Kakadu Plum Oil (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is a rare, premium cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the Kakadu Plum — an Australian native fruit tree indigenous to the tropical woodlands of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Known internationally as one of the world's most nutrient-dense fruits, the Kakadu Plum contains the highest recorded natural concentration of Vitamin C of any food source on Earth — up to 100 times the Vitamin C content of an orange by weight. While the seed oil does not itself contain Vitamin C (ascorbic acid is water soluble and does not transfer into the cold pressed oil), it carries the extraordinary legacy of this remarkable Australian native plant and offers a fatty acid profile exceptionally suited to facial skincare formulation.
Kakadu Plum Oil is defined by its exceptionally high linoleic acid content — confirmed at 51.10% in our current batch COA — making it one of the most linoleic-rich carrier oils available. Linoleic acid (Omega 6) is the dominant polyunsaturated fatty acid in healthy skin's sebum composition. Research consistently shows that skin prone to acne, congestion, and imbalance tends to be deficient in linoleic acid relative to oleic acid. Topical application of linoleic-rich oils helps restore this balance, supporting skin barrier function, reducing comedone formation, and calming inflammation. This makes Kakadu Plum Oil a genuinely functional facial oil — not simply a premium marketing ingredient.
Our Kakadu Plum Oil is supplied with a full Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Batch number 41392603, manufactured March 2026, best before February 2028. 100% pure and natural — no carrier blends, diluents, or additives. Dispatched from our Melbourne warehouse to customers across Australia.
This is a distinctly Australian ingredient. Featuring Terminalia ferdinandiana in your product formulations and labelling allows you to authentically communicate an Australian botanical provenance story that resonates strongly with both domestic and international consumers seeking genuinely native Australian ingredients.
THE AUSTRALIAN PROVENANCE STORY
Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is one of Australia's most celebrated native superfruits. Indigenous to the tropical woodlands of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, it has been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for thousands of years — as food, medicine, and in traditional cultural practice.
The fruit holds the world record for the highest natural Vitamin C concentration of any food — up to 5,300mg per 100g, compared to approximately 50mg per 100g for oranges. This extraordinary natural potency has made the Kakadu Plum a cornerstone of the Australian native botanical beauty movement.
For cosmetic makers and brands, featuring Terminalia ferdinandiana in formulations and on product labels authentically connects your product to Australia's unique botanical heritage — a story that resonates powerfully with consumers both domestically and in international markets seeking genuinely native Australian ingredients. Always ensure any marketing claims about Kakadu Plum properties are substantiated and comply with AICIS and TGA guidelines regarding cosmetic versus therapeutic claims.
Product Info
Specs
- Product Name: Kakadu Plum Oil
- INCI Name: Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Seed Oil
- Botanical Name: Terminalia ferdinandiana
- CAS Number: 1176234-54-0
- Part Used: Seeds
- Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
- Quality: 100% Pure and Natural — no carrier oils, diluents, or additives
- Appearance: Pale yellow coloured liquid
- Odour: Faint fruity, plum aroma
- Refractive Index: 1.473 @ 20°C (spec: 1.450–1.490)
- Specific Gravity: 0.916 g/mL @ 20°C (spec: 0.910–0.930)
- Saponification Value: 184 mgKOH/g (spec: 180–200)
- Peroxide Value: <5.0 meq O₂/kg — CONFORMS
- Iodine Value: 111 g I₂/100g (spec: 90–140)
- Acid Value: <0.5 mgKOH/g — CONFORMS
- Flash Point: >250°C (Closed Cup)
- Solubility: Soluble in cosmetic esters and fixed oils; insoluble in water
- Phase: Oil phase — add to oil phase in emulsion formulations
- Shelf Life: 24 months from manufacture when stored correctly — best before February 2028 (current batch)
- Storage: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place protected from direct sunlight
- Documents Available: COA, TDS, MSDS
FATTY ACID PROFILE
- Linoleic Acid (C18:2 / Omega 6): 51.10% (spec: 45.00–55.00%) — dominant fatty acid; key driver of skin barrier restoration and anti-inflammatory activity
- Oleic Acid (C18:1 / Omega 9): 31.10% (spec: 25.00–34.00%) — skin conditioning and moisture retention
- Palmitic Acid (C16:0): 11.20% (spec: 9.00–15.00%) — minor structural contribution
- Stearic Acid (C18:0): 4.70% (spec: 4.00–10.00%)
- Arachidic Acid (C20:0): 0.60% (spec: 0.50–1.20%)
- Behenic Acid (C22:0): 0.40% (spec: 0.20–1.00%)
- Myristic Acid (C14:0): 0.10% (spec: maximum 0.50%)
The defining characteristic of this oil is the dominant linoleic acid content at 51.10% — significantly higher than most common carrier oils (sweet almond is 8–28%, jojoba is <1%, argan is approximately 35%). This places Kakadu Plum Oil in the company of rosehip, hemp seed, and sea buckthorn as a high-linoleic facial oil particularly suited to oily, acne-prone, and congestion-prone skin types.
