Kawakawa infused in Sunflower oil

Kawakawa infused in Sunflower oil

Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is native to Aotearoa New Zealand and holds deep cultural and historical significance, particularly within rongoā Māori (traditional medicine). Māori have long used kawakawa leaves in a variety of ways, including infusing them in oil.

Our kawakawa infused oil is made by steeping fresh kawakawa leaves in cold-pressed New Zealand sunflower oil. This sunflower oil is particularly high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid known for its exceptional skin-conditioning and barrier-supporting qualities. It also contains linoleic acid, stearic acid, and trace amounts of linolenic acid, creating a balanced fatty acid profile that makes it lightweight, stable, and highly nourishing.

The infusion combines the traditional uses of kawakawa with the fast-absorbing, conditioning benefits of high-oleic sunflower oil. Kawakawa infused in sunflower oil is valued in skincare for its ability to support the skin’s natural barrier, improve softness, and help maintain hydration. It is also said to provide a soothing sensation when applied topically, making it a popular choice for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

This versatile oil can be used on its own or blended into creams, balms, soaps, cleansers, and massage oils.

About the Kawakawa Harvesting Process

The kawakawa used for this infused oil is grown and harvested by a whānau-owned farm in Mangawhai, where Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) has been carefully worked with for more than a decade.

Their relationship with kawakawa began in a deeply personal way, as parents seeking gentle, plant-based care for their mokopuna with sensitive skin. What started as small batches of handmade kawakawa oil later became the foundation for a well-known natural skincare brand, with this infused oil used in its original formulations.

Today, that legacy continues through the careful production of native-infused oils for other skincare makers who value quality, care, and connection to Aotearoa’s native plants.

All kawakawa is regeneratively grown on their Mangawhai farm and harvested according to the maramataka, the traditional Māori lunar calendar. Leaves are gathered during specific moon phases to align with the plant’s natural cycles, and each harvest begins with karakia, acknowledging the mauri (life force) of the plant and taking only what is needed.

Harvesting is a whānau-led process grounded in kaitiakitanga (guardianship), supporting the long-term wellbeing of the plants, the land, and the people connected to it.

Once harvested, the fresh leaves are infused using a carefully controlled slow, low-temperature process. This gentle method is designed to protect the plant’s more delicate compounds while producing a smooth, rich infused oil well suited to balms, serums, and skincare formulations.

For Māori, kawakawa is considered a taonga (treasure), valued not just for its traditional uses within rongoā Māori, but for its role in connecting people, plants, and place. This infused oil carries that lineage forward, combining cultural knowledge with thoughtful, modern processing.

Common Name: Kawakawa Infused Oil

INCI: Macropiper excelsum (Kawakawa) leaf infused in Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil
Certification: Conventional
Ratio: 1:10
Appearance: Light green liquid
Plant Parts Used: Kawakawa leaves, sunflower seeds
Extraction Method: Cold pressed (sunflower oil)
Purity: 100%
Origin: New Zealand
Usage Rate: Up to 100%
Typical Fatty Acid Profile (sunflower oil):

• Oleic acid 78.0–82.0%
• Linoleic acid 8.0–15.0%
• Linolenic acid 0.0–0.2%
• Stearic acid 3.0–6.0%

Absorption Rate: Fast
Skin Type Recommended: Most skin types, especially dry, oily, and sensitive
Vegan: Yes
Palm Oil: No
Animal Tested: No

All our products are for external use only.