When I first started creating products for The Spoiled Mama, I was obsessed with finding organic, effective skincare solutions that were safe for pregnancy and postpartum. That’s probably pretty clear to anyone who’s ever studied our ingredient lists.
In my research of natural remedies, I discovered the wonders of tamanu oil, an incredible healing oil now featured in our cocoa butter stretch mark cream and pregnancy stretch mark oil. It quickly became one of my favorite ingredients for supporting healthy skin through all stages of motherhood. Here’s why:
If you're growing a baby or just growing your skincare routine, there’s a good chance you've heard about tamanu oil. This lush, emerald-green oil has been used for centuries in Polynesian and Southeast Asian cultures to treat everything from cuts and burns to scarring and chronic skin conditions. Today, it’s making waves in modern skincare for its ability to hydrate, soothe, and support skin regeneration naturally and safely.
At The Spoiled Mama, we're passionate about pregnancy-safe skincare that works. We love organic ingredients backed by tradition and science, and tamanu oil checks all the boxes. It’s one of our favorite botanical ingredients for helping Mamas fade stretch marks, calm hormonal breakouts, and keep their skin resilient throughout pregnancy and beyond.
This excellent healing oil is now used in our cocoa butter stretch mark removal and pregnancy stretch mark oil. It's one of my favorite pregnancy skin care solutions, and here's why:
What the heck is Tamanu oil?
Tamanu oil, a popular topical skin treatment, comes from dark green seeds of the Tamanu tree. The tree is native to tropical Southeast Asia, Africa, the Pacific Region and some parts of Australia.
Tamanu has been studied for its remarkable skin-regenerating properties. Rich in calophyllolide and fatty acids, it supports wound healing and tissue repair. At the same time, in places like Papua New Guinea and Samoa, even the leaves have long been used in traditional skincare rituals. Nature knew what it was doing with this one.
Tamanu oil comes from the pit of the tree's fruit, which is sun-dried for two months until it develops a dark, rich oil. The oil is then cold-pressed, much like olive oil. Tamanu oil is safe to use on your body and face, as well as for pregnant women.
COOL FACT: It takes 220 lbs of tamanu fruit, which one tree produces annually, to yield just 11 lbs of oil!
Why is Tamanu oil so amazing?
Tamanu oil has been treasured for centuries to help regenerate skin, speed up healing, and support healthy, glowing skin from within. As early as 1918, French researchers investigated the unique topical benefits of tamanu oil.
In areas where the plant is native, its oil has been used to treat cuts, scrapes, burns, acne scars, psoriasis, sunburns, dry skin, blisters, eczema, and more! Additionally, tamanu oil has antineuralgic (relieves sharp nerve pain), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties.
Tamanu Oil for Pregnancy: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use tamanu oil if I have sensitive or acne-prone skin? A: Tamanu oil is naturally anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic for most skin types. It can help soothe breakouts and calm redness, but as always, start with a patch test.
Q: How often should I apply tamanu oil for stretch mark prevention?
A: Consistency is key. For best results, we recommend applying tamanu-infused products like Bump Gloss or Tummy Butter twice daily, morning and evening.
Q: What makes tamanu oil different from other plant oils like jojoba or rosehip?
A: Tamanu oil contains unique compounds like calophyllolide and delta-tocotrienol, offering stronger anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerative benefits.
Q: Can I use Tamanu oil during all stages of my pregnancy?
A: Yes, when applied topically in properly formulated products, tamanu oil is considered safe during all trimesters. It’s best to patch test first, especially as hormonal changes can increase sensitivity. The Spoiled Mama uses this excellent topical oil in our stretch mark treatments. It is an active ingredient in our Tummy Butter and Bump Gloss stretch mark oil, helping to fade stretch marks and prevent new ones from appearing.
Since stretch marks are tears in the dermis caused by rapid weight gain and loss, regular tamanu oil can encourage new skin growth and elasticity in your growing skin. Our Bump Gloss oil can also be used for perineal massages to help stretch the skin and prepare it for vaginal birth.
Can I use Tamanu oil in my postpartum skincare routine?
Yes, indeed! Stretch marks after pregnancy are common. If those tell-tale red lines appear, use our pregnancy stretch mark cream to help fade and even your skin tone.
Again, tamanu oil's skin-regenerative powers will help accelerate the healing of these tears and restore them with new, healthy skin!
Recent studies have explored tamanu oil’s ability to support the skin’s natural regeneration process. Research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that tamanu oil may stimulate collagen production and promote the growth of new, healthy skin tissue, an essential benefit for skin recovering from stretching, hormonal breakouts, or minor irritation (1). The oil’s unique profile includes calophyllolide, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compound, and delta-tocotrienol, a potent form of vitamin E. These compounds are believed to help reduce the appearance of redness and support a more even skin tone when used regularly.
Ingredient safety is always our top priority when formulating for pregnant and postpartum women. That’s why we only use cold-pressed, unrefined tamanu oil sourced from organically grown trees. This gentle extraction process preserves the oil’s nutrients without using chemical solvents, ensuring a clean, concentrated product that works harmoniously with sensitive skin. Rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acid, tamanu oil helps lock in moisture and improve elasticity, two crucial factors in preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. While tamanu oil is generally well-tolerated, we always recommend patch testing first, as skin can be more reactive during hormonal shifts. As with all cosmetic ingredients, tamanu oil is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions, but it is a powerful, plant-based option for supporting healthy skin at every stage of motherhood.
Our top products that include Tamanu Oil are:
Stretch Mark Prevention Bundle
Trio Bundle: TOP 3 Bestsellers!
References
Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70
Léguillier, T., et al. (2015). The wound healing and antibacterial activity of five ethnomedicinal Calophyllum inophyllum L. oils: An alternative therapeutic strategy to treat infected wounds. PLOS ONE, 10(9), e0138602. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0138602
Nayak, B. S., et al. (2005). Evaluation of wound healing activity of Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 18(4), 236–239. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29020015/
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