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Palm kernel oil is a special edible oil that is extracted from the kernel of the oil palm fruit. 

It should not be mistaken for palm oil – extracted from the pulp of the palm fruit or coconut oil – extracted from the kernel of the coconut.

Palm kernel oil is incredibly valuable to health, skin, and hair. It is stable at room temperature, rejuvenates hair, and maintains newborn skin. 

Origin of Palm kernel oil

The oil palm tree  Elaeis guineensis originated in the tropical rainforest of West Africa but quickly spread to Asia and America. The leaves and palm fruit are the two most economically important parts of the tree.

Palm kernel oil differs from palm oil, as it is obtained from the kernel of the fruit by cold pressing while palm oil is extracted from the fruit’s fleshy part. 

Also, its physical and chemical properties differ significantly from palm oil. It is light and amber-colored with a sharp melting point and a fruity smell, while palm oil is bright red and thick.

However, it is similar to coconut oil in chemical composition – they both contain lauric acid and other saturated fatty acids.

Palm kernel oil Nutrition

Palm kernel oil is high in saturated fats, mainly lauric and myristic acid. It does not contain cholesterol or trans fats.

It remains stable at high cooking temperatures and has a longer shelf life than other vegetable oils.

100 grams of palm kernel oil approximately provides:

• Calories: 862
• Total fat: 100g
• Total saturated fat: 82 g
  • Lauric acid: 48 g
  • Myristic acid: 16 g
  • Palmitic acid: 8 g
  • Capric acid: 3 g
  • Caprylic acid: 3 g
  • Stearic acid: 3 g
• Total unsaturated fat: 17 g
  • Oleic monounsaturated acid: 15 g
  • Linoleic polyunsaturated acid: 2 g
• Vitamin E: 4 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 g
• Trans fatty acids: 0 g

The oil also provides unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, making it highly beneficial in skincare. 

Benefits for Hair 

Palm kernel oil’s rich content of fatty acids like lauric acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid is responsible for its diverse use in hair care products.

The following are its benefits in hair care: 

Moisturizes hair

Palm kernel oil helps seal moisture in the hair. It lubricates the hair, removes dullness, and improves hair shine.

It is also very light and softens hair without leaving any grease residue.

Strengthens hair 

The diverse fatty acid content of palm kernel oil helps to strengthen weak or damaged hair. 

It penetrates easily into hair roots to stimulate hair growth and reduces hair loss. 

Itchy scalp

Palm kernel oil has a cooling effect that helps to relieve itching from dandruff and eczema. 

It is ideal for newborn babies suffering from dermatitis or itchy scalp; as it is light, easy to wash off, and does not leave any sticky or greasy residue.

Benefits for Skin 

Palm kernel oil is immensely beneficial in skincare. The following are its benefits:

Newborn skin 

The newborn skin is highly sensitive and prone to dryness. 

Palm kernel oil serves as a natural protective barrier to the skin and protects baby skin from drying out. 

Also, it serves as an emollient that moisturizes a baby’s skin and promotes healthy growth.

Aging skin 

Palm kernel oil’s content of vitamin E and oleic acid (omega-9) helps prevents the appearance of wrinkles associated with aging. 

The oil also helps to maintain the softness and radiance of the skin.

Acne-prone skin 

Palm kernel oil is rich in lauric acid, linoleic acid, and other fatty acids that help to treat and prevent the spread of acne.

Applying it to acne-prone skin will soothe acne, reduce inflammation, remove dead skin, and prevent future outbreaks.

However, it is best to apply it for only short periods on oily skin.

Cleansing and moisturizing

Palm kernel oil is the major constituent of hard soaps and shampoos due to its lauric acid content. It helps soaps lather easily and cleanses more effectively.

It is also non-allergenic and leaves the skin soft, deeply cleansed, and moisturized.

Benefits for Health 

Palm kernel oil is incredibly useful in different health conditions. The following are its benefits:

Cold and cough

In African medicine, a mixture of palm kernel oil and garlic is an effective remedy for treating the common cold in babies and toddlers.

The mixture is applied to the chest, forehead, and back to relieve cold and reduce mucus. It works very fast and is relatively non-expensive.

Also read: Baby Cold and Cough: 15 powerful home remedies, tips, causes

Rheumatism and arthritis

In combination with other ingredients, palm kernel oil is applied as a topical remedy for arthritis and rheumatism in alternative medicine.

The oil is applied and massaged gently into the skin to reduce symptoms. And since the oil is light in consistency, it penetrates quickly into the skin and relieves pains.

Nutritional value

The oil has a high nutritional value. It is free of cholesterol and trans-fatty acids, making it useful in food production. 

Also, its sharp melting point and stability at room temperature properties, make it ideal for preparing ice cream, soft chocolate, whipping cream, mayonnaise, margarine, biscuits, cake-icings, etc.

It is incredibly useful for commercial cooking and frying at high temperatures.

The bottom line

Palm kernel oil’s rich content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids makes it incredibly useful for good hair, skin, and overall health.

It helps to rejuvenate the skin, prevent skin dryness, and promote the growth of healthy skin in newborns.

Additionally, it prevents hair loss, dermatitis, relieves cold, joint pain, and adds quality to confectionaries.