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) Calodendrum capense (Yangu, Cape chestnut) oil 

EXTRACTION METHOD: Cold Pressed (max. 45° C) in mechanical press. Filtration (No chemical treatment involved.) 

PARTS USED: Fruits whole seeds 

ORIGIN: Kenya 

COMMON NAMES: Cape chestnut, Wild chestnut (Eng.); Umbhaba (Xhosa/Zulu); Wildekastaiing, Kaapsekastaiing (Afrikaans); Molalakgwedi (N. Sotho); Muvhaha (Venda); Mbhovha (Tsonga). 

APPEARANCE: Clear, translucid, pale yellow to golden/amber fluid oil. Fast absorption, dry touch, light and non-greasy. No oily film. 

ODOUR: Light, characteristic, slightly sweet/ hazelnutty pleasant aroma, that dissipate fast on the skin. 

QUALITY: 100 % pure and natural, cold pressed carrier oil. Wild harvesting of fallen seeds by local populations. 

STORAGE CONDITIONS: Store Yangu oil in a cool (<20deg.C), dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.  

COMPOSITION/ FATTY ACID PROFILE: 46.80% OLEIC ACID (OMEGA-9), 19.70% PALMITIC ACID, 29.40% LINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6), 3.50% STEARIC ACID, VIT. E 

SHORT DESCRIPTION - INTERESTING FACTS:  

Yangu oil, cold-pressed from the seeds of the mature fruits of the Calodendrum capense tree (also known as Cape Chestnut) is a versatile and valuable oil with notable benefits in skincare and in various aromatherapy applications. The Cape chestnut oil is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly in linoleic acid (Omega-6), that helps maintain the moisture barrier and prevent skin and hair dehydration. 

Yangu oil absorbs easily without leaving greasy residues and is non-comedogenic, making it especially indicated for oily and acne-prone skins. 

This carrier oil can perfectly be enjoyed on its own but is also superb in blends with other natural ingredients to create personalized care for all skin and hair types.  

Yangu oil is for you if you prefer a “dry oil”, feeling light on your skin and hair or, as a base oil to use daily in warmer climates and in summer times, when heavier oils may feel less comforting. 

It is perfect to balance, regulate and mattify oily and combination skin types;  

Yangu oil is a favourite to pamper dry, easily dehydrated, frizzy hair. 

Its long tested and trusted traditional usage throughout our African continent make Yangu one of the best oils dedicated to the daily care, protection and maintenance of skins and to the health, management and overall beauty of very curly, coily natural hair.   

Calodendrum capense (L.f.) Thunb. 

For external uses. 

Dry oil. FOR SKINCARE, HAIRCARE, NAILCARE, NATURAL COSMETICS, AROMATHERAPY. 

For all skin types, for every day uses. CLEANSING, BALANCING and mattifying (REDUCE SHINE/ OILINESS) oil. Sebum regulator. 

Lightweight and NON-COMEDOGENIC. S

UITABLE for OILY SKINS, for ACNE-PRONE SKINS and blemish prone skins. 

Suitable for COMBINATION SKINS. 

Suitable for SENSITIVE, DRY, ITCHY, MATURE AND PROBLEMATIC SKINS. 

Suitable for NORMAL SKINS. Skin care: face creams, lotions, serums. 

Suitable for SENSITIVE SKIN, REACTIVE SKIN, DELICATE SKIN, MATURE SKINS, DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN. After-sun care. 

Hair care: FOR BEAUTY ROUTINES AND CARE OF NATURAL AFRO-TEXTURED HAIR, KINKY HAIR, COILY HAIR. FOR VERY DRY, DEHYDRATED, DAMAGED, BRITTLE HAIR. ANTI-FRIZZ. EASE TO DETANGLE. 

In daily hair protection and pamper care; in Pre shampoo, stay-in and rinse-off hair conditioning. for SOAPS MAKING. 

In well-being for light massage oils and balms. 

• COMEDOGENIC*: 0  
• HYDRATING, MOISTURIZING. 
• NOURISHING AND PROTECTIVE  
• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, CALMING 
• ANTIOXIDANT  
• CLEANSING, ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIFUNGAL 
• BALANCING AND MATTIFYING (SEBUM REGULATION- OILY SHINE REDUCTION) 
• HAIR DISCIPLINE, CONDITIONING 
• About Yangu oil and UV PROTECTION: some reports, based on the traditional use of Yangu oil by local populations, suggests that Yangu oil could offer some natural protection against UV radiation, helping to shield the skin from sun damages. However, it should not be used as a sole replacement for high SPF sunscreens on fair and sensitive skins. 

