Camellia oil (tea seed oil): what it is and why it’s so beneficial

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world — enjoyed not only in its homeland, China, but across the globe. With a history spanning thousands of years, its positive effects on human health are beyond question.

We know black, green, white, and even blue tea varieties, each with unique flavor and wellness properties. However, one lesser-known but equally valuable product is tea seed oil, also known as camellia oil or Eastern olive oil.

As its name suggests, tea seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the tea plant — Camellia sinensis. In Southern China, it has been used for centuries for cooking, skincare, and general wellness. Historical references to its use date back over 2,300 years, mentioned in the ancient text Shan Hai Jing.

Today, camellia oil is also used to treat wood (to prevent rot and mold) and in traditional Japanese paper umbrellas — giving them transparency and water resistance.

Camellia oil composition and health benefits

The unique properties of camellia sinensis oil come from its chemical composition. It contains 70–80% oleic acid triglycerides, as well as palmitic, linoleic (up to 10%), and stearic acids (up to 3%). Additionally, it includes squalene, triterpenes, and a complex of flavonoids.

Cold-pressed tea seed oil is a thick, pale green or yellowish-green liquid with a subtle herbal aroma and a slightly astringent taste.

Internal use benefits:

• Lowers bad cholesterol levels thanks to high oleic acid content;
• Reduces cancer risk due to powerful antioxidant flavonoids;
• Fights inflammation — triterpenes possess anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties;

In cosmetics, camellia oil is highly valued for its ability to moisturize and nourish the skin. The natural squalene it contains is a key component of human sebum — helping protect skin from environmental damage and dehydration.

Used on hair, camellia oil makes strands smoother, shinier, and easier to manage — a reason it’s a star ingredient in many Asian beauty products.

Types of camellia oil

Most camellia oils are made from Camellia sinensis seeds (the tea plant). In Japan and Vietnam, a related variety — Camellia japonica — is used to make tsubaki oil, which has a deeper color and is applied externally for skincare and haircare. Its composition and benefits are quite similar to tea seed oil.

How tea seed oil is made

Camellia oil can be obtained in two ways: cold pressing and extraction. Only the cold-pressed variety is edible and rich in bioactive compounds. Extracted oil, on the other hand, is mostly used for industrial purposes — such as wood treatment, paint production, or crafting materials.

Cold-pressed camellia oil is a «living» product, full of nutrients beneficial for internal use or DIY natural beauty products. All you need for its production is Camellia sinensis seeds and a quality oil press with special barrel.

Certified oil presses by CraftOil for home and business

CraftOil is a Ukrainian manufacturer of premium cold-pressed, craft vegetable oils. The company not only offers a wide range of natural oils but also professional oil presses for both personal and commercial use.

In the catalog, you’ll find hydraulic presses with different capacities (20–50 tons) — perfect for pressing oils for yourself, your family, or small-scale production. Popular models include: 20-ton sheet or channel presses, 30-ton detachable hydraulic presses.

Each press comes with a 1-year warranty, requires no special maintenance, and works with any raw material — even dense or fibrous seeds. If you’re interested in CraftOil presses, simply leave a request on our website — our experts will answer all your questions and help you choose the right press for your needs.