MICROBIAL & PURITY TESTING
- Aerobic Mesophilic Bacterial Count: <100 CFU/g (ISO 21149) — CONFORMS
- Yeast and Mould: <10 CFU/g (ISO 16212) — CONFORMS
- Candida albicans: Absent / 1g (ISO 18416) — CONFORMS
- Escherichia coli: Absent / 1g (ISO 21150) — CONFORMS
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Absent / 1g (ISO 22717) — CONFORMS
- Staphylococcus aureus: Absent / 1g (ISO 22718) — CONFORMS
- Lead (Pb): <10 ppm — CONFORMS
- Arsenic (As): <2 ppm — CONFORMS
- Mercury (Hg): <1 ppm — CONFORMS
RECOMMENDED USAGE RATES
- Facial Serums and Facial Oils: 5–100% — can be used neat or blended with other carrier oils
- Face Moisturisers and Creams: 2–10% of total formulation (oil phase)
- Eye Creams: 1–5%
- Anti-ageing and Brightening Serums: 10–30% blended with complementary actives
- Body Oils and Body Serums: 10–50% blended with other carriers
- Hair Serums and Scalp Treatments: 5–20%
- Lip Oils and Lip Serums: 5–30%
- Cold Process Soap: 2–10% of total oil weight (note: high linoleic content contributes to shorter bar shelf life at higher percentages — balance with more stable oils)
- Nail and Cuticle Oils: 10–50%
Note for formulators: Due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid content (primarily linoleic acid), Kakadu Plum Oil has a moderate shelf life compared to highly saturated oils. Always include a broad-spectrum antioxidant such as Vitamin E (tocopherol) at 0.5–1% in formulations containing this oil to extend shelf stability. The relatively high iodine value of 111 confirms the significant polyunsaturated content — handle with appropriate shelf life considerations.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
- Facial serums — standalone or blended
- Anti-ageing facial oils
- Brightening and complexion-evening formulations
- Acne and congestion-prone skin formulations
- Facial moisturisers and day/night creams
- Eye serums and eye creams
- Lip oils and lip serums
- Scalp treatments and hair serums
- Nail and cuticle oils
- Body serums and lightweight body oils
- Cold process soap (at lower percentages)
- Premium natural skincare ranges with Australian native ingredient positioning
Benefits
Exceptionally high linoleic acid content — batch-verified at 51.10% — making it one of the most linoleic-rich facial oils available in Australia
Linoleic acid (Omega 6) restores the fatty acid balance of skin deficient in this essential FA — particularly relevant for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin where linoleic/oleic imbalance is well documented
Supports skin barrier function and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) through its polyunsaturated fatty acid content
Anti-inflammatory fatty acid profile — linoleic acid is a precursor to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids; topical application contributes to calming reactive and inflamed skin
Low comedogenic rating — the high linoleic, low oleic profile is associated with low pore-clogging risk, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone facial skin
Batch-verified Certificate of Analysis confirms purity, fatty acid profile, microbial counts, and heavy metal compliance — fully documented for professional cosmetic formulation
REACH exempt — suitable for European export in finished cosmetic products
Authentic Australian native botanical ingredient — Terminalia ferdinandiana is indigenous to Australia's Northern Territory and Western Australia; a genuine provenance story for Australian-made product ranges
100% pure cold pressed — no carrier oils, diluents, or additives
Faint fruity plum aroma — light enough to use in scented and unscented formulations without overpowering other fragrance notes
Premium positioning ingredient — Kakadu Plum commands strong consumer recognition and premium pricing in the Australian and international natural beauty market
Product Safety
For external cosmetic use only
Not classified as hazardous per MSDS — no health, physical, or environmental hazard classifications assigned
Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists
Perform a patch test before use in new formulations or direct application on sensitive skin
No known allergens per MSDS allergen assessment (2003/15/CEE Directive 7th amendment)
High polyunsaturated fatty acid content — include antioxidant protection (Vitamin E / tocopherol at 0.5–1%) in all formulations to maintain shelf stability
Keep out of reach of children
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
Shelf life 24 months from manufacture — best before February 2028 (current batch 41392603)
Do not use if the oil has developed a rancid or off odour
Shipping
Collections from Springvale: Please allow 24 hours for all collection in store. If same day pickup is required, please contact us to discuss.