*COMEDOGENIC SCALE (Causes clogging of pores) 0=NO, 1 to 2 = HARDLY, 3 to 4 = YES, 5= VERY 

Especially recommended for COMBINATION and OILY skins. For ACNE and BLEMISHES skins. For ALL EASILY DEHYDRATED SKINS. 

IN AROMATHERAPY and WELLBEING MASSAGES 

To create “dry oils” or lightweight facial, body and scalp massage oils and synergies with essential oils, suitable for all skins/hair types and won’t leave an oily film. 

FOR BODY AND SKINCARE 

• In traditional skin and hair care, face care and in soaps making throughout Africa; 
• In luxury “Made in Africa” Brands of cosmetics; 
• In natural cosmetics formulations:  
• For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: in lightweight and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) face care formulations, to help regulate sebum production, balance the skin's oil levels and reduce the likelihood of breakouts.    
• To help calm redness and irritation associated with acne (anti-inflammatory properties). 
• For Dry and Dehydrated Skin: to help replenish the skin's natural lipids, improve barrier function and locking in moisture.  To soften, soothe and hydrate dry, rough skin patches. 
• For Mature Skin care to help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles... (vitamin E /antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage -premature aging).    
• For Sensitive Skin: added to soothing and calming balms/creams for sensitive skin prone to irritation and redness (including eczema and psoriasis). To help alleviate painful itching and inflammation (skin and scalp). To helps soothe extremely dry skin conditions; 
• Because of its light texture, quick absorption, and balancing properties, in daily care blends for healthy normal and combination skins and all skin types.  
• As one of the ingredients in natural sunscreen formulations 

FOR HAIR CARE 

• Traditionally used in Natural African hair type braiding/ hand styling sessions. By itself or associated with other oils/butter, to help hydrate, moisturise, detangle and strengthen. The oil is applied onto strands of natural hair prior braiding and also massaged on weakened hairlines to prevent breakages.  
• In hair conditioning oils for damaged and dry hair; 
• In pre-poo treatment, leave-in conditioner, hair masks or hair oils/serum to nourish, lock in moisture and help detangle. 
• For Dry and Damaged Hair: to help replenish moisture and repair the hair's lipid barrier. Applying a small amount on the ends can prevent dryness and breakage without weighing down the hair; 
• For Fuzzy, frizzy hair: To smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz and split ends, and improving overall texture and manageability; 
• For Curly and Coily Hair and hair types that tend to be drier due to the shape of the hair shaft. Yangu oil provides intense hydration, defining curls and coils while preventing dryness and breakage;  
• For Oily Hair: to helps balance sebum production on the scalp and reducing excessive oiliness over time. 

• For Colour-Treated dry and brittle Hair: after treatments, to help restore moisture, protect the hair from further damage, and preserve the colour vibrancy.    
• For irritated, itchy scalp conditions: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help soothe scalp irritation, dandruff and other dry or imbalances scalp conditions.    
• For all Hair Types: after shampoo, or as a daily styling hair serum: lightweight texture and easy absorption, provide moisture, shine, and protection without leaving a greasy residue. 

By itself, as a simple day or night skin and hair treatment/serum (100% ratio) 

or  

Or combined with other natural ingredients in creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioner … 

To create light oils for combinations skins 

To create Balancing and mattifying masks creams and lotions 

For hair care in hair masks, balms, serums and shampoo recipes. 

For body care, face and neck care, hand and nails care 

FOR WELL BEING:  

• Blends for Aromatherapy Body massages: suggestion is 20% Yangu oil, 20% more “target” oils (Arnica, Evening primrose, Tamanu…) in 60% of base light oils like Grapeseed oil, Apricot Kernel oil, sweet almond…)  

FOR NATURAL SKINCARE:  

