Nutmeg Essential Oil

INCI Name

Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil

Botanical Name

Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg essential oil, steam-distilled from the kernels of Myristica fragrans, carries a warm, spicy aroma valued in perfumery and natural skincare. Rich in bioactive compounds such as sabinene and myristicin, it is used in low concentrations to add fragrance and supportive qualities to cosmetic formulations. Traditionally associated with circulation and warmth, it must be handled with care to avoid sensitization.

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Primary Function
Essential Oil
Add'l Function
Antioxidant
Scent Profile
Spiced
Warm
Woody
Slightly Bitter
Is It Natural?
Natural (Steam-Distilled)
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

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Skin Type Suitability

Mature
Oily
Blemish-Prone
Normal
Combination
Considered Safe for Teens
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Typical Product Use

Fragrance, antioxidant, masking agent, skin conditioning

Product Type(s):

Cream
Lotion
Serum
Oil
Balm
Butter
Scrub
Mask

Typical Usage Range:

0.01–0.8% (use lower range for facial products due to sensitization risk)

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Supportive Qualities

Traditionally used to warm and invigorate, supports skin radiance, used in aromatherapy for relaxation and circulation, historically applied for cleansing and comforting qualities

Primary Components:

Sabinene, α-pinene, β-pinene, myristicin, elemicin, safrole, eugenol

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Important to Know

May irritate sensitive skin, use only in low concentrations, not recommended during pregnancy, avoid use on infants and young children, avoid excessive use due to myristicin content

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Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Steam-distilled

Look for steam-distilled oil, ensure food/cosmetic grade, check for organic certification, avoid adulterated or solvent-extracted versions

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More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.