Shipping: We ship Australia Wide
FAQs
Questions
What is Kakadu Plum Oil and where does it come from?
Kakadu Plum Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of Terminalia ferdinandiana — an Australian native tree indigenous to the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The Kakadu Plum fruit is renowned for holding the world record for the highest natural Vitamin C concentration of any food. The seed oil does not itself contain Vitamin C (ascorbic acid is water soluble and is not present in cold pressed oil), but it offers a unique fatty acid profile exceptionally suited to facial skincare — particularly its dominant linoleic acid content at approximately 51%.
What is the INCI name for Kakadu Plum Oil?
The correct INCI name is Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Seed Oil. This is the name that must appear on your finished cosmetic product ingredient list when selling in Australia under AICIS cosmetic notification requirements.
Why is Kakadu Plum Oil particularly good for oily and acne-prone skin?
Kakadu Plum Oil contains approximately 51% linoleic acid (Omega 6) — one of the highest linoleic concentrations of any commercially available carrier oil. Research into acne-prone skin consistently shows that it tends to be deficient in linoleic acid relative to oleic acid in sebum composition. Topically applying linoleic-rich oils helps restore this balance, which is associated with reduced comedone formation, calmer inflammation, and improved skin barrier integrity. The low comedogenic risk of high-linoleic oils makes them particularly appropriate for skin types that react poorly to heavier, oleic-dominant oils.
Can I use Kakadu Plum Oil neat on skin?
Yes. The oil can be applied directly to skin as a facial oil or serum at full concentration — it is sufficiently lightweight due to its polyunsaturated fatty acid dominance to absorb without excessive greasiness on most skin types. It can also be blended with other carrier oils such as rosehip, squalane, or jojoba for a customised facial oil blend. A typical neat facial oil application is 3–5 drops warmed between the fingertips and pressed gently into clean skin.
How should I incorporate Kakadu Plum Oil into a lotion or cream?
Add to the oil phase of your emulsion before emulsification, at the recommended rate of 2–10% of total formulation weight. Melt your emulsifying wax and other solid oil-phase ingredients first, then add Kakadu Plum Oil at a lower temperature (below 60°C) to preserve its polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Combine with the water phase and emulsify as normal. Include Vitamin E (tocopherol) at 0.5–1% to protect the polyunsaturated content in the finished formulation.
What is the shelf life and how do I extend it?
The current batch has a best before date of February 2028 (manufactured March 2026 — 24-month shelf life). To maximise shelf life in your finished formulations, always include a broad-spectrum antioxidant. Vitamin E (tocopherol) at 0.5–1% of total formulation is the most practical choice and is widely used in carrier oil-based cosmetics for this purpose. Store finished products containing Kakadu Plum Oil away from heat, light, and air exposure.
Is Kakadu Plum Oil suitable for cold process soap making?
Yes, at 2–10% of total oil weight. The high linoleic acid content contributes skin conditioning properties and a silky skin feel to the finished bar. However, high linoleic oils are more susceptible to oxidation than saturated or oleic-dominant oils, which can shorten the shelf life of the finished soap bar (rancid on the shelf — DOS, or dreaded orange spots). Balance with higher saturated oil content in your recipe, use fresh oils, and consider adding a small amount of rosemary extract or Vitamin E to the batch to extend shelf life.
YOU MAY ALSO NEED
- Castor Oil (Hexane Free) — blend with Kakadu Plum Oil in facial serums for added skin barrier support
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (MCT Oil) — lightweight diluent to blend with Kakadu Plum Oil in facial oils and serums
- Australian Hemp Oil — another high-linoleic Australian-sourced oil; blend with Kakadu Plum for an all-Australian facial oil
- Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) — essential for cold process soap making
- Essential Oils Collection — scent your Kakadu Plum Oil facial serum blends
- Fragrance Oils — for scenting body oil formulations containing Kakadu Plum Oil
- Packaging — Glass — amber glass dropper bottles to preserve and present facial serums containing this premium oil
- 50ml Amber Glass Bottle with Dripolator — ideal packaging for Kakadu Plum facial oil serums