• Body care oils/ Perfumed oils/ Dry oils:  
• You can use up to 50% Yangu oil in a base or more luxurious/ naturally fragranced carrier oil (ex: in 50% jojoba, or a blend of 25% Jojoba and 25% Rosehip, or for a dry oil to spray on the body 30% Yangu, 30% vanilla bourbon Macerated oil, 30% grapeseed oil and 10% Green tea oil.  
• You could add pleasant essential oils for fragrances or even a drop of absolute to make your pampering even more precious). 
• You could make an all-African body or all oil by associating Yangu oil with Shae, Mango, Avocado or Coconut butter, Marula oil, Baobab, Argan, Black Cumin…  
• Face care:  
• For all skin types but especially for oily and acne prone skins, apply a few drops at night on a clean face to help mattify, protect, balance, nourish and regulate a healthy sebum production. 
• For combination skins mattifying masks: add 1 Tbsp Yangu oil to 1Tbsp Kaolin clay and 1tsp of arrowroot powder- mix well to create a paste and apply on clean skin- leave for 12-15 min and rinse. Apply a few drops of Yangu oil after treatment. 
• For Facial serums or moisturisers, Yangu oil can be blended with other carriers that provide specific benefits for your skin (Jojoba, Rosehip, Tamanu, Pomegranate, Raspberry…) and add essential oils like rose geranium, Fragonia, Palmarosa or Niaouli (purifying), Carrot seeds (circulatory, anti-inflammatory) Katafray (hydrating), lavender or chamomile (calming), rosewood or Ho wood (firming, regeneration) … depending on your own needs.  
•  

Associate with Aloe vera gel.  

FOR NATURAL HAIR CARE 

• For dry, frizzy, devitalised or treated (colourations…) hair: Apply a few drops with the tip of fingers on hair as a frizz control/taming serum after styling.  
• Use as Pre-poo treatment: Apply to dry hair before shampooing and massage scalp. Leave to absorb for a few hours. 
• You can use Yangu oil at a 40% ratio and associate it with Marula oil, Argan oil, Coconut oil, and adding cleansing and scalp calming Rosemary essential oil, Ylang-Ylang or Palmarosa essential oil. Use Yangu oil to make Castor oil easier to apply. 
• Leave-in conditioner: Create hair spray or apply a small amount to damp hair after washing to enhance moisture and manageability. 
• Scalp massage: Massage a few drops into the scalp to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. 
• Hot oil treatment: Warm the oil and apply it to the hair for a deeper conditioning treatment. Wrap hair in warm towel and leave to work for 2 hours or overnight before washing. 
• Mix with other hair conditioning oils (Marula, Piqui, Castor, Jojoba, Olive, Argan, Avocado butter…) to create your own masks  
• Add a few drops to clays to create a paste for face or hair 

• Nails care 

COMBINATION AND OILY SKINS REPAIR PROTECT AND BALANCING MORNING SERUM-  

• Yangu oil: 10 ml (1Tbsp) 
• Jojoba oil: 10 ml (1Tbsp) 
• Black cumin/Nigella oil: 10 ml (1Tbsp) 
• Avocado oil: 5 ml (1tsp) 
• Ho wood essential oil: 6 drops 
• Vitamin E: 2 drops 

(In a clean 50 ml amber bottle add all the ingredients, cap, shake well and label. Store away from heat and light) 

Heat 1-2 drops of this serum between the palms of your clean hands and apply to your clean face and neck massaging gently. Apply daily, in the morning to help clear imperfections, balance sebum production and prevent further breakouts. 

PURIFYING NIGHT PAMPER SERUM for OILY SKINS 

• Yangu oil: 10 ml (1Tbsp) 
• Passion fruit oil: 10 ml (1Tbsp) 
• Avocado oil: 5 ml (1tsp) 
• Macadamia oil: 5 ml (1tsp) 
• Palmarosa essential oil: 7 drops 
• Vitamin E: 2 drops 

(In a clean 50 ml amber bottle add all the ingredients, cap, shake well and label. Store away from heat and light) 

Heat 1-2 drops of this serum between the palms of your clean hands and apply to your clean face and neck massaging gently. Apply at night to help tighten pores, clear imperfections, balance sebum production and help soothe inflammations. 

EXAMPLE OF DIY RECIPES FOR THE CARE AND BEAUTY OF KINKY HAIR, COILY HAIR, AFRO-TYPE HAIR or MIXED (CURLY WITH DRY, FRIZZY, TENDENCIES TYPE OF HAIR) 

Start with small amounts and adjust as needed, as these hair types can be prone to product buildup 

Focus on the ends of the hair and hair lines which tend to be the driest and most prone to breakage. 

Use in conjunction with water-based moisturizers (Aloe vera gel or juices, hydrosols) for maximum hydration 

Incorporate into your regular hair care routine for best results 

For Curly Hairs, Yangu oil can also be associated with Pequi oil. 

