Palm Kernel oil is known in Nigeria as Adin dudu amongst the Yoruba, Main Alaidi amongst the Hausa, Nmanu Aki or Eli Aki in Igbo, and Anwe Atahu to my people (Egbura). It is an edible plant oil extracted from the palm kernel, which is the seed found inside the palm fruit. The oil has a strong nutty scent and taste. It has been used by African mothers for centuries, to treat infections, prevent diseases, and for beautiful hair and skin.
Palm Kernel oil can either be dark brown (black) or light yellow (or clear). The difference in the colour stems from the extraction process. The oil extracted via the cold press method is light yellow or clear, while the traditional heating method produces the dark brown coloured oil. In Nigeria, the most commonly found Palm Kernel oil is the dark brown.
Palm Kernel oil is rich in lauric and myristic fatty acids. These give the oil antibiotic qualities and enhances the absorption of the oil into the skin and hair.
BENEFITS
Hair:
- Soothes the hair and scalp when used as a hot oil treatment.
- Thickens hair, giving it added volume.
- Increases the softness and sheen of hair.
- Looking for a great edge restorer and conditioner? Look no further ‘cause Palm Kernel oil is said to strengthen hair, thus preventing hair shedding or hair loss. It goes without saying that it also aids in hair growth.
- Moisturises hair and is great in treating dandruff.
Skin:
- Has anti-aging properties – Palm Kernel oil is loaded with antioxidants which prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also provides protection against harmful UV rays, other toxins, and harsh weather conditions.
- It is a great skin moisturiser, making the skin soft, smooth and supple.
- Cures dry and itchy skin.
- Restores skin elasticity.
There you have it. Palm Kernel oil seems to be a cosmetic wonder oil. I recently started adding it to my hair treatments (hot oil treatments and deep conditioner) and I’ve seen improvements in the texture of my hair. I’ve also used it to make a facial scrub and my skin didn’t revolt, which is a good sign. Since my skin liked it so much, I mixed a bit into my body oil mix.
You can get Palm Kernel oil in any market in Nigeria. If you are worried about getting the original oil, we’ve got you covered. If you’re in Abuja, you can always stop by our shop at Suite 203, Concept Plaza, 5th Avenue, Gwarimpa. We’ve got Palm Kernel oil, Coconut oil, Essential oils and a few other oils in stock.
Have you ever used Palm Kernel oil for your hair or skin? What were your results?
November 1, 2016 at 2:04 am
Would you be so kind as to give directions on usage: as a deep conditioner, as a facial scrub, and as a body lotion. Thanks in advance.
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November 5, 2016 at 12:31 am
Sure! I’ll do a post on that by next week.
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January 24, 2017 at 12:16 pm
palm kernel is my best oil so far on my skin because its helps to prevent body o dour since hv been using it have not lay my hands on roll on and its make skin look fresh and younger.
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April 21, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Please can you tell how to make cold press palm kernel oil? Thanks in advance!
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October 27, 2017 at 2:17 pm
Hello dear, I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to make it. I get palm oil from the ladies in my village.
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December 16, 2017 at 2:20 pm
I got my clear palm kernel oil soaking the kernel in warm water overnight, in the morning I poured out the water and pour new hot water to soak overnight again. after that I blended with a ‘LITTLE’ water, sieved it with the same cloth for sieving blended corn for Pap. you can use any alternative method. I then boiled this liquid the same way we make coconut oil. As it was getting thicker I reduced the heat because My aim was to get clear oil. So I didn’t want it to get burnt at all. I continue to stair as it thickens and as the clear oil appears.
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January 26, 2018 at 12:33 pm
Oh great! Thanks. I will have to try it out 🙂
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December 23, 2017 at 10:26 am
Collect the kernel, grind it (good luck and elbow grease with this one if doing it manually), then allow it to ferment and skim off the oil. That is the cold press method.
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January 26, 2018 at 12:33 pm
Thank you for sharing. I will try it out 🙂
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August 30, 2017 at 10:40 am
does palm kernel oil get rid of black scar on the body . Any idea? please if there is email me on this adress.
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November 21, 2017 at 4:29 pm
Hello Nkechi. If you get the good one, it does. Be careful though because there are adulterations in the market/shops.
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February 10, 2018 at 6:10 pm
Ma how does the adulterated one looks cus I just got one and I’m kind of feeling somehow about it
+if used what does it do to the body
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February 18, 2018 at 3:49 pm
It is hard to tell by the looks alone because the colour usually varies depending on the method of oil extraction used. I can usually tell by the scent. Palm kernel oil has a heavy nutty scent. Adulterated oil usually does not.
Your second question isn’t really clear. Do you mean what are the effects of using palm kernel oil or the effects of using the adulterated oil. the effects of adulterated oil depends on what it has been mixed with to be honest. So that could range from skin discolorations to reactions to other things. Please note that some people may even react to the unadulterated oil. It depends on your skin and your body system
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November 11, 2017 at 8:09 am
I would like to how to get palm kernel oil please let me know
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November 21, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Hello Isabel. Where are you located?
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December 12, 2017 at 10:35 pm
wow this is good
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January 26, 2018 at 12:32 pm
Thank you
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February 2, 2018 at 10:54 am
I want to know! For instance, i’m fair in complexion and i start using Palm Kernel Oil, would that improve my skin complexion or will it degraded my skin complexion.
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February 18, 2018 at 3:52 pm
It really depends on your skin and your body system. People react differently to oils and products. For some people, it clarifies their complexion but others break out. Do a patch test for a while to see how your skin reacts
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April 11, 2018 at 12:12 am
PKO retains your natural complexion. If you are fair you remain fair – no darkening . I’m fair from birth with green veins and I use it . Prevents sun burn too. Note: if you are fair from toning , PKO restores elasticity of your skin and your skin stops being pale/ transparent/weak. Pko and bleaching cream is like ice and fire – using both at same time confuses your sweet skin. Regards
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April 1, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Thanks for your input.
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July 22, 2018 at 1:55 am
My kids and I use it and is good for our skin but it gives us dandruff.
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April 1, 2020 at 1:40 pm
For your hair, try keeping it off your scalp. It works much better that way.
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March 3, 2018 at 4:56 pm
can palm kernel oil be used for dark circles around the eyes(panda eyes)?
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April 1, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Why not use cucumber? It works wonders!
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May 17, 2020 at 11:38 am
It is a wonderful experience using it on my skin, it has become my cream for over three years, my sister produce the tallow one and is good on my skin. She is in Kaduna
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June 3, 2020 at 8:19 pm
It Is good since i stated ropping it in my body. My body looking good and smoote shaining
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