Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)

A lightweight, nutrient-rich emollient extracted from sweet almonds. Rich in vitamin E, oleic acid, and squalene, it helps soften the skin, reduce irritation, and strengthen the lipid barrier to prevent moisture loss. Its skin-conditioning and soothing properties make it especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin. We use cold-pressed almond oil to preserve its antioxidant integrity and support the skin’s natural resilience.

Bakuchi / Bakuchiol (Psoralea Corylifolia)

A gentle, plant-derived retinol alternative extracted from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, long revered in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its regenerative properties. Clinically shown to deliver retinol-like benefits, such as improved skin tone, reduced fine lines, and enhanced firmness without the irritation or photosensitivity often associated with synthetic retinoids.

Bakuchiol is a skin-conditioning active with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It supports collagen production, smooths texture, and calms inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive, blemish-prone, or mature skin.

Unlike traditional retinol, Bakuchiol is non-sensitizing, safe for daytime use, and suitable for all skin tones. At Kunye, we include Bakuchiol for its ability to restore skin health gently and honoring both ancient plant wisdom and clinical efficacy.

Beeswax (Cera Alba)

A natural wax produced by honeybees, beeswax functions as a skin protectant and occlusive emollient, forming a breathable barrier that helps lock in moisture without clogging pores. It contains trace amounts of vitamin A, known to support cell regeneration, and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. In our formulations, beeswax provides structure, stability, and long-lasting hydration—especially supportive for dry or compromised skin.

Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa)

A potent, nutrient-dense emollient and skin-conditioning oil extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, historically revered for its healing and restorative properties. Rich in thymoquinone, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, black cumin seed oil supports skin barrier repair, calms irritation, and combats oxidative stress.

Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing redness and improving skin hydration in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Its unique fatty acid profile, including linoleic acid, helps regulate sebum production, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin types.

Black Currant Seed Oil (Ribes Nigrum)

A lightweight, highly restorative emollient rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—two essential fatty acids known to calm inflammation and repair the skin barrier. Black Currant Seed Oil helps reduce sensitivity, improve elasticity, and support moisture retention, making it ideal for dry, reactive, or hormonally imbalanced skin.

Clinical studies show that the unique omega-3 and omega-6 ratio in black currant seed oil can improve skin hydration and elasticity, and may reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Its antioxidant content, including tocopherols and anthocyanins, also helps protect against environmental stressors and premature aging.

At Kunye, we include black currant seed oil for its synergy of soothing, strengthening, and regenerative properties.

Borage Seed Oil (Borago Officinalis)

A delicate, fast-absorbing emollient prized for its unusually high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) an omega-6 fatty acid essential for healthy skin barrier function. Borage Seed Oil supports hydration, reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and soothes inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea.

Clinical studies have shown that topical application of borage oil can improve skin roughness, scaling, and sensitivity in as little as two weeks, especially for dry, reactive, or mature skin. Its lightweight texture allows it to absorb quickly, leaving skin soft, resilient, and calm.

We use cold-pressed borage oil to preserve its full therapeutic profile and deliver maximum benefit to sensitive or compromised skin.

Cera Bellina (Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax)

A hydrogenated form of beeswax that enhances texture and performance. Unlike raw beeswax, Cera Bellina stabilizes oil-based formulas and prevents graininess or separation over time. As an emollient with moisture-retaining properties, it creates a smooth, balm-like finish while supporting skin softness and suppleness.

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter)

A rich, deeply nourishing emollient derived from the seeds of the cacao tree. Renowned for its high content of fatty acids like stearic and oleic acids, cocoa butter creates a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and improve skin elasticity. It supports healing by soothing dry, rough, or irritated skin while delivering a silky, smooth texture. Traditionally valued in skin care for its antioxidant compounds, cocoa butter also contains polyphenols which contribute to its gentle anti-inflammatory effects.

Our formulation uses ethically sourced cocoa butter to honor both skin health and environmental stewardship.

Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)

A saturated, medium-chain emollient oil known for its antimicrobial, moisture-sealing, and skin-softening properties. Rich in lauric acid, it helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and protect against environmental stressors. Ideal for dry or reactive skin, it supports hydration and provides a smooth, nourishing base for balm-style formulations.