PRE-SHAMPOO TREATMENT 

Mix 2 tablespoons of Yangu oil with 1 tablespoon of Argan oil 

Apply generously to dry hair, focusing on the ends and scalp 

Wrap hair in a warm towel for 30 minutes 

Shampoo and condition as usual 

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER 

In a spray bottle, combine: 

• 1/4 cup water or Rosemary Hydrosol 

• 2 tablespoons Yangu oil 

• 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera gel 

Shake well before each use 

Spray on damp hair after washing, focusing on ends 

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER 2 

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup Yangu oil 

• 1/4 cup Aloe Vera gel 

• 10 drops Lavender essential oil 

Instructions: 

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. 

Shake well before each use. 

Spray onto damp hair after washing, focusing on the ends. 

Comb through to distribute evenly. 

SCALP TREATMENT: 

Mix 2 tablespoons Yangu oil with 5 drops of Tea Tree, Niaouli or Fragonia essential oil 

Gently massage into the scalp 

Leave on overnight and wash out in the morning 

Use weekly to combat dryness and flaking 

MOISTURE-SEALING HAIR OIL: 

Combine equal parts Yangu oil and Jojoba oil 

After moisturizing hair (aloe vera, rosemary, lavender, tea tree…hydrosols) apply a small amount to the length of the hair 

Focus on the ends to seal in moisture and prevent breakage 

PROTECTIVE STYLE MAINTENANCE: 

In a 100ml spray bottle, mix: 

• 60ml (4Tbsps) Yangu oil 

• 30ml (2 Tbsp) Castor oil 

• 5 drops Lavender essential oil 

Apply to scalp and along braids or twists to maintain moisture 

Use 2-3 times a week or as needed 

HOT OIL TREATMENT 1: 

Warm 3-4 tablespoons of Yangu oil (do not overheat) 

Apply to dry hair, massaging into scalp and distributing through hair 

Cover with a shower cap and wrap in a warm towel 

Leave for 20-30 minutes before shampooing 

HOT OIL TREATMENT2. 

Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons Yangu oil 

• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil 

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil 

Instructions: 

Combine all oils in a heat-safe bowl. 

Warm the mixture gently until coconut butter is just melted (do not overheat). 

Apply the warm oil to dry hair, focusing on the scalp and ends. 

Massage the oil into the scalp for a few minutes. 

Cover your hair with a shower cap and wrap it in a warm towel. 

Leave the treatment on for 30-45 minutes. 

Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual. 

SCALP TREATMENT FOR DANDRUFF AND FLAKING 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons Yangu oil 

• 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil 

• 5 drops Peppermint essential oil 

Instructions: 

Combine all oils in a small bottle. 

Shake well to mix. 

Apply a few drops to the scalp and massage gently. 

Leave on overnight and wash out in the morning. 

Use weekly to maintain a healthy scalp. 

MOISTURIZING HAIR OIL 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons Yangu oil 

• 1 tablespoon Argan oil 

• 1 tablespoon Jojoba oil 

Instructions: 

Mix all oils in a small bottle. 

Apply a small amount to the ends of your hair to seal in moisture and add shine. 

Use as needed to tame frizz and add hydration. 

PRE-SHAMPOO (PRE-POO) TREATMENT 

Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons Yangu oil 

• 2 tablespoons Castor oil 

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil 

Instructions: 

Mix all oils in a bowl. 

Apply generously to dry hair, focusing on the scalp and ends. 

Leave on for at least 30 minutes before shampooing. 

Shampoo and condition as usual. 

CURL DEFINING CREAM 

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup Shea butter 

• 2 tablespoons Yangu oil 

• 1 tablespoon Coconut oil 

• 10 drops Rosemary essential oil 

Instructions: 

Melt the Shea butter and Coconut oil in a double boiler. 

Remove from heat and stir in Yangu oil and Rosemary essential oil. 

Whip the mixture until it becomes a creamy consistency. 

Apply to damp hair and style with your fingers to define curls and reduce frizz. 

Or 

For a quicker manipulation, simply add 2 tablespoons of Yangu oil to 4 tablespoons of Neutral cream base or natural conditioner. Mix well until fully blended, then add the 10 drops rosemary drops to you Yangu conditioner cream and apply as suggested. 

DAILY HAIR MOISTURIZER 

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup Yangu oil 

• 1/4 cup Aloe Vera juice 

• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerine 

• 10 drops Lavender essential oil 

Instructions: 

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. 

Shake well before each use. 

Spray onto hair daily to maintain moisture and reduce dryness. 

No specific allergies reported.  

General caution: For people with severe nut allergies, it's generally recommended to exercise caution with any new plant-based oils, especially when they are unrefined.