Kusum oil

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Kusum oil comes from the seeds of the Kusum tree (Schleichera oleosa). The tree, also known as Ceylon oak or lac tree, grows mainly in South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia.

How it’s made: Ripe fruits are picked by climbing the tree. The pulp is removed by rubbing the fruit in water and then drying. The oil is extracted from the seeds.

What’s in the oil and safety: Kusum oil contains several fatty acids, including linoleic acid (about 43–50%), oleic acid (2–3%), stearic acid (2–6%), and palmitic acid (5–8%), plus other fats like gadoleic and arachidic acids. It also has cyanogenic compounds (hydrocyanic acid) at low levels (0.03–0.05% as HCN) that must be removed before use because they are poisonous. The oil has an unusual chemical makeup, with about 37% of its glycerol esters being the common type.

Appearance and scent: It is yellowish-brown and semi-solid, with a faint bitter-almond smell. When it settles, a light-colored solid fat separates.

Uses: Kusum oil is used in hair care, traditional medicine, cooking and lighting, and as a massage oil to relieve pain. Safe use requires removing the toxic compounds during processing.