Cacay Nut Oil (Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil): Benefits for Skin
Quick answer: Cacay oil is a lightweight "dry" oil pressed from the nuts of the cacay tree, which grows in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. It's rich in linoleic acid (reported between 58% and 85%, depending on the study), and it contains vitamin E. It's also reported to contain naturally occurring retinol (vitamin A). That makes it a good choice for moisturizing, supporting the skin barrier and smoothing the look of fine lines, without a greasy finish.
INCI name: Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil (also sold as Kahai oil)
EWG score: 1 view profile
What is cacay oil?
Cacay oil comes from the nut of Caryodendron orinocense. This tree is native to northwestern South America, mainly the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil (Wikipedia). Each fruit usually holds three nuts, and oil makes up 40–60% of the seed's weight. The oil is cold-pressed, which helps preserve its natural vitamins and fatty acids.
Indigenous and rural communities have used cacay oil for generations on skin and hair. We first learned about it from a supplier who works with small, family-owned farms in Colombia, including a family replanting cacay trees on land that was deforested during the drug wars.
Cacay oil benefits for skin
1. Moisturizes without feeling greasy
Cacay is a "dry" oil. It sinks in quickly and doesn't leave a shine, so it works well under makeup and for oily or combination skin.
2. Supports a healthy skin barrier
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid found naturally in the skin's outer barrier. Cacay oil is unusually high in it. One study measured 58.3% linoleic acid (2020 study), and other studies have reported 71–85% (Wikipedia). That's higher than soybean, sesame or olive oil.
3. Antioxidant protection
Cacay oil contains alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). In the same 2020 study, cacay oil had higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than coconut oil (2020 study).
4. Softens the look of fine lines
Cacay is often called a natural retinol alternative because it's reported to contain naturally occurring retinol. How much it contains varies from batch to batch, and it isn't a replacement for prescription retinoids. Many people like it because it smooths and plumps the look of skin gently, without the irritation strong retinoids can cause.
5. Gentle enough for men's shaving routines
Its light texture and soothing feel make cacay oil a nice after-shave step. It's one reason we use it in our men's line.
Cacay oil vs. argan and rosehip oil
| Cacay | Argan | Rosehip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light, dry | Medium | Light |
| Main fatty acid | Linoleic | Oleic and linoleic | Linoleic |
| Best for | Fine lines, barrier support, all skin types | Dry skin, hair | Uneven tone, scars |
Cacay is often compared to argan oil, but it's lighter and higher in linoleic acid, so it suits more skin types.
How to use cacay oil
- Apply a cacay-based serum or cream to clean skin, morning and/or night.
- During the day, follow with sunscreen.
- If you're new to it, patch test on your inner arm first. Stop using it if irritation develops.
- Cacay is a nut oil. If you have a tree nut allergy, check with your doctor first.
Where to find cacay nut oil at Sally B's
- Citrine Complete Botanical Treatment: our serum-and-moisturizer in one. Cacay oil is a key ingredient, alongside black cumin seed oil and sea buckthorn.
- Carrot Facial Dream Cream: a silky night cream with cacay, argan, rosehip and carrot seed oils.
- Men's Carrot Facial Cream: the same nourishing formula, made for men.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cacay oil good for?
Cacay oil moisturizes without greasiness, supports the skin barrier with linoleic acid, provides antioxidant vitamin E, and helps soften the look of fine lines.
Does cacay oil have retinol?
Cacay oil is reported to contain naturally occurring retinol (vitamin A), though amounts vary. It's gentler than, and not a substitute for, prescription retinoids.
Is cacay oil good for oily skin?
Yes, for most people. It's a light, fast-absorbing dry oil that's high in linoleic acid, which tends to suit oily and combination skin.
Is cacay oil the same as kahai oil?
Yes. Kahai is another name for cacay oil (Caryodendron orinocense seed oil).
Where does cacay oil come from?
It's cold-pressed from the nuts of the cacay tree, native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
Sources
- Peer-reviewed 2020 study of cacay oil, coconut oil and cacay butter
- Wikipedia, Caryodendron orinocense
Updated September 2026.
