Suggested Uses
In Skincare:
Apply pure on face and body for daily hydration.
Blend into serums or moisturisers for balancing and anti-aging effects.
Combine with clay and arrowroot powder for a mattifying mask.
In Haircare:
Add to conditioners, masks, or oils for hydration and shine.
Use warm as a hot‑oil treatment or apply to ends to prevent breakage.
Create pre‑poo and leave‑in sprays with aloe vera or hydrosols.
In Aromatherapy and Massage:
Blend 20% Yangu oil with 60% light base carrier (e.g., Grapeseed, Apricot Kernel) and 20% targeted oils (Tamanu, Evening Primrose, Arnica) plus essential oils for fragrance or specific benefits.
In Natural Cosmetics:
Ideal base for body oils, lotions, and soaps.
Mix with Shea, Mango, Marula, or Baobab oil for African-inspired blends.
Safety and Precautions
For external use only.
Perform a patch test before first use.
Store away from heat, light, children, and pets.
Do not use undiluted on skin when combining with essential oils—always dilute appropriately.
Avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Discontinue use if irritation occurs and seek medical advice if needed.
For essential oil safety and dilution guidelines, visit:
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
Why Yangu Oil Is a Beauty Game-Changer
Yangu oil’s nutrient profile—rich in oleic (Omega-9), linoleic (Omega-6), palmitic, and stearic acids—provides intense moisture, helps restore the skin barrier, and improves resilience to dryness and irritation. With natural Vitamin E, it’s a potent antioxidant for combating premature aging and environmental stressors, while its non-greasy finish ensures comfort and a matte glow on all skin types.
Soothes sensitive and problem skin
Regulates sebum for oily and acne-prone skin
Promotes elasticity and softness in dry and mature skin
Shields hair from dehydration, frizz, and damage
Yangu oil is a staple in daily routines, trusted in African traditions for maintaining beautiful curly, coily, kinky and afro-textured hair, as well as for soothing and protecting the skin.
Simple DIY Recipes with Yangu Oil
Infuse your routine with Africa’s nurturing touch by trying these easy, effective recipes for radiant skin and healthy hair.
Balancing Morning Facial Serum (Oily/Combination Skin)
Ingredients:
10 ml Yangu oil
10 ml Jojoba oil
10 ml Black cumin (Nigella) oil
5 ml Avocado oil
6 drops Ho Wood essential oil
2 drops Vitamin E
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a 50 ml amber bottle, shake well, and store away from light and heat. Warm 1–2 drops between palms, gently apply to clean face and neck each morning for balanced, clear skin.
Purifying Night Serum (Acne-Prone Skin)
Ingredients:
10 ml Yangu oil
10 ml Passionfruit oil
5 ml Avocado oil
5 ml Macadamia oil
7 drops Palmarosa essential oil
2 drops Vitamin E
Instructions:
Blend in a clean bottle, use 1–2 drops nightly on face and neck to help tighten pores and soothe inflammation.
Protective Hair Spray for Braids and Twists
Ingredients:
60 ml Yangu oil
30 ml Castor oil
5 drops Lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Mix in a 100 ml spray bottle, shake well. Spray along scalp or protective styles 2–3 times a week for moisture and scalp health.
Hot Oil Revival for Dry Hair
Ingredients:
3–4 tablespoons Yangu oil (gently warmed, never overheated)
Instructions:
Apply to dry hair and scalp, cover with a shower cap and warm towel, leave for 20–30 minutes, then shampoo as usual for soft, restored locks.
Simple Leave-In Conditioner
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Yangu oil
1 tablespoon Aloe vera gel
1/4 cup water or Rosemary hydrosol
Instructions:
Combine in a spray bottle, shake, and mist onto damp hair after washing to ease frizz and seal in moisture.
African Tradition, Modern Beauty
Yangu oil isn’t just a powerful ingredient; it’s a bridge between African wisdom and modern wellness. Its ethical wild harvesting supports local families, and its proven heritage in skin and hair rituals brings generations of knowledge into every drop. Ideal for formulating natural serums, masks, conditioners, and body oils, Yangu oil shines as an everyday staple, especially in South Africa’s warm climate.
Safe Use and Precautions
Always perform a patch test before new use—especially for sensitive skin or allergies. Store your Yangu oil in a cool, dark place. If combining with essential oils, always dilute appropriately. Avoid during early pregnancy and breastfeeding.