Cupuacu Butter (Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter)

A rich, velvety emollient cold-pressed from the fruit seeds of the Cupuaçu tree. Clinically shown to offer up to 200% more water retention than lanolin, Cupuacu Butter acts as both a humectant and occlusive, helping the skin attract and hold moisture. Rich in phytosterols, it helps calm inflammation, improve skin elasticity, and support repair of the lipid barrier.

Its unique composition (high in stearic and oleic acids) makes it especially nourishing for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. We choose Cupuacu for its ability to deliver long-lasting hydration with a soft, cushiony texture that leaves skin supple, not greasy.

Elemi Essential Oil (Canarium Luzonicum)

A fragrant, resin-derived essential oil steam-distilled from the Canarium tree, native to the Philippines. Elemi has been used for centuries in spiritual and medicinal practices for its restorative and protective qualities. On the skin, it acts as a natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerating agent—supporting wound healing, calming irritation, and promoting cellular renewal.

Elemi essential oil helps tone the skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and regulate sebum, making it especially helpful for combination or breakout-prone skin.

At Kunye, we use Elemi to support both the skin’s healing process and the ritual of self-connection through scent and sensation.

Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis)

A calming, lipid-rich emollient known for its high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)—an essential fatty acid that supports hormonal balance, reduces inflammation, and improves skin barrier integrity. Especially beneficial for dry, acne-prone, or mature skin, Evening Primrose Oil soothes sensitivity, softens roughness, and helps restore elasticity.

Clinical studies have shown that topical and internal use of Evening Primrose can improve skin hydration, reduce TEWL, and alleviate conditions like eczema and hormonal acne. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a powerful ally for skin in transition—whether due to stress, cycle shifts, or seasonal changes.

We include cold-pressed Evening Primrose Oil for its ability to nourish deeply, restore balance gently, and support skin from within.

Macadamia Nut Oil (Macadamia Integrifolia)

A luxurious, fast-absorbing emollient rich in palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid naturally found in young, healthy skin. This composition helps support skin regeneration, moisture retention, and barrier repair.

Its close affinity to human sebum makes it ideal for all skin types, especially mature or dehydrated skin seeking gentle nourishment and balanced hydration.

Mango Butter (Mangifera Indica Seed Butter)

A soft, non-greasy oil pressed from the kernel of the mango fruit. Rich in stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, Mango Butter helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, prevent moisture loss, and soothe dryness or irritation. Its vitamin A and C content supports skin regeneration and elasticity, making it especially beneficial for rough, dull, or mature skin.

Mango Butter absorbs easily into the skin, offering a cushiony, velvety finish without clogging pores. We include it to deliver lasting softness, structural integrity, and elemental nourishment.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil (Limnanthes Alba)

Known for its long-chain fatty acids and high oxidative stability, Meadowfoam Seed Oil forms a breathable barrier on the skin that locks in moisture without leaving a greasy residue. It helps smooth texture, soften dryness, and extend the life of more delicate oils in a formula.

Its unique composition—rich in eicosenoic and docosenoic acids—closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it especially supportive for balanced hydration across all skin types. Fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic, and sustainably farmed, Meadowfoam is a quiet workhorse that enhances performance while keeping the formula grounded and gentle.

At Kunye, we choose Meadowfoam for its stability, skin affinity, and commitment to low-impact agriculture.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)

A deeply nourishing emollient and skin protectant extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. Rich in vitamins A, E, and F, Shea Butter supports collagen production, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin’s barrier function. Its high content of stearic and oleic acids makes it especially effective for softening rough, dry, or irritated skin.

Studies show that Shea Butter contains plant compounds that help boost skin healing, elasticity, and moisture retention. It has been traditionally used across West African communities for centuries to protect against dryness and environmental stress.

Soy Butter (Glycine Soja Butter)

Soy butter helps soften the skin, improve barrier resilience, and promote even tone and elasticity.

Its smooth texture absorbs easily without greasiness, delivering lasting hydration. Soy Butter also improves spreadability in balms and creams, lending a supple, skin-melting finish to our waterless formulations.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

A powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, support skin healing, and extend the shelf life of plant oils. Naturally present in healthy skin, topical Vitamin E reinforces the lipid barrier, improves moisture retention, and protects against oxidative stress from UV exposure and environmental pollutants.