We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

What is Tea Seed Oil?

By Holly Collins
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Tea seed oil is also known as tea oil or camellia oil. It is edible and has virtually no aroma or taste. Obtained by cold pressing the Camellia Oleifera plant's leaves, it is similar in appearance to grapeseed oil or olive oil. This oil should not be confused with tea tree oil which is an entirely different thing.

Valued as a cooking oil for its especially high flash point, tea seed oil can be heated to very high temperatures before it combusts or begins to break down and lose nutritional value. Because of its ability to withstand heat, it is perfect for cooking processes using extreme temperatures like popping corn or stir-frying meat and vegetables. It has been used as a cooking staple in China for centuries.

Because of its neutral flavor and absence of a strong smell, tea seed oil does not alter or mask the taste of the foods cooked in it. It is commonly used in salad dressings, dips, marinades and sauces. It can be purchased for prices comparable to other cooking oils.

Another benefit to tea seed oil is that it is very healthy and can add nutritional value to foods cooked with it. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it contains high levels of vitamins A, B, and E. It is also a good source of the minerals phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and iron manganese. It is low in saturated fat and high in antioxidants. Having a long shelf life, it keeps for a considerable length of time and is best stored in a tightly sealed contained kept in a cool dry place.

Although primarily considered a cooking oil, tea seed oil has many other uses. Added to soaps, it is thought to help moisturize the skin. It is easily absorbed and does not leave the greasy feeling left by other oils. It is often applied directly to skin in its original form. In China especially, it is commonly used in balms, lotions and creams.

China has long valued tea seed oil for its healing properties. Used on cuts and burns, it is thought to promote healing as well as moisturize. Ancient Chinese culture makes mention of beautiful Chinese women brushing tea seed oil into their shiny black hair.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By fify — On Jun 23, 2014

This is a great article. I almost did not buy a product thinking that tea tree oil and tea seed oil are the same. I'm allergic to tea tree oil and have to avoid everything that contains this oil. But tea seed oil will be fine!

By bear78 — On Jun 22, 2014

@donasmrs-- Actually, as far as I know, Camellia Oleifera belongs to same family as tea, also known as Camellia Sinensis. And tea seed oil is made from the seeds of Camellia Oleifera. I don't think it's the leaves, but I'm definitely not an expert on this topic, so I could be wrong. This oil is a very common cooking oil in China.

I've read that sometimes, tea is made from the leaves of Camellia Oleifera as well. And since oil is made from the seeds, it's not difficult to understand where the name "tea seed oil" came from. But for the most part, the other relative of this plant, Camellia Sinensis is used to make tea as we know it. Of course there are different varieties of Camellia Sinensis as well.

I've never used tea seed oil for cooking, but I do use a face cream which uses the oil. I think it's becoming a more common ingredient in skin products because of its moisturizing properties and other benefits.

By donasmrs — On Jun 21, 2014

Why is this oil called tea seed oil when it has nothing to do with tea?

Initially, I thought that perhaps it's made from the seeds of the tea plant (does tea even have seeds?) But apparently, Camellia Oleifera is a different plant and this oil is made from its leaves. So it has nothing to do with tea.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.