Camellia Oil vs. Camelina Oil: Why We Use Both (and What Makes Them Great for Skin + Hair)

If you're someone who flips a product over to read the ingredients (hi, you're our people), you might have spotted names like Camellia Japonica, Camellia Sinensis, or Camelina Sativa in your favorite Meadow and Bark formulas-and wondered: what are these oils, and why are there so many types of 'Camellia' and 'Camelina'?

Let's demystify these luxurious plant oils and explore why we use Camellia Japonica for hair, Camellia Sinensis for skin, and Camelina oil as a gentle powerhouse in several of our face and body products. We'll also break down why blending oils matters more than chasing one miracle ingredient-and how our approach gives you all the nourishment, none of the pore-clogging heaviness.

Meet Camellia: One Name, Three Oils

Camellia oil is like the cool cousin at the skincare reunion-elegant, light, deeply nourishing, and full of healthy fats your skin loves. But here's what most people don't realize: there are three main types of Camellia oil, and they're all a little different.

Camellia Japonica (Tsubaki Oil) - Haircare Hero

This is the crown jewel of Japanese beauty rituals and the star in our Botanical Hair Serum. Camellia Japonica is high in oleic acid (omega-9), which mimics the natural oils your scalp produces. That means it:

  • Absorbs quickly

  • Nourishes the sca

  • Tames frizz and flyaway

  • Adds beautiful, glassy shine without buildup

Camellia Japonica is one of nature's most elegant oils-it softens and strengthens without ever making your hair feel greasy. That balance is what makes it so special,' says Marisa Russell, Chief Alchemist and Founder of Meadow and Bark.

Camellia Oleifera - Vitamin-Rich Skin Conditioner

Camellia Oleifera is most commonly used in both culinary and cosmetic products. While a little heavier than Japonica, it's rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E, and brings a protective, moisturizing layer to skin and body products.

Camellia Sinensis - The Tea Plant

This is the same plant that gives us green, black, and white tea-and it's a skin savior in more ways than one.

Most people associate Camellia sinensis with tea extracts, but the seed oil of this plant has its own magic. It's:

  • Light in texture

  • Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols

  • A source of fatty acids like linoleic acid

  • Great for balancing oil production and supporting the skin barrier

'Camellia Sinensis oil is like a quiet team player-it doesn't overwhelm the formula but delivers meaningful fatty acids and antioxidant protection. It's part of our strategy to keep skin hydrated, radiant, and calm,' Marisa explains.

What Is Camelina Oil? And Why We're Obsessed With It

Don't confuse it with Camellia-Camelina oil comes from Camelina sativa, also known as 'gold of pleasure.' This golden, nutrient-rich oil has been used in Europe for centuries and is finally getting the skincare spotlight it deserves.

Is Camellia Oil Good for Skin

Absolutely, Camellia oil is a skin-loving powerhouse. It’s rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help hydrate and nourish your skin without weighing it down. Known for its lightweight texture, it absorbs quickly, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and glowing - perfect for balancing and supporting your skin’s natural barrier. At Meadow & Bark, we believe in using only the best, and Camellia oil delivers on every promise for healthy, radiant skin.

Camellia Oil Skin Benefits: How We Use Camellia Oil and Camelina Oil in Our Formulas:

At Meadow & Bark, we carefully select the best oils for their powerful skin and hair benefits. Both Camellia oil and Camelina oil are essential ingredients in several of our most-loved formulas, each providing unique nourishment and care.

Adaptogen Bleu Recovery Serum

This luxurious serum harnesses the calming and nourishing properties of Camellia seed oil. Known for its high content of fatty acids and antioxidants, Camellia oil helps balance and hydrate the skin, promoting a smooth and radiant complexion. The camellia oil skin benefits go beyond hydration; its antioxidants protect against environmental stressors, leaving the skin feeling restored and replenished.

camellia oil

Daylight Firming Crème

Our Daylight Firming Crème combines the camellia oil benefits of deep hydration with the skin-repairing power of Camelina oil. The rich Camelina oil deeply nourishes, promoting skin barrier repair and reducing inflammation, while the Camellia oil helps firm and support skin elasticity. Together, they work synergistically to enhance the skin’s natural resilience and provide lasting hydration throughout the day.


Phyto-Lumen Body Oil

This body oil is an indulgent blend of Camelina oil and Camellia seed oil, combining the best of both worlds. While Camelina oil supports the skin barrier and calms inflammation, Camellia oil adds an extra layer of moisture, helping to lock in hydration and improve skin texture. With a lightweight feel and non-comedogenic properties, this body oil is perfect for giving your skin a soft, dewy glow without the heaviness.

Why Blending Oils Matters

We never rely on just one oil. We blend:

  • For the Face: Camellia Sinensis + Camelina + Watermelon seed oil + Red raspberry seed oil

  • For the Hair: Camellia Japonica + Pracaxi + Argan + Squalane

  • For the Body: Camelina + Marula + Rosehip + Baobab

camellia oil benefits

Common Myths About Oils-Debunked

  • 'Oils cause breakouts. ' False. Non-comedogenic oils can balance and heal.

  • 'One oil can do it all.' False. Like food, your skin needs variety.

Our Clean, Conscious Formulation Philosophy

'At Meadow and Bark, we believe in functional beauty-formulas that feel luxurious but also have a job to do. Oils like Camellia and Camelina aren't just pretty names on a label. They're the foundation of a balanced, radiant skin barrier,' says Marisa.

Camellia Japonica = Haircare

Camellia Sinensis = Face nourishment

Camelina = Skin barrier love

These are part of why Meadow and Bark formulas feel so good and work even